Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a kitchen and in particular to a portable modular kitchen.

Tile invention has been developed primarily for use during kitchen renovations and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

Kitchen renovations often take from 5 to 10 weeks to finish, including fabrication of cabinets, installation and commissioning of appliances, benchtops and splashbacks. Frequently, the existing kitchen needs to be demolished and removed to allow accurate site dimensions measurement for custom made construction of kitchens, and allow access to trades like plumbing, electrical, flooring, plaster work, etc.

Such kitchen renovations often occur whilst the homeowner's family goes about their daily file. This leaves a significant period of time for such owners to not have access to their cooking tools, often resorting to unhealthy and expensive Take Away food and restaurant bills, making the whole renovation process very inconvenient and expensive. This is exacerbated if unforeseen delays occur. With so many different trades involved in creating the kitchen, it is common for one delay in one section of the renovation to cause a few weeks delay in another.

The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a kitchen assembly comprising: at least one module, each module having a top portion and providing at least one kitchen function; and a benchtop for mounting to the at least one module, the benchtop substantially extending across the top portion of the at least, one module. Preferably, the benchtop comprises edges that are generally aligned with corresponding side portions of the at least one module.

Preferably, the kitchen assembly comprises at least two modules, each module being connectable to an adjacent module.

Preferably, the at least two modules are disposed adjacent each other in use.

Preferably, each module is shaped generally as a rectangular prism.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a conventional oven having an oven door accessible from a front face of the module.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a storage drawer accessible from a front face of the module.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a microwave oven having an oven door accessible from a front face of the module.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a dishwasher having a door accessible from a front face of the module.

Preferably, at. least one module comprises a refrigerator having a door accessible from a front face of the module.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a storage door at its front face which provides access to storage space within the module.

Preferably, a macerator pump is disposed within the storage space.

Preferably, an instantaneous water heater is disposed within the storage space.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a sink assembly at the top portion of the module, the benchtop comprising an aperture for receiving the sink assembly.

Preferably, at least one module comprises a rear door at a rear face of the module which provides access to a rear cavity of the module.

Preferably, the rear cavity comprises a housing having means for storage of an electrical cord. The storage means preferably comprises a retractable reek

Preferably, the rear cavity comprises an electrical safety terminal box.

Preferably, the rear cavity comprises a reel for a flexible clean water supply pipe.

Preferably, the rear cavity comprises a reel for a flexible waste water pipe. Preferably, the kitchen assembly further comprises a cable protector for conduits and/or cables of the kitchen assembly.

Preferably, the kitchen assembly further comprises a fire extinguisher and/or a fire extinguishing blanket

Preferably, the fire extinguisher and/or fire extinguishing blanket are disposed in a recess formed in a side panel of at least one module.

Preferably, each module is at most about 680 mm wide

Preferably, each module is at most about 900 mm in height

Preferably, each module is at most about 840 mm in depth.

Preferably, the kitchen assembly further comprises an elongated base onto which the at least one module is mounted in use.

Preferably, the base includes height adjustable feet.

Preferably, each module includes height adjustable feet at. a bottom panel thereof

Preferably, the benchtop comprises a generally rectangular body having edges that are generally aligned with corresponding edge portions of the at least one module.

Preferably, the benchtop comprises a light source at a to surface thereof.

Preferably, the light source is a light box made from a light transmitting material and having at least one light source therewithm.

Preferably, the light box extends along a rear edge of the benchtop.

Preferably, the light box is a rectangular prism box which extends the full length of the benchtop.

Preferably, the light box comprises a power point panel.

Preferably, the benchtop comprises a cooktop at a top surface thereof

Preferably, the benchtop comprises a food preparation section having at least one drain groove formed therein.

The present invention also provides a module for a kitchen assembly, the module comprising at least one kitchen function and wherein external portions of the module are adapted to be covered by respective protective boards, at least one of the protective boards being removable to access the kitchen function. Preferably, the protective boards comprise a bottom board which comprises rolling means.

Preferably, the protective boards comprise a top board, side boards, a front board and a rear board, each protective board being connected to an adjacent board.

Preferably, at least one of the side boai'ds, the front boai'd and the rear board comprises a handle.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable modular kitchen in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the portable modular kitchen of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable modular kitchen of Figure I with the doors omitted for illustration purposes;

Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the portable modular kitchen of Figure 1 with a kitchen door open, and where Fig, 4(a) shows one of the modules with transport protection boards installed;

Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the portable modular kitchen of Figure 1 with the rear doors open, and where Fig, 5(a) shows one of the modules with transport protection boai'ds installed;

Fig. 6 shows a recessed butterfly latch for the transport protection boards: Fig. 7 shows a recessed handle for the transport protection boards; Fig. 8 shows a pair of caster wheels for the transport protection boards.

Description of Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Figures 1 to 5 show a modular portable kitchen 10 according to a preferred erabodiment of the present invention. The kitchen 10 includes three separate modules 20, 40 and 60 and a benchtop 80. Each module 20, 40 and 60 is shaped generally as a rectangular prism and includes a front face A, a rear face B, a right side panel C, a left side panel D, a top panel E and a bottom panel F.

Referring to Figures I and 2, the first module 20 includes a conventional oven 22 having an oven door 23 at its front face 20A and a cutlery drawer 24 also accessible from the front face 20A, The conventional oven 22 is a 600W multifunction 60 cm electric oven. The cutlery drawer 24 includes removable dishwasher safe stainless steel inserts and is provided with a soft close full extension mechanism. The conventional oven 22 and the drawer 24 include respective handles 27 and 28 which are substantially flush with the front face 20A.

The second module 40 includes a microwave oven 42 having a door 43 at its front face 40A and a dishwasher 44 having a door 45 also accessible from the front face 40A. The microwave oven 42 and the dishwasher 44 include respective handles 47 and 48 which are also substantially flush with the front face 40 A. The microwave oven is a built-in microwave type with a facade which is trimmed to fill the available space. The dishwasher 44 is a FiSHER&PAYKEL D1SHDRAWER™ which includes pre-plumbed connection pipes,

The third module 60 includes a storage door 61 at its front face 60A which has a handle 67 also substantially flush with the front face 60A. Referring to Figure 4, the storage door 61 provides access to front storage space 62 within the third module 60, within which a maeerator pump 63 and an on-demand (instantaneous) water heater 64 are installed. At the top portion 60F, the third module comprises a sink 96 having a mixer tap 101 and a drai 102. The drain 102 is connected to the maeerator pump 63 which is capable of granulating food scrap and pumping waste water up to 5m vertically or 50m away.

Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the modules 20, 40 and 60 each include respective rear doors 28, 48 and 68 which form their respective rear faces B. The rem ^* doors 28, 48 and 68 each include child proof magnetic locks, and provide access to respective rear cavities 29, 49 and 69.

In the rear cavity 29, a housing 31 is disposed which has a retractable reel therewithal for retractable storage of a 10 Amp electrical cord 32. In use, a first section 32a of the cord 32 extends through fixe bottom panel 20F and is connectable to a standard power point. A second section 32B of the cord 32 is connected to an electrical safety terminal box (not shown) located within the cavity 49. Electrical leads 33a to 33e, respectively from the conventional 10 Amp oven 22, microwave oven 42, dishwasher 44, maeerator pump 63. water heater 64 and iightbo 90, all connect to the terminal box for powering these respective appliances. The terminal box provides a safety switch and overload protection for the kitchen 10.

In the rear cavity 69, a reel 71 is disposed onto which a flexible clean water supply pipe 72 and a flexible waste water pipe 73 are wound onto. In use, respective first ends 72a and 73a of the pipes 72 and 73 extend through the bottom panel 60F and are connectable to respective clean water supply tap and a waste water pipe. A second section (not shown) of the clean water supply pipe 72 is connected to the dishwasher 44, the water heater 64 and a mixer tap 101 (described below) for supplying clean water thereto. A second section (not shown) of the waste water pipe 73 is connected to the dishwasher 44 and a drain 1 2 of a sink 96 (described below) for removing waste water therefrom.

The first sections 32a, 72a and 73a of the cord 32, clean water pipe 72 and waste water pipe 73 are ran through a three channel cable protector 150. The cable protector 150 is made from a durable material and structure and includes three channels 151 through which the first sections 32a, 72a and 73a extend. People and machinery can thus step on the cable protector 150 in use without damaging or interfering with the functions of the first sections 32a, 72a and 73a.

A fire extinguisher 161 and a lire extinguishing blanket 162 are arranged in a recess 77 formed in the right side panel 60C of the third module 60. Each of the three modules 20, 40 and 60 is about 640 mm wide, 780 mm in height and 750 mm in depth. The three modules can thus fit through standard doors and elevators, and can be taken up and down stairs. The transport of the modules is described further below.

In use, the three modules 20, 40 and 60 are mounted side by side as shown on top of an elongated rectangular base 130 which is levelled on site. The base 130 includes height adjustable feet. Alternatively, each of the modules 20, 40 and 60 ca all have heigh adjustable feet at the bottom panels F thereof, which will remove the need for the base 130. The modules 20, 40 and 60 are then connected to each other via suitable means, such as latches, clips or brackets. Once the three modules 20, 40 and 60 are attached to each other, the benchtop 80 is mounted to extend across all three of the top panels E and attached thereto by suitable means such as latches.

The benchtop 80 includes a generally rectangular body 81 having a top surface 82, a bottom surface 83, front edge 84, rear edge 85, right side edge 86 and left side edge 87. When the benchtop 80 is mounted to the modules, the edges 84 to 87 of the benchtop 80 are generally aligned with corresponding edge panels and faces of the modules. The benchtop is a hygienic inert Solid Surface benchtop sold under the trade mark CQRIAN made by the DU PONT™ corporation, MARBLO™ solid surface material or other suitable material.

The benchtop 80 includes a light box 90 extending along its rear edge 85. The light box 90 is an elongated rectangular prism box made from a light transmitting material. Light sources, such as LEDs are arranged within the box 90 for emitting light through the walls of the light box 90. The light box 90 has a top surface 1 onto which a light switch 92 is mounted for the light sources as well as a double power point panel 93.

Along the top surface 82, the benchtop 80 includes a cooktop 92 at a left side portion thereof positioned generally above the module 20 in use, an aperture 107 for the sink 96 at a right side portion thereof positioned generally above the module 60 in use, and a food preparation section 97 at a mid-portion thereof positioned generally above the module 40 in use. The aperture 1.07 recei ves the sink 96 and the mixer tap 10.1 therethrough. The food preparation section 97 includes drain grooves 99 formed around its periphery, with the grooves 99 leading to the sink 96. The cooktop 92 is a 600W ceramic 30 cm cooktop which is easily cleaned.

Referring to Figures 4(a) and 5(a), each of the modules 20, 40 and 60 during transport and storage is covered by protecti ve boards 1.60. Each module is initially placed onto a bottom board 160 A which includes caster wheels 161 (see Fig. 8) at corners thereof. A top board 160.B is the placed over the top panel E and side boards 1 0C are disposed adjacent the respective side panels C and D. The side boards 160C are attached to the top board 160B and the bottom board 160A via suitable means such as recessed butterfly latches 165 (see Fig. 6). A front board 160D and a rear board 1 0E are then similarly disposed adjacent the respective front and rear' faces A and B, with the boards 160D and 1.60E attached to the other boards 160A to 160C via suitable means such as the butterfly latches 165. Alternatively, some of the adjacent boards may be hingediy attached to each other to simplify attachment of the protective boards. For example, the side boards can be attached to the top board and the front and rear boards can be attached to the bottom board.

Each of the vertically extending boards, being the side boards 160C, the front board 160D and the rear board 160E all include recessed handles 167 (see Fig. 8) which allows the covered module to be lifted as required. The handles 167 can also be used for tying the modules down during transport. The module can thus also be wheeled onto the desired location using the caster wheels 161 . The protective boards 160 can also include rubber comer protection means for protecting the module as well as avoiding damage to the home where the renovation is taking place.

In use, a temporary kitchen 10 is hired by the homeowner or kitchen renovator/installer at the start of a renovation job when the plumber and electrician usually disconnect the water and electricity services of the existing kitchen and demolition of the existing kitchen is started. Each of the modules 20, 40 and 60 is wheeled into a suitable space, such as the centre of the existing kitchen or the adjacent dining room. The modules are mounted side by sid onto the base 130 which has been levelled, or the modules are levelled via their respective feet. The modules are then latched to each other. T he benchtop 90 is then mounted onto the modules with the electrical lead for the cooktop connected to the electrical safety terminal box, the mixer tap 101 connected to the clean water supply pipe 72 and the sink drain 102 connected to the waste water pipe 73.

The electrical cord first section 32a is then unreeled to connect, to a standard three pin 10 amp power point plug, and the water and waste flexible pipe sections 72a and 73a are connected to the existing kitchen water source and waste pipes by the plumber who is already on site. The kitchen 10 only requires cold water connection as it has its own water heater 64 for the mixer tap 101 and the dishwasher 44 heats its own water as required.

The kitchen 10 thus provides a fully functional kitchen for the homeowner whilst their home kitchen is being renovated and unusable. The kitchen 10, at the least, provides the homeowner with a conventional oven, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a cutlery drawer, a sink, a cooktop, a food preparation space and a light source,

W hen the kitchen renovation job is finished the kitchen 1 can then be disassembled with the protective boards 160 mounted to the modules 20, 40 and 60. Thus, these modules and the appliances therein are fully protected when being transported from site and during storage.

The kitchen 10 thus provides a number of advantages. The homeowner is not inconvenienced greatly when renovating their kitchen and can thus cook nutritious meals and avoid costly restaurant food. For the kitchen renovation company, they can perform their job with less disruption to the homeowner, which leads to a happier customer even if delays are encountered. Cabinetmakers, stonemasons and other contractors can supply and install the kitchen without cutting corners or rushing to completion knowing the client is able to continue using a functional temporary kitchen. The kitchen 10 can be provided for a weekly hire rate to end clients, cabinetmakers and home builders, which includes pickup when the new kitchen is commissioned. ft is apparent that modifications can be made to the embodiment shown. The kitchen 10 for example is made with timber based cabinetry and a Solid Surface benchtop, but ca also be made from aluminium doors and panels. The kitchen 10 can also be made from any suitable material such as wood or plastics material. The appliances within each specific module can also be changed as desired, and the arrangement of the modules relative to each other can be modified. A front surface 94 the Mghtbox 90 provides a splashback surface for the benchtop 80. If desired however, a separate splashback panel can be provided for the kitchen 10, either pivotally attached to the benchtop 80 or attachable thereto. The lightbox 90 can also be omitted if desired. Further, the mixer tap 101 can be held in a recess in the benchtop 90, thus providing a benchtop with a generally flat top surface. The benchtop can then be protected with a suitable protection board. The module 40 can also be modified to alternatively have a cavity space only for receiving the customer's microwave oven rather than having the oven 42 installed therein. The cooktop can alternatively be a gas cooktop.

The modules can also be made to each include a benchtop at its top panel. In such an embodiment, the benchtop 80 may be omitted. This embodiment is however less preferred due to the gaps between the module benchtops through which food scraps and dirt will fall.

As a further alternative, a fourth module can be provided which includes a bar fridge/freezer if required by the customer. This for example may be required when the homeowner is replacing their refrigerator during the kitchen renovation. In this case, the benchtop may be an extended version to extend to the fourth module or the benchtop can include a separate extension piece attachable to the main benchtop piece. The benchtop extension can thus provide additional bench space or alternatively, it can provide shelves or cupboards for crockery and food.

In another alternative, the bottom, top, rear and side panels of the modules can be made from durable material, such that only the front panel of the modules will require a protective board during transport and storage.

The kitchen 10 can also be used in other application such as mobile catering or party hire companies, camping grounds and small cabins. Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinar skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or descriptio thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details, in other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

in describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all iechnical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose, Terras such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the renovation and construction industries.