Supports: cabinet structure – Counters
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-04-10
Hansen, James O. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Counters
C312S209000, C312S312000, C312S319800, C108S147000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213575
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns the environment of a kitchen and, more particularly, to a kitchen countertop assembly including multiple planar work surfaces which can be vertically adjusted simultaneously or individually.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Although countertop assemblies often found in modern day kitchens provide various vertically offset planar work surfaces, the surfaces are almost invariably fixed at respective, predetermined heights. More specifically, a typical kitchen will include a main countertop work surface and, perhaps, an upper tabletop which is spaced above the main work surface. In the case of a kitchen island, only the main countertop surface is typically provided. In any event, such countertop assemblies are generally fixed at a fairly standard height that is often established by the height of a cabinet base upon which the countertop is supported. Although this countertop height will be fairly standard throughout most residential homes in this country, the height of individuals utilizing the countertops can vary greatly. Therefore, a standard countertop height may not be convenient for shorter individuals, including those in wheelchairs and the like, or rather tall individuals.
Based on the above, there exists a need in the art for a kitchen countertop assembly which can be vertically adjusted to accommodate a wide range of users. More specifically, there exists a need in the art for a versatile countertop assembly incorporating various integrated work surfaces can be vertically adjusted simultaneously or individually in a convenient manner such that the heights of the various work surfaces can be customized to the preference of the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a kitchen countertop assembly including multiple, integrated work surfaces which can be vertically adjusted simultaneously or individually in order that the overall countertop assembly can be customized in a convenient manner to suit the particular needs of a user. More specifically, the countertop assembly includes a countertop including a main work surface that is supported above a base in a substantially horizontal plane. Preferably, the main work surface has mounted therein at least one of a sink and a cooktop. Arranged above at least a portion of the main work surface is a tabletop. The tabletop is preferably supported above the main work surface by various vertical legs or pillars which extend through respective openings formed in the countertop. Mounted within the base of the assembly are multiple linear actuators. At least one of the actuators is utilized to selectively, vertically adjust the height of the main work surface and, simultaneously, the height of the tabletop. However, another linear actuator mechanism in the base acts on the support pillars of the tabletop in order to adjust the height of the tabletop relative to the main work surface.
The kitchen countertop assembly also preferably incorporates a table member that can define a small breakfast area or the like. Preferably, the table member projects from and is supported by the base of the overall assembly in a manner which enables the table member to also be vertically adjusted. More specifically, in accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the table member is vertically repositioned in unison with movement of the main work surface, while also being vertically adjustable relative to the main work surface.
With this overall construction, the various surfaces associated with the kitchen countertop assembly can be conveniently repositioned by a user such that the same countertop assembly can be effectively utilized by a wide range of people having varying height requirements. Preferably, a single control will enable each of the integrated work surfaces to be simultaneously adjusted in height. However, if additional adjustments are desired, the tabletop and/or the table member can be adjusted relative to the main work surface. The integrated work surface arrangement can be advantageously incorporated in an island of a kitchen.
Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the corresponding parts in the several views.
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Akers Elizabeth
Brin, Jr. George G.
Harrison Diana
Harrison Marc S.
Laguinia Edgar L.
Diederiks, Jr. Everett G.
Hansen James O.
Harrison Diana
Maytag Corporation
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