WO2013046238A1

WO2013046238A1 - Height adjustable burner mounting of a gas cooking device

Info

Publication number: WO2013046238A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aldo BOZZOLAN
Original assignee: ASTER S.a.s.
Priority date: 2011-09-29
Filing date: 2011-09-29
Publication date: 2013-04-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas cooking device 1 to be installed on a kitchen top, comprising: a closed, box- like body 2, having a containment tray 3 and a closure element 4 of the tray; and a gas distribution and dispensing system, which comprises one or more burners 10. First exit apertures 5 for the burners being made on the closure element 4, each of which comprises a gas dispenser cup 11 and a gas diffuser 12. The dispenser cups protrude at least partially from the first apertures. The diffusers and the closure element are distanced from each other in a direction X orthogonal to the bottom of the tray so as to define an opening H, at which the kitchen top is positioned in the direction of its thickness when the cooking device 1 is installed in a condition of use. The invention also relates to a method of installing the device on a kitchen top.

Description

DESCRIPTION

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE BURNER MOUNTING OF A GAS COOKING DEVICE

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] . The present invention relates to a gas cooking device to be installed on a kitchen top, kitchen top with such device and method for installing such device on a kitchen top.

[0002] . The cooking device according to the invention is particularly suitable for kitchen furniture marked by a clean, simple design of a minimalist nature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] . Traditional cooking devices consist of a closed box-like body which is set into a hole made on the support top which the kitchen top is provided with. The box-like body has a containment tray, to which the burners and gas distribution system are connected, with the relative control and safety systems. The box-like body is completed by a closure element of the tray which is generally made in steel or in enamelled sheet. The containment tray is completely set into the support top of the kitchen top and is not visible from outside, while the closure element, which defines the cooking top, remains visible in the kitchen top. [0004] . Each burner comprises a gas dispenser cup and a corresponding gas diffuser. The gas dispenser cups are positioned inside the box-like body in correspondence with dedicated holes made on the closure element while the diffusers are positioned outside the box-like body, in correspondence with the respective dispenser cups, and abut against the closure element by means of support plates .

[0005] . As is known, a minimalist concept is taking root for furniture and kitchen tops too which envisages as essential a design as possible, marked by clean, simple lines. An increasingly widespread need is therefore to reduce the visual impact of cooking devices on kitchen tops .

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] . The purpose of the present invention is to make available a gas cooking device for kitchen tops of a reduced size and visual impact.

[0007] . The purpose of the present invention is to make available a gas cooking device for kitchen tops, which is easy to fit into kitchen tops having tops of different thicknesses .

[0008] . A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a cooking device for kitchen tops which ensures a high level of safety. [0009] . A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a cooking device for kitchen tops which is easy and economical to make.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] . The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid purposes, can be seen clearly from the contents of the following claims and the advantages of the same will be more clearly comprehensible from the detailed description below, made with reference to the attached drawings, showing one or more embodiments by way of non-limiting examples, wherein:

[0011] . - figure 1 shows an exploded view of a gas cooking device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0012] . - figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device in figure 1 in an assembled condition;

[0013] . - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device in Figure 2 shown installed on the support top of a kitchen top;

[0014] . - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the cooking device associated to a kitchen top;

[0015] . - Figure 5 shows a schematic side view partially in cross section of a portion of the cooking device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention ; and [0016] . - Figures 5 and 6 show the device in figure 5 in association with two kitchen tops having support tops of different thicknesses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] . With reference to the appended drawings the gas cooking device according to the present invention is globally denoted by reference numeral 1, while a kitchen top provided with the device 1 has been indicated by reference numeral 100.

[0018] . The term "kitchen top" is taken to mean in its entirety a furnishing element offering one or more of the functions normally required in the kitchen, such as for example a cooking device, a sink, water taps, worktop etc, organised and arranged on a support top.

[0019] . The gas cooking device 1 according to the present invention has no cooking top. "Cooking top" is taken to mean the plane connecting the various burners of a cooking device and is destined to remain visible in a kitchen top.

[0020] . Unlike traditional cooking devices, for the device 1 according to the invention it is the support top of the kitchen top which defines the cooking top.

[0021] . The gas cooking device 1 according to the invention comprises:

[0022] . - a closed, box-like body 2, having a containment tray 3 and a closure element 4 of the tray; and

[0023] . - a gas distribution and dispensing system, housed inside the box-like body 2.

[0024 ] . According to the preferred embodiment shown in the appended drawings, the containment tray 3 has a bottom wall 3a, to which the elements of the distribution system are attached, and a plurality of lateral walls 3b, positioned along the perimeter of the bottom wall, on which aeration openings 3c may be made. The closure element 4 is an open box-like body, sized to couple with the containment tray at the side walls 3b.

[ 0025] . The gas distribution system comprises in particular one or more burners 10, each of which comprises a gas dispenser cup 11 and a corresponding gas diffuser 12. The diffuser 12 is positioned above the dispenser cup 12. The diffuser 12 comprises a body 12a, (generally a circular shape) provided with radial nozzles.

[0026] . The "diffuser" may comprise a support base 12b for the body with nozzles 12a, destined to abut with the support top of the kitchen top and to attach itself to the dispenser cup. Preferably, the support base 12b is not in one piece with the body with nozzles 12a.

[0027 ] . Advantageously, the device may comprise a support grid 14 for each burner to enable the placing of saucepans, pots etc.

[0028] . As may be seen in the appended Figures, first exit apertures 5 for the burners are made on the closure element 4 of the box-like body 2.

[0029] . As illustrated in particular in figure 5, the dispenser cups 11 protrude at least partially from the aforesaid first apertures 5.

[0030] . The diffusers 12 of the burners and the closure element 4 of the box-like body are distanced from each other in a direction X orthogonal to the bottom of the tray so as to define an opening H, at which the support top of the kitchen top is positioned in the direction of its thickness when the cooking device 1 is installed in a condition of use.

[0031] . Should the diffuser 12 be provided with the aforesaid support base 12b, the opening H refers to the distance between such support base 12b and the closure element 4. Should the diffuser 12 not be provided with the aforesaid support base 12b, the opening H refers to the distance between the body with nozzles 12a and the closure element 4.

[0032] . The (at least) partial protrusion of the dispenser cups from the box-like body 2 and the distance between the diffusers 12 and the closure element 4 are essential for permitting the installation of the device 1 on the support top of a kitchen top.

[0033] . The extent of the protrusion of the dispenser cups 11 of the burners is correlated to the thickness of the support top of a kitchen top.

[0034] . Advantageously, the dispenser cups 11 protrude from the first apertures 5 by at least 15mm.

[0035] . According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in particular in Figures 6 and 7, the closure element 4 is movably connected to the containment tray 3 at least in a direction X orthogonal to the bottom of the tray to vary the position height-wise of the closure element 4 in relation to the burners 10. The extent of protrusion of the dispenser cups 11 from the first holes 5 and the opening H existing between the diffusers 12 and the closure element 4 can thus be varied.

[0036] . Advantageously, the device 1 comprises means 20 of blocking the position of the tray in relation to the closure element 4 in an adjustable manner in the aforesaid orthogonal direction X.

[0037] . According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the adjustable blocking means 20 comprise one or more series of holes 21, made on the perimetral walls of the closure element 4. The holes of each series are made at different heights in the direction X. Each series of holes has a corresponding hole made on the side walls 3b of the tray 3. Blocking at a specific height is performed by aligning one of the holes of the series with the hole made on the tray and inserting a bolt or screw inside it.

[0038] . Other equivalent solutions may also be provided for the adjustable blocking means 20, such as slotted openings in place of the series of holes.

[0039] . Advantageously, the device 1 comprises stopping means 30 of the relative movement between the closure element and the tray to prevent the separation of the closure element 4 from the tray 3 and at the same time to limit such movement between a minimum and maximum.

[0040] . Advantageously, the device 1 comprises means 40 of anchoring the device to the kitchen top.

[0041] . According to the embodiment shown in the appended drawings, the anchoring means 40 comprise a plurality of brackets 41 attached to the box-like body 2, in particular at the closure element 4, and destined to be associated to the underside of the support top of the kitchen top facing towards the closure element 4 of the box-like body 2.

[0042] . Advantageously, the gas distribution and dispensing system comprises taps 13 to regulate the flow of gas to the burners 10. Second exit apertures 6 are made on the closure element 4 for the taps 13. The taps 13 protrude from said second apertures at least partially. The extent of the protrusion of the taps is correlated to the thickness of the support top of a kitchen top, similarly to what was said earlier for the burners and relative dispenser cups. .

[0043] . In particular, each tap 13 comprises a shank 13a connected to the valve body of the tap and a knob 13b, associated to the shank. As will be explained further below, when the device 1 is installed on a kitchen top in conditions of use, the knobs 13b must be end up positioned above the support top of the kitchen top so as to be accessible to the user. The knobs (of a greater size than their respective shanks) can be separated from the shanks and are installed after the device 1 has been associated to the support top.

[0044] . The present invention relates to a kitchen top 100 provided with a cooking device 1 according to the invention.

[0045] . The kitchen top 100 comprises a support top 101 which in particular may be made from natural or technical marble (i.e. an agglomerate of natural materials). The support top may however be made from other materials. The thickness of such support top varies depending on the (aesthetic and/or practical) requirements of the end user and/or designer. At least a part of the support top 101 is destined to be a cooking area. [0046] . The kitchen top 100 comprises at least one gas cooking device 1 according to the invention. Such device 1 is positioned in such cooking area under the support top 101.

[0047] . On the support top 101, one or more first through holes 102 are made in such cooking area which the burners 10 of the cooking device 1 are inserted in. The support top 101 substantially occupies with its thickness the opening H existing between the closure element 4 of the box-like body 2 and the diffusers 12 of the burners 10.

[0048] . Preferably, the first holes 102 substantially correspond in shape and size to the dispenser cups 11 of the burners 10, so as to reduce the size of such first through holes 102 to a minimum.

[0049] . Advantageously, on the support top 101, one or more second through holes 103 are made in the cooking area which the taps 13 of the cooking device 1 are inserted in.

[0050] . Advantageously, the second holes 103 substantially correspond in shape and size to the taps 13. In particular, the second holes 103 are substantially sized to the cross-sections of the shanks 13a, smaller than the cross-sections of the knobs 13b, so as to reduce the size of such second through holes 103 to a minimum. As already mentioned, the knobs can be separated from the shanks and are fitted after the device 1 has been associated to the support top of the kitchen top.

[0051] . In particular, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the closure element 4 of the box-like body 2 abuts against the underside 101b of the support top 101.

[0052] . Advantageously, the box-like body 2 can be anchored to the support top 101 at the underside of such top 101, using the anchoring means 40 described above.

[0053] . The present invention relates to a support top for kitchen tops, globally denoted by reference numeral 101 in the drawings. At least a part of the support top is a cooking area. First through holes 102 are made in such cooking area for the insertion of the dispenser cups 11 of the burners 10 of a gas cooking device.

[0054] . Advantageously, such first holes 102 substantially correspond in shape and size to the dispenser cups 11.

[0055] . Preferably, second through holes 103 are made in the cooking area for the insertion of the taps 13 of a gas cooking device 1, and in particular, for the insertion of the shanks 13a of the taps. Advantageously, such second holes 103 substantially correspond in shape and size to the taps 13, and in particular, to the cross-sections of the shanks.

[0056] . The present invention relates to a method of installing a gas cooking device 1 according to the invention on a kitchen top, as described above.

[0057] . The method comprises the following operating steps :

[0058] . a) predisposing a cooking device 1;

[0059] . b) predisposing a support top 101 for a kitchen top; the support top 101 ha a top side 101a, destined to remain visible in the kitchen top, and an underside 101b; the top 101 has a plurality of first holes 102 corresponding in number and size to the dispenser cups 11 of the burners 10 of the cooking device 1;

[0060] . c) associating the device 1 to the support top 101 inserting the dispenser cups 11 inside the first holes 102, facing the closure element 4 of the box-like body 2 onto the underside 101b of the support top 101;

[0061] . d) anchoring the device 1 to the support top 101;

[0062] . e) installing the diffusers 12 of the burners 10 on the respective dispenser cups 11 on the top side 101a of the support top.

[0063] . Preferably, the method comprises a step f) of adjusting the position height-wise of the closure element in relation to the bottom of the tray and therefore in relation to the burners so as to vary the protrusion of the dispenser cups from the first holes 102, adapting it to the thickness of the support top 101.

[0064] . In particular, the adjustment step f) is conducted before the step e) of installing the diffusers 12.

[0065] . Advantageously, in the step c) of associating the device 1 to the support top 101 the taps 13 (and in particular the tap shafts) are inserted in the second holes 103, made on the support top 101.

[0066] . The method may comprise a step f) of installing the knobs 12 on the taps 13 on the top side 101a of the support top.

[0067] . The invention enables numerous advantages to be achieved, some of which mentioned above.

[0068] . The gas cooking device 1 according to the invention has- in conditions of use- a reduced size and visual impact compared to prior traditional cooking devices. As already explained above, the device 1 in fact has no cooking top. It is the support top of the kitchen top, which the device is installed on, which defines the cooking top of the device. As a result only the burners (or rather diffusers) and the taps of the device 1 according to the invention are visible on the kitchen top, given that the rest of the device (in particular the boxlike body which houses the gas distribution and dispensing system) is positioned under the support top and is therefore not visible. Thereby meeting the needs dictated by a minimalist concept which envisages as essential a design as possible, marked by clean, simple lines.

[0069] . Thanks to the adjustability of the closure element in relation to the tray of the box-like body the gas cooking device 1 is easy to install on kitchen tops having support tops of different thicknesses. This permits a greater standardisation of the product, since it does not need to be differentiated in relation to the thickness of the support tops.

[0070] . The gas cooking device 1 according to the invention in addition ensures a high level of safety, entirely comparable to traditional devices, given that the closure element prevents access to the distribution system and dispensing of the gas and cannot be separated from the containment tray except intentionally with force.

[0071] . The gas cooking device 1 according to the invention is simple and economical to produce.

[0072] . Lastly, thanks to the invention savings can be made on the machining of the support tops of kitchen tops. The large aperture needed to install a traditional device need no longer be made, but only a series of holes of considerably smaller size (corresponding in number and- size to the dispenser cups and tap shanks), with savings in terms of reduction of discarded material. [0073] . The invention thus conceived thereby achieves the intended objectives.

[0074] . Obviously, it may assume, in its practical embodiments, forms and configurations different from those illustrated above while remaining within the present sphere of protection.

[0075] . Furthermore, all the parts may be replaced with technically equivalent parts and the dimensions, shapes and materials used may be varied as required.

Claims

1. Gas cooking device to be installed on a kitchen top, comprising:

- a closed, box-like body (2), having a containment tray (3) and a closure element (4) of the tray; and

a gas distribution and dispensing system, which comprises one or more burners (10) and is housed inside the box-like body (2) , there being first exit apertures (5) for said one or more burners made on said closure element (4), each burner (10) comprising a gas dispenser cup (11) and a corresponding gas diffuser (12),

characterised by the fact that the dispenser cups (11) protrude at least partially from said first apertures (5) and by the fact that the diffusers (12) and the closure element (4) of the box-like body are distanced from each other in a direction (X) orthogonal to the bottom of the tray so as to define an opening (H) , at which the support top of the kitchen top is positioned in the direction of its thickness when the cooking device (1) is installed in a condition of use.

2. Cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser cups (11) protrude from the first apertures (5) by at least 15mm.

3. Cooking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said closure element (4) is movably connected to the containment tray at least in a direction (X) orthogonal to the bottom of the tray to vary the position height-wise of the closure element in relation to the burners thereby varying the extent of protrusion of the dispenser cups from the first holes and the opening (H) existing between the diffusers (12) and the closure element.

4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising means (20) of blocking the position of the tray (3) in relation to the closure element (4) in an adjustable manner in said orthogonal direction (X) .

5. Device according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising stopping means (30) of the relative movement between the closure element and the tray to prevent their separation.

6. Device according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising means (40) of anchoring the device (1) to the kitchen top.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the anchoring means (40) comprise a plurality of brackets (41) attached to the box-like body (2) and destined to be associated to the side of the support top of the kitchen top facing towards the closure element (4) of the box-like body (2) .

8. Device according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the gas distribution and dispensing system comprises taps (13) to regulate the flow of gas to the burners (10), second exit apertures (6) being made on said closure element (4) for said taps.

9. Kitchen top comprising a support top (101) of which at least a part is a cooking area and which has a top side (101a), destined to remain visible in the kitchen top, and an underside (101b), characterised by the fact of comprising in said cooking area, positioned under the support top (101), at least one gas cooking device (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, on said support top (101) at said cooking area one or more first through holes (102) being made which the burners (10) of the cooking device (1) are inserted in, the support top (101) substantially occupying with its thickness the opening (H) existing between the closure element (4) of the box-like body (2) and the diffusers (12) of the burners (10) .

10. Kitchen top according to claim 9, wherein said first holes (102) substantially correspond in shape and size to the dispenser cups (11) of the burners (10) .

11. Kitchen top according to claim 9 or 10, wherein on said support top (101) at said cooking area one or more second through holes (103) are made which the taps (13) of said cooking device (1) are inserted in.

12. Kitchen top according to claim 11, wherein said second holes (103) substantially correspond in shape and size to said taps (13) .

13. Kitchen top according to one or more of the claims from 9 to 12, wherein the closure element (4) of the box^¬ like body (2) abuts against the underside of the support top (101) .

14. Kitchen top according to claim 13, wherein the boxlike body (2) is anchored to the support top (101) at the underside of such top (101) .

15. Kitchen top according to one or more of the claims from 9 to 14, wherein the support top (101) is made from natural or technical marble.

16. Support top for kitchen tops, of which at least a part is a cooking area, characterised by the fact that through holes (102) are made at said cooking area for the insertion of the dispenser cups (11) of the burners (10) of a gas cooking device.

17. Support top according to claim 17, wherein said first holes (102) substantially correspond in shape and size to the dispenser cups (11) .

18. Support top according to claim 17 or 18, wherein second through holes (103) are made at said cooking area for the insertion of the taps (13) of a gas cooking device .

19. Support top according to claim 18, wherein said second holes (103) substantially correspond in shape and size to said taps (13) .

20. A method for installing a gas cooking device (1) according to one or more of the claims from 1 to 8 on a kitchen top, comprising the following operating steps:

a) predisposing a cooking device (1) of such type;

b) predisposing a support top (101) for a kitchen top, said support top having a top side (101a), destined to remain visible in the kitchen top, and an underside (101b), and having a plurality of first holes (102) corresponding in number and size to the dispenser cups (11) of the burners (10) of the cooking device (1) ;

C) associating the cooking device (1) to the support top (101) inserting the dispenser cups (11) inside the first holes (102), facing the closure element (4) of the box- like body (2) onto the underside (101b) of the support top (101) ;

d) anchoring the device (1) to the support top (101) ;

e) installing the diffusers (12) of the burners (10) on the respective dispenser cups (11) on the upper side (101a) of the support top.

21. Method of installation according to claim 20, comprising a step f) of adjusting the position height-wise of the closure element in relation to the bottom of the tray and therefore in relation to the burners so as to vary the extent of protrusion of the dispenser cups from the first holes, adapting it to the thickness of the support top (101) .

22. Method of installation according to claim 21, wherein the adjustment step f) is conducted before the step e) of installing the diffusers (12) .

23. Method of installation according to one or more of the claims from 20 to 22, wherein the support top (101) has a plurality of second holes (103) corresponding in number and size to the taps (13) of the burners (10) of the cooking device (1), in the step c) of associating the device (1) to the support top (101) the taps (13) being inserted inside the second holes (103) .

24. Method of installation according to claim 20, comprising a step f) of installing the knobs (13b) on the taps (13) on the top side (101a) of the support top.