Modular built-in dish rack

Abstract

Modular built-in dish rack for housing dishes comprising a perimeter framework defining a frame, a perforated plate, a plurality of drip trays for collecting run-off water and a plurality of drainage grids. The perforated plate, housed in the framework, defines a separation of the frame into a plurality of subsections. In each subsection, a tray is housed on top of which a respective drainage grid is arranged. The drainage grids are interchangeable. In particular, the dish rack comprises, on a first inner surface of a first pair of opposing sides comprised in the framework, housing profiles adapted for the sliding insertion of the perforated sheet metal into the framework.

Description

[0001] MODULAR BUILT-IN DISH RACK DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present invention falls within the field of kitchen furniture, in particular, the field of built-in dish racks housed in wall cabinets.

[0003] In detail, the present invention relates to a modular built-in dish rack for housing dishes.

[0004] Different types of dish racks are known, including countertop racks, wall- mounted racks, racks for sinks and built-in racks. In particular, built-in dish racks are typically mounted inside a wall unit above the kitchen sink and are generally equipped with drip trays for collecting run-off water. These trays are removable for easy cleaning. In detail, a built-in dish rack makes the best use of available kitchen space and at the same time has the advantage of being hidden from view.

[0005] However, commonly used racks typically comprise flat drip trays for collecting run-off water.

[0006] Disadvantageously, the above-mentioned design of the drip trays does not ensure that the water that has drained from the dishes remains confined within the tray itself. In fact, it frequently happens that drainage water flows out of the drip trays and towards the wall unit into which the dish rack is built. This disadvantageously causes damage to the inside wall of the cabinet on which the built-in dish rack is installed.

[0007] Disadvantageously, the current design of traditional built-in dish racks often contributes to the deterioration of the inner surface of the wall unit.

[0008] Additionally, known racks generally have a predefined conformation. In other words, the drainage grids have a predetermined arrangement that cannot be adapted to the user's needs.

[0009] The technical task of the present invention is to make available a modular built-in dish rack which is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a modular built-in dish rack which prevents the run-off water from flowing towards the inside walls of the cabinet housing the dish rack itself. A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a dish rack that allows the user to compose a run-off plane in line with his or her own use requirements.

[0011] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a modular built-in dish rack comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0012] In particular, the present invention relates to a modular built-in dish rack for housing dishes in the drying phase comprising a perimeter framework, a perforated plate, a plurality of drip trays for collecting run-off water and a plurality of drainage grids. The perimeter framework comprises a first pair of opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides. The framework defines a frame extending mainly along an extension axis.

[0013] The perforated plate can be housed in the aforementioned framework and defines a separation of the frame into a plurality of subsections.

[0014] In each subsection, a respective tray of the plurality of drip trays is housed. Each tray is associated with a drainage grid comprising housing seats for dishes.

[0015] In particular, the drainage grids are arranged above a corresponding tray. Additionally, the drainage grids are interchangeable with each other. In other words, there is a variety of types of drainage grids depending on the type of crockery to be housed there (e.g. specific drainage grids are available for glasses, flat plates, soup plates and so on). The user of the dish rack can independently select and change the type of drainage grid to be housed in a subsection.

[0016] More specifically, the dish rack according to the present invention comprises, in a first inner surface of the first pair of opposing sides, housing profiles adapted for inserting the perforated plate into the framework by sliding, for example along a direction parallel to the extension axis of the framework. Advantageously, the dish rack according to the present invention is of the modular type and allows the user to independently select and arrange the type of drip trays to compose a modular dish rack adapted to his or her needs.

[0017] Advantageously, a dish rack according to the present description is easily assembled and comprises a minimal number of fastening elements, such as screws, to obtain the perimeter framework. In other words, a tiny number of screws are used to assemble the framework. The additional elements comprised in the modular built-in dish rack are held in place by interlocking profiles and grooves in which the constituent elements of the dish rack can be housed either by resting or sliding.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, the dish rack is available in a wide range of sizes so that it can be optimally adapted to different types of built-in cabinets. Specifically, the length of the dish rack varies can be varied according to multiples of 5 cm between different models.

[0019] Advantageously, the plurality of trays adapted to collect the run-off water has a conformation such that the run-off water is confined to a lower level than the connection points between the dish rack and the cabinet into which it is built. As a result, run-off water is prevented from flowing towards the inside walls of the installation wall unit.

[0020] Advantageously, the cabinet will not come into contact with the water drained from the dishes when drying and will therefore not be subject to damage from contact with the drainage fluid.

[0021] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a modular built-in dish rack.

[0022] Such a description will be set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes only, wherein:

[0023] - Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the modular built-in dish rack according to the present invention; - Figure 2 shows an exploded view of various components of the modular built-in dish rack;

[0024] - Figure 3A shows a sectional view of one side of the framework;

[0025] - Figure 3B illustrates a sectional view of another side of the framework.

[0026] With reference to the appended figures, the number 1 has been used to indicate a modular built-in dish rack in its entirety, which will be referred to as “dish rack 1 ” in the present description.

[0027] With reference to the accompanying figures, the modular built-in dish rack 1 for housing dishes comprises a perimeter framework 2, a perforated plate 5, a plurality of drip trays 7 for collecting run-off water and a plurality of drainage grids 8.

[0028] In detail, the perimeter framework 2 comprises a first pair of opposing sides 3 and a second pair of opposing sides 4. The framework 2 thus defines a frame extending mainly along an extension axis “X”. For example, the second pair of opposing sides 4 extends perpendicular to the extension axis “X” and the first pair of opposing sides 3 extends parallel to the extension axis “X”. As shown for example in the accompanying figures, the first pair of opposing sides 3 has a greater extension than the second pair of opposing sides 4.

[0029] The perforated plate 5, e.g. made of stainless metal material, can be housed in the framework 2 and defines a separation of the frame defined by the framework 2 into a plurality of subsections 6.

[0030] In each subsection 6 a respective tray 7 of the plurality of trays 7 is housed adapted for the collection of run-off water.

[0031] In detail, a drainage grid 8 comprising housing seats for dripping dishes is arranged above a respective tray 7. In other words, each tray 7 is associated with a drainage grid 8. In particular, the drainage grids 8 are interchangeable, i.e. they do not have a fixed housing above a specific tray 7 but can be interchanged and arranged according to the user's preference. Specifically, the dish rack 1 comprises, in a first inner surface 9 of the first pair of opposing sides 3, housing profiles 10 adapted for insertion by sliding of the perforated plate 5 into the framework 2.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the insertion by sliding of the perforated sheet 5 into the framework 2 takes place along a direction parallel to the extension axis “X”.

[0033] Advantageously, the dish rack 1 is of the modular type and can be assembled by the user, as the latter can choose the type of drainage grid 8 to be placed above a tray 7 at will. In other words, the drainage grids 8 have different conformations depending on the type of dishes to be accommodated. Therefore, the user can vary the configuration of the modular dish rack 1 according to his or her needs.

[0034] Advantageously, sliding the perforated plate 5 into the framework 2 allows the dish rack 1 to be assembled easily. In fact, the present invention provides a dish rack 1 comprising a minimal number of screws 20 for assembling the framework 2. For example, only four screws 20 are required to make the mechanical connection between the first pair of opposing sides 3 and the second pair of opposing sides 4. Thus, advantageously, the dish rack 1 ensures ease of assembly as it is predominantly based on interlocking between the plurality of components comprised in the dish rack 1 .

[0035] As shown, for example, in Figure 3B, the first pair of opposing sides 3 may internally have a seat 21 into which the screw 20 is screwed passing through the second pair of opposing sides 4.

[0036] The dish rack 1 may also comprise, in a second inner surface 11 of the second pair of opposing sides 4, interlocking profiles 12 adapted to lock the perforated plate 5 into the framework 2.

[0037] In other words, the framework 2 during assembly is arranged in such a way that one side of the second pair of opposing sides 4 is not connected to the first pair of opposing sides 3. In other words, an open frame is set up on one short side. Therefore, taking advantage of the absence of one side of the second pair of opposing sides 4, the insertion takes place by sliding along a direction parallel to the extension axis “X” of the perforated plate 5 into the housing profiles 10. The perforated plate 5 is correctly inserted when it is locked into the interlocking profiles 12 comprised in the second inner surface 11 of the second pair of sides 4. Finally, the missing side of the second pair of opposing sides 4 is assembled so that the perforated plate 5 is locked into the frame defined by the framework 2.

[0038] Advantageously, the dish rack 1 can be easily assembled even by unskilled personnel, making the dish rack 1 a functional and easily assembled kitchen accessory even for an inexperienced user.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the trays 7 for collecting water that drips from the dishes are counter-shaped with respect to the subsections 6 and have converging bottom walls 13.

[0040] Advantageously, the trays 7 have a shape that prevents run-off water from leaving the trays 7 themselves. In fact, the converging bottom walls 13 ensure that the drainage water is confined to a collection point positioned below the connection point of the dish rack 1 to the built-in cabinet. Therefore, the run-off water cannot flow towards the inside walls of the cabinet in which the dish rack 1 is housed, but remains confined within the trays 7, even in the case of abundant water dripping from the dishes.

[0041] Advantageously, the run-off water will not contribute to the degradation of the interior surface of the wall unit.

[0042] Advantageously, the trays 7 are counter-shaped with respect to the subsections 6 and, for example, are placed against the edge of the respective housing subsection 6. Thus, the trays 7 are placed in the respective subsection 6 and are positioned in contact resting on the perforated plate 5. Therefore, the trays 7 are not firmly constrained in their housing site but are easily removable to allow for the removal of run-off water, so that it does not stagnate, and to allow for easy cleaning of the trays 7. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the drainage grids 8 have a surface comprising a plurality of through cavities 14 adapted for the passage of run-off water.

[0043] Depending on the requirements of the moment, the through cavities 14 have a linear shape with constant or variable thickness.

[0044] In detail, the drainage grids 8 can have different conformations depending on the type of crockery to be housed on them. For illustrative purposes only, possible configurations of the drainage grids 8 are shown below.

[0045] In particular, the drainage grid 8 specifically for the housing of glasses has a horizontal support surface comprising through cavities 14 with a narrow and elongated shape with a direction perpendicular or parallel to the extension axis “X”. The drainage grid 8 for the housing of soup plates comprises through cavities 14 having a tapered shape at the ends and a central portion having a bulge adapted to accommodate the base portion of a soup plate when arranged vertically in the drainage position. A further type of drainage grid 8, for accommodating flat plates, has a support portion extending in height. In particular, in this type of drainage grid 8 the through cavities 14 have an arched profile and a tapered shape at the ends.

[0046] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, each drainage grid 8 comprises handles 15 which can be gripped in use for handling the drainage grid 8 during positioning or removal of the drainage grid 8 itself from the housing seat.

[0047] Advantageously, the handles 15 allow easy movement of the drainage grids 8 allowing the user to easily pull out the drainage grids 8 to access the trays 7. Additionally, the handles 15 allow for easy interchanging of the drainage grids 8. Therefore, a dish rack 1 is provided that can be easily disassembled and thus easily cleaned. At the same time, a modular dish rack 1 is made available wherein, having a plurality of draining racks 8 available, the user can independently decide on the configuration of the dish rack 1 by interchanging the drainage grids 8 at will, choosing the type best suited to his or her needs.

[0048] According to an aspect of the present invention, the perforated plate 5 has an upper surface converging towards a central portion of the subsection 6 of the plurality of most proximal subsections 6. In other words, the upper surface of the perforated plate 5 may have a convexity or an angle of inclination such that any run-off water that is deposited on the perforated plate 5 is conveyed towards a subsection 6 and not towards one of the inside walls of the built-in wall unit.

[0049] Advantageously, the run-off water that is deposited on the perforated plate 5 is conveyed to the most proximal subsection 6, and thus to the most proximal tray 7.

[0050] Advantageously, it prevents dripping water from the dishes from flowing towards the inside wall of the built-in cabinet and causing damage to the wall unit.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inner surface 9 of the first pair of opposing sides 3 and an inner surface of the second pair of opposing sides 4 have grooves 16 adapted to house channels 17 in which cables and / or LED lights 22 adapted to illuminate the portion of the space below the dish rack 1 can be arranged. In other words, the dish rack 1 offers the possibility of installing LED lights 22 integrated into the structure of the dish rack 1 itself, as this includes channels 17 in which to house lighting sources and the associated power cables.

[0052] Advantageously, a modular dish rack 1 is provided comprising an independent light source that allows optimal illumination of the sink below the dish rack 1 and / or the worktop below the dish rack 1 .

[0053] Depending on the requirements of the moment, the channels 17 may have a C- and / or U-shaped profile to contain the power cables of the light sources. Otherwise, the channels 17 adapted to contain LED lights 22 have a conformation such that the portion of channel 17 proximal to the sink and / or countertop is open. In other words, the channels 17 have a conformation such that the arrangement of the LEDs 22 is intended to illuminate the portion of the countertop below the dish rack 1 .

[0054] The channels 17 can conveniently be inserted into the grooves 16 to slide along a direction parallel to the extension axis “X” and / or along a direction perpendicular to the extension axis “X”.

[0055] Advantageously, the arrangement of the channels 17 in their respective housings can be carried out easily as no additional fastening elements are required, as the conformation of the channels 17 and the grooves 16 is sufficient to ensure that the channels 17 are correctly assembled and held in place.

[0056] Advantageously, the insertion by sliding of the channels 17 into the grooves 16 provides a dish rack 1 in which no additional fastening elements, such as screws, are required for the assembly of the components on the framework 2.

[0057] The LED lights 22 can be conveniently arranged in channels 17 housed in the grooves 16 in the first pair of opposing sides 3. Differently, the power cables of the LED lights 22 are arranged in the channels 17 housed in the grooves 16 in the second pair of opposing sides 4.

[0058] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the second pair of opposing sides 4 comprises on an outer surface 18 a recess 19 configured in use to provide a coupling site of the dish rack 1 with a cabinet into which to install the dish rack 1 .

[0059] Advantageously, the recess 19 can be used as a guide, or rail, for inserting the dish rack 1 into the installation seat by sliding. In other words, the dish rack 1 can be displaced like a drawer. Thus, advantageously, this ensures easy insertion of the modules consisting of the assembly of the tray 7 and drainage grid 8 in the subsections 6. At the same time, cleaning of dish rack 1 is facilitated as the trays 7 are easily accessible and removable. According to the invention, the dish rack 1 can be implemented in a variable size range. In other words, the dish rack 1 has variable dimensions in a direction parallel to the extension axis “X” and / or perpendicular to the extension axis “X”. Specifically, the first pair of opposing sides 3 has a variable dimension with multiples of 5 cm from a base dimension. Therefore, the dish rack 1 can have an overall length of e.g. 50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm and so on. As a result, all the elements comprised in the dish rack 1 have variable dimensions in accordance with the dimensions of the framework 2.

[0060] Advantageously, the modular built-in dish rack 1 for storing crockery according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0061] Advantageously, the dish rack 1 comprises a plurality of trays 7 having converging bottom walls 13 so that the drainage water remains confined within the trays 7 themselves, preventing possible outflow towards the inner walls of the housing cabinet and thus possible degradation thereof. Advantageously, the dish rack 1 has a modular design in that the user is provided with the possibility of choosing the type of drainage grids 8 to be used and interchanging them voluntarily, depending on the type of dishes to be housed in the dish rack 1 .

[0062] Advantageously, the dish rack 1 is associated with a simplified assembly process as the number of fastening components to be used, e.g. screws, is minimal. Additionally, ease of assembly is ensured by the sliding insertion of the perforated plate 5 and the channels 17 into respective housing profiles 10 and grooves 16.

[0063] Advantageously, the dish rack 1 according to the present invention allows LED lights 22 to be integrated into the structure of the dish rack 1 to allow optimal illumination of the worktop and / or sink below the dish rack 1 .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Modular built-in dish rack (1 ) for storing dishes comprising:- a perimeter framework (2) comprising a first pair of opposing sides (3) and a second pair of opposing sides (4), said framework (2) defining a frame extending predominantly along an extension axis (X);- a perforated plate (5) which can be housed in said framework (2) and defining a separation of said frame into a plurality of subsections (6);- a plurality of drip trays (7) for the collection of run-off water, wherein each tray (7) of the plurality of trays (7) is housed in a respective subsection (6); and- a plurality of drainage grids (8) each comprising seats for dishes and arranged above a respective tray (7), said drainage grids (8) being interchangeable, characterised in that it comprises, in a first inner surface (9) of said first pair of opposing sides (3), housing profiles (10) adapted for the sliding insertion of said perforated plate (5) into said framework (2).

2. Dish rack (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said first pair of opposing sides (3) extends parallel to the extension axis (X).

3. Dish rack (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there are also interlocking profiles (12) adapted to lock said perforated plate (5) into said framework (2), said interlocking profiles (12) being positioned in a second inner surface (11 ) of said second pair of opposing sides (4).

4. Dish rack (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said trays (7) are counter-shaped with respect to said sub-sections (6) and have converging bottom walls (13) for collecting water.

5. Dish rack (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said drainage grid (8) has a surface comprising a plurality of through cavities (14) adapted for the passage of run-off water towards said trays (7).

6. Dish rack (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said through cavities (14) have a linear conformation with constant or variable thickness.

7. Dish rack (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each of said drainage grids (8) comprises handles (15) which can be gripped in use for handling said drainage grid (8) during positioning and / or removal of said drainage grid (8) from the housing seat.

8. Dish rack (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said perforated plate (5) has an upper surface converging towards a central portion of the subsection (6) of the plurality of most proximal subsections (6).

9. Dish rack (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first inner surface (9) of said first pair of opposing sides (3) and an inner surface of said second pair of opposing sides (4) have grooves (16) adapted to house channels (17) in which to arrange cables and / or lights (22), said lights (22) preferably being of the “LED” type.

10. Dish rack (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein said channels (17) are inserted into said grooves (16) for sliding along a direction parallel to said extension axis (X) and / or along a direction perpendicular to said extension axis (X).

11. Dish rack (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said second pair of opposing sides (4) comprises on an outer surface (18) a recess (19) configured in use to provide a site for coupling said dish rack (1 ) with a cabinet into which to install said dish rack (1 ).

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