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Title:
MINIBAR APPARATUS AND MODULAR PANTRY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/135500
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), adapted for providing a complete and compact minibar service, which is openable and easily reclosable, and which is very easily transportable characterized in that it comprises: - at least a reception casing (101) comprising at least a wing (102); - at least a retaining means (103) adapted to allow the foods to remain stable; - at least a lighting system (104); - at least a refrigerator (110) adapted for maintaining foods in a fresh condition; - at least a connection to the power supply network (105) adapted for providing power to said lighting system (104) and to said refrigerator (110); - at least a pantry space (120) adapted to contain food items, bottles, glasses and other objects stopped with said retaining means (103); - at least a removable tray (130) adapted to allow transporting the prepared food/drinks.

Inventors:
CIPRIANI GIOVANNA (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2023/050152
Publication Date:
July 20, 2023
Filing Date:
January 09, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CIPRIANI GALLERY DI GIOVANNA CIPRIANI (IT)
International Classes:
B62B3/00; F25D11/00; F25D23/12
Foreign References:
US20060108902A12006-05-25
US20170215620A12017-08-03
EP3093266A12016-11-16
US20210347396A12021-11-11
KR20160129126A2016-11-09
GB2478948A2011-09-28
US10731915B22020-08-04
US10006693B22018-06-26
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FIAMMENGHI, Eva et al. (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims 1. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), adapted for providing a complete and compact minibar service, which is openable and easily reclosable, and which is very easily transportable, characterized in that it comprises: - at least a reception casing (101) including at least a wing (102) adapted to contain all modules, and to be opened in order to allow its use by users; - at least a retaining means (103) adapted to allow the stability of foods during transport operations and during the opening of said wing (102); - at least a lighting system (104) adapted to be turned on when said wing (102) is opened and which employs adjustable strip LEDs, for a diffuse and uniform illumination; - at least a refrigerator (110) adapted for maintaining foods in a fresh condition; - at least a connection to the power supply network (105), adapted to supply power to said lighting system (104) and to said refrigerator (110); - at least a pantry space (120) for housing food items, bottles, glasses, and other objects retained by said retaining means (103); - at least a removable tray (130), adapted to allow carrying prepared food/drinks to a location different from said minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100). 2. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that said reception casing (101) is arranged for the implementation of a digital technical system (200) which includes at least a display (201); said display (201) adapted to provide the possibility to consult at least a digital library (202) in an on-line and/or off-line mode, said library adapted to contain the preparation modes and the ingredients of a cocktail. 3. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to the preceding claim 1 and 2, characterized in that said display (201) allows accessing a web portal and/or application (203) capable of guiding the user during the preparation of a cocktail which is selected from said digital library (202). 4. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retaining means (103) is easily detachable in order to allow the extraction of generally cumbersome bottles and/or foods; wherein said retaining means (103) adapted to be made of sufficiently resistant materials for containing filled bottles, and has adequate/sufficient height and variable shape. 5. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said refrigerator (110) is provided with at least a temperature sensor (114) adapted to show the internal temperature of the refrigeration compartment, and such to allow the facilitated temperature adjustment through an analog and/or digital control. 6. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said refrigerator (110) is arranged for extraction from said reception casing (101) and for transportation; said refrigerator (110) being provided with at least a set of wheels (111) in order to allow the easy movement thereof when extracted from said reception casing (101); said refrigerator (110) adapted to mount at least a battery (112) in order to use its energy supply when extracted from said reception casing (101); said refrigerator also adapted to mount a solar panel (113) in order to ensure another kind of ecological energy supply when it is positioned outside. 7. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said digital technical system (200) is arranged for being accessed with mobile and/or fixed technical devices, even from a distance, in order to display information relative to said temperature sensor (114) and said battery (112). 8. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said set of wheels (111) is arranged for allowing the coverage thereof in a recess, in order to prevent that their sight could disrupt the continuity in design of said refrigerator (110); said set of wheels (111) adapted to mount even wheels of a size sufficiently great to easily overcome rough paths like those of a garden. 9. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pantry space (120) is transportable in one embodiment thereof, and that it also implements a set of wheels (111) and the supply means provided by said connection to the power supply network (105), a battery (112) and/or a solar panel (113), in order to provide power supply to said lighting system (104). 10. A minibar apparatus and modular pantry (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises ballasts/weights at its base and rear part, in order to guarantee the apparatus stability.
Description:
Minibar apparatus and modular pantry Description Field of the art The invention refers to a furnishing element with minibar. More in detail, it refers to a minibar apparatus and modular pantry that allows the mounting, dismounting and the independent use of the single modules. Prior art A minibar is a furnishing component comprising various components, certainly including a pantry, instruments and accessories for preparing various foods and a small-size refrigerator usually used for hotel or commercial use. The minibars can be used for preserving and transporting drinks and small snacks. Provided with small dimensions, they are not adapted to kitchen uses but they are very practical when inserted as part of hotel furnishing. The ease of placement and use that this service ensures for the client has made this an item of common use for all hotels/accommodations. With regard to the refrigerator, there are mainly three types characterized by different refrigeration systems: absorption, thermoelectric, compressor. This useful and compact furnishing component has found multiple uses over the years, with different forms; several examples thereof are described below. One example is the object of the patent application US10731915B2 by T.A. GILLETTE, D.M. KOBOS and T. TUNZI. The invention refers to a system of autonomous pantry containers for insertion on a refrigerator apparatus. A system of pantry containers for a refrigerator apparatus comprises an upright of the pantry having an internal space defined therein, a wall of the pantry that is extended perpendicular to the upright of the pantry, a base positioned substantially parallel to the upright of the pantry. The upright of the pantry, the wall of the pantry and the base define an insertable pantry space having an internal pantry volume. One drawer of the pantry is in operable communication with the internal volume of the pantry, and is actuatable through an opening of the drawer defined in the wall of the pantry between the open and closed positions. The drawer of the pantry includes an external panel that hides the opening of the drawer when it is in closed position. A cooling system is configured for providing cooling to the compartment of the pantry insertable from an external position, this also includes a control that independently manages the temperature of the pantry of the compartment and of the other containers. Another example is the object of the patent application US10006693B2 by CA.J. RAMM, M.S. RICHARDS, R. WADKE and J.J. WITTES. The invention refers to a modular household appliance system for the integration of a pantry space within a household appliance. A refrigeration apparatus comprises an internal volume divided by a median wall into refrigeration and freezing compartments. A false horizontal upright is extended through one of the spaces, parallel to the median wall in order to define pantry space in thermal communication with at least one of the refrigerator and freezer spaces. A central vertical upright is removably engaged with the central wall and divides the compartment of the pantry into a first and second sub-compartment of the pantry. The guides of the first and second external drawer are positioned on the structure of the cabinet within the pantry space and the opposite guides of the first and second internal drawer vertical central upright. The first internal and external guides of the drawer partially define the first sub-compartment of the pantry. The second internal drawer and the second external drawer partially define the second sub-compartment pantry. Another example is the object of the patent application US20040055313A1 by J. NAVEDO and J. BOEING. The invention refers to a portable isolated container with refrigeration. The invention has an insulated container that uses Stirling cooling technology. The insulated container and the Stirling refrigerator include a portable power source, such as a battery, a fuel cell or a solar panel. The Stirling cooling device can supply cooling within the insulated container, for example by means of a heat dissipator and a fan, directed connection to a covering in the insulated container or heat tube connected to the heat acceptor for the Stirling cooling device and routed through the insulated container. Controls can be provided that regulate the cycle of the Stirling refrigerator so to be able to control the internal temperature of the insulated container. One embodiment includes both a freezer portion and a refrigeration portion. The inventions illustrated up to now merely as a non-limiting example, together with the inventions present on the market, have a great variety of possible configurations of pantries, minibars and equipped furniture elements. The object of the present patent is to meet the needs of having a single furnishing element capable of satisfying requests of various kind linked to a minibar service of small, medium and large size, and which is compact but still complete and easily openable, reclosable and movable. Still more advantageously, the service allows the easy movement of the single modules in several embodiments thereof, it provides alternative power supply sources, and it is arranged for the implementation of digital technologies for audio and video assistance facilitated by the possibility of implementing web connection by means of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. Description of the invention According to the present invention, a minibar apparatus and modular pantry are attained. The minibar apparatus and modular pantry offers a food service that is compact but complete, and easily openable, reclosable and movable. The apparatus at its interior has at least a refrigerator, at least a pantry space and at least a removable tray, all variable in number and shape depending on the preferred embodiment. The main housing casing, to which at least an openable and closeable wing is connected, houses the various components, comprises a lighting system with adjustable strip LEDs and mounts a series of retaining means, each on each module pantry and/or refrigerator which have the function of preventing foods from falling during the movement of the apparatus. The refrigerator is also provided with a temperature sensor that can be analog and/or use a display that indicates the internal temperature thereof and allows the adjustment thereof through an analog and/or digital instrument. The apparatus, in one embodiment thereof, is arranged for implementing a digital technical system including a display inserted in the reception casing, at least a digital library, through which one accesses the various cocktails, their ingredients, and the respective preparation modes. The digital library is thus accessible by means of a web portal and/or an application, through which it is also possible, in one embodiment, to access the temperature sensor of the refrigerator and the battery thereof. The refrigerator, in fact, like the pantry modules, in another embodiment are arranged in order to be removable and transportable, being equipped with a set of wheels that are suitable hidden in order to maintain an intended design. In this embodiment, the refrigerator mounts a battery and/or a solar panel in order to ensure alternative power supply sources. Finally, the reception casing, also considering the movement of the loads, is provided with suitable ballasts/weights that ensure the stability thereof. Indeed the apparatus is suited for use as a fixed furnishing element in the case of room use, but it is also possible to extract all its modules from the reception casing in order to place them in the internal and/or external environment, in case of need as for big events. The advantages offered by the present invention are evident in light of the description set forth up to now and will be clearer due to the enclosed figures and to the relative detailed description. Description of the figures The invention will be described hereinbelow in at least a preferred embodiment as a non-limiting example with the aid of the enclosed figures, in which: - FIGURE 1 shows plan and front views of the minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100; - FIGURE 2 shows a view of the operation of said digital technical system 200 of said minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100; - FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of two embodiments of said refrigerator 110 of said minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100. Detailed description of the invention The present invention will not be illustrated as a merely exemplifying, but non-limiting, non- constraining example, with reference to the figures which illustrate several embodiments relative to the present inventive concept. With reference to FIG. 1, a general view is shown of said minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100 according to the present invention as a merely non-limiting, non-constraining example. In FIG. 1 as in the following description, the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated that is presently deemed to be the best. Said minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100 comprises at least a reception casing 101, at least a wing 102, at least a retaining means 103, at least a lighting system 104, at least a connection to the power supply network 105, at least a refrigerator 110, at least a pantry space 120, at least a removable tray 130. Said reception casing 101 comprises at least a unit of said wing 102. Said refrigerator 110 is adapted for maintaining foods in a fresh condition, while said pantry space 120 is adapted to contain food items, bottles, glasses and other material items. Both said refrigerator 110 and said pantry space 120 mount said retaining means 103 adapted to allow the foods to remain stable during the transport operations and during the opening of said wing 102. Said removable tray 130 is a further element that allows the easy transport of the foods contained in the apparatus. Said lighting system 104 employs adjustable strip LEDs in order to provide a diffused and uniform illumination, and together with said refrigerator 110 is energy supplied from said connection to the power supply network 105. With reference to FIG. 2, a view is shown of the operation of said digital technical system 200 of said minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100 by way of a merely non-limiting or non- constraining example. The following detailed description refers to FIGS. 1 and 2. Said digital technical system 200 comprises at least a display 201, at least a digital library 202, at least a web portal and/or application 203. Said web portal and/or application 203 is adapted to allow the user to connect with said digital library 202 which contains the preparation methods and the ingredients of the cocktails. Said display 201, mounted directly within said reception casing 101, is adapted to show the user how to prepare the cocktails, by referring to the information received by means of said digital library 202. With reference to FIG.3, a perspective view is shown of two embodiments of said refrigerator 110 of said minibar apparatus and modular pantry 100 by way of a merely non-limiting or non- constraining example. The following detailed description refers to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Said refrigerator 110 comprises at least a set of wheels 111, at least a battery 112, at least a solar panel 113, at least a temperature sensor 114. In a preferred embodiment thereof, said refrigerator 110 uses only the power supply provided by said connection to the power supply network 105, mounts said retaining means 103 in order to ensure stability to the foods at its interior, and mounts said temperature sensor 114 adapted to show the internal temperature thereof, such to allow the easy temperature adjustment through an analog and/or digital control, in one embodiment, by means of said web portal and/or application 203. Said refrigerator 110 mounts, in the embodiment that allows the extraction thereof from said reception casing 101, said set of wheels 111 which allows the movement thereof and is embedded so as to be hidden, in order to prevent having a negative impact on the product design. The power supply sources are provided from said connection to the power supply network 105, from said battery 112, and from said solar panel 113. Finally, said refrigerator mounts said temperature sensor 114, always providing various options for controlling and regulating the same. Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variations can be made to the invention described up to now that are obvious for the man skilled in the art, without departing from the protective scope that is provided with the enclosed claims.