WO1992007494A1

WO1992007494A1 - Inset element for cupboards

Info

Publication number: WO1992007494A1
Application number: PCT/SE1991/000727
Authority: WO
Inventors: Per Gyllenspetz
Original assignee: Sari Scheinberg Med Yes You Can
Priority date: 1990-10-29
Filing date: 1991-10-29
Publication date: 1992-05-14
Also published as: AU8858891A; SE9003434L; SE467339B; SE9003434D0

Abstract

The invention concerns an inset element for cupboards (10) and consists of a horizontal panel (1) having a peripherally extending frame (2). The inset element is intended to support containers (6, 7) which are inserted into their respective opening (4, 5) formed in the panel (1). The inset element is removably mounted in the cupboard (10) and arranged to be pulled outwards therefrom together with the containers (6, 7), thus making the latter easily accessible for filling or emptying.

Description

INSET ELEMENT FOR CUPBOARDS

The subject invention concerns an inset element for cupboards and it is primarily intended for kitchen cupboards designed to support garbage containers.

For a long time now, plastics sacks or bags have commonly been used in private homes as garbage or refuse receptacles in which kitchen refuse and other rubbish have been collected together. When the bag is full, it is thrown into the dust bin or communal garbage container of the premises, with or without having previously been closed, for further disposal.

The ongoing discussion on the environment and society's growing concern with the problems connected therewith have of late resulted in a new concept stressing the necessity for separation from each other of different types of garbage and refuse. More precisely, kitchen refuse should not be mixed with empty bottles and/or paper. In conformity with this new concept, garbage of different types are collected separately and put in short- term storage in separate places. In consequence thereof, only the bag intended for kitchen refuse, which as a rule is mounted in a holder on the interior face of the cup- board door beneath the kitchen sink, is within easy reach. For all other types of refuse matter it is either necessary to collect the various items for a period of time in some empty space in the kitchen, a method generally adopted in the case of empty bottles, or else the items are carried daily to a place selected for temporary storage adjacent the dust bin or bin sack.

The purpose of the subject invention is to facilitate the handling of household garbage of different types. For this purpose the subject invention provides an inset element for a cupboard, and this cupboard possesses the characteristic features defined in the appended claims. The invention will be described in closer detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 shows the inset element in a perspective view as seen obliquely from above, and

Fig. 2 shows the same inset element in a perspective view obliquely from beneath.

Fig. 3 shows in a perspective view obliquely from above a cupboard which is fitted with an inset in accordance with the invention, and

Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views obliquely respectively from above and from below of a part of that cupboard.

The inset element consists of a panel 1 which is provided with a peripheral frame 2. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated, the inset element is of rectangular configuration, and by means of a slit 3 in each corner of the frame 2, the latter is divided into two longitudinal frame sections and two transverse frame sections 2a and 2b, respectively. Owing to the provision of the slits 3, the frame sections 2a and 2b may move somewhat resiliently towards and away from each other to compensate for tolerance differences when the inset element is mounted in position. A slight resilency likewise contributes to maintaining the inset element securely in position.

The panel 1 is provided with a couple of openings 4, 5. Each opening is designed to receive therein an associated container 6, 7, respectively, which is depressed into its respective opening sufficiently far to ensure that it sealingly covers the opening and, so to speak, is supported by the marginal portions 8 and 9, respectively, of the associated opening 8, 9. Preferably, the marginal portions 8, 9 project upwardly along the openings 4, 5. In this manner, the inset element will be shaped as a trough in which are collected food scraps and liquid that may end up outside the containers 6, 7. The inset element is intended to be fitted into a cupboard 10 which is provided with a pull-out front 11 which is secured to the cupboard 10 with the aid of telescopically extensible and retractible guide rails 12. Rails of this type are of a known construction and there¬ fore need not be described in closer detail herein. The inset element is fitted in the cupboard 10 between the guide rails 12 thereof. A transverse rail 13, see Fig. 5, serves to support the inset element from underneath at the inner part of the cupboard. The containers 6 and 7 are then lowered into position inside the associated opening 4 and 5, respectively. Preferably, a plastics bag, a feature not illustrated in the drawings, is applied in each container 6, 7 with the bag mouth extended over the edges of the associated container.

The inset element provides a functionally well operating device for handling household garbage and refuse of different nature. For instance, container 7 may be intended to hold food scraps and similar garbage whereas container 6 may be intended for glass jars and bottles. This organized collection saves time as well as space. When the container 6 is filled to the desired level with glass items, the associated plastics bag is simply lifted out of the container and may be deposited at a collection location.

If the top of the cupboard 10 is used as a worktop for chopping meat, fruit, vegetables, bread and other items, the pull-out mechanism 12 preferably may be made use of in such a manner that the front 11 is extended only partly, until the container 7 or part thereof reaches outside the cupboard 10 proper. Chopped-off waste, crumbs, peel, and similar unwanted material intended to be thrown away then need not be collected but is simply scraped off over the edge of the cupboard 10 and straight down into the container 7. Should any particles end up outside the container 7, they are collected inside the inset element, as indicated in the aforegoing, and thus are prevented from ending up on the floor underneath the cupboard 10. The frame 2 protects the guide rails 12 from dirt falling off the worktop. When the inset element is dirty, the containers 6, 7 are first removed and a simple manipulation suffices to then lift off also the inset element, which after cleaning and drying is easily replaced in position without the aid of tools of any kind.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment as described and illustrated. For instance, the inset element may be adapated for more than two containers, and, obviously, for one single container only. The cupboard 10 may be constructed to include several extension or pull- out mechanisms designed for one single inset element (and container) for each mechanism and arranged in juxtaposed positions or at different levels, in order to collect and store garbage of other kinds than those referred to in the aforegoing.

Claims

1. An inset element for cupboards, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that it comprises a horizontal panel (1) which is provided with a frame (2) extending along the periphery of the panel (1) and intended to support containers (6, 7) which are inserted into an associated opening (4, 5) formed in the panel (1), said inset element being removably mounted inside the cupboard (10) and so as to be pulled in an outwards direction therefrom, then bringing along the containers (6, 7) for the purpose of making the latter accessible for filling or replacement.

2. An inset element as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that each corner portion of the frame (2) has a slit (3) to allow resilient movements of the frame sections (2a, 2b) defined by the sectionaliz- ing of the frame through said slits.

3. An inset element as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the marginal portions (8, 9) extending alongside each opening (4, 5) extend upwards.