Abstract: A cutting board and countertop are correspondingly constructed to enable the cutting board to be supported upon the countertop in multiple, varying height positions. The countertop preferably includes a main, substantially planar work surface provided with a frontal, upstanding lip, as well as at least one ledge provided at a position spaced across the work surface from the lip. The cutting board is generally constituted by substantially planar member having support elements provided on opposing, terminal side portions. In a first height position, the cutting board is arranged against both the lip and the ledge. In the second height position, the cutting board is inverted and positioned against the frontal lip and upon the ledge. In either position, the cutting board can readily slide along the countertop.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a cooking appliance includes one or more slidable vent hoods arranged in a tabletop extending above a heating surface of a cooking appliance to exhaust gaseous byproduct developed during a cooking operation performed on the heating surface. The tabletop is vertically adjustable relative to the heating surface in order to alter the distance between each vent hood and the heating surface. Each vent hood can be retracted within the tabletop or extended to a position disposed directly, vertically above at least a portion of the heating surface. Preferably, a pair of adjacent vent hoods are provided, with each vent hood opening into a common exhaust manifold formed in the tabletop. The tabletop is preferably mounted through multiple pillars which are connected to a vertical adjusting mechanism. One of the pillars is preferably provided with an elongated duct for directing exhaust gases from the manifold to a remote exhaust location.

Abstract: An article support and transfer assembly includes a carrier frame, which is selectively shiftable between raised and lowered positions relative to a countertop work surface, and an article support tray which is mounted for sliding movement in opposing directions between a first extended position, wherein the article support tray projects, at least partially, over the work surface and, a second extended position, wherein the tray projects over a side edge portion of the countertop. The tray can be shifted between the first and second extended positions for loading and unloading thereof and arranged in an intermediate position wherein the tray can be lowered with the carrier frame into a base associated with the countertop.

Abstract: A kitchen countertop assembly includes multiple, integrated work spaces having associated surfaces which can be adjusted vertically. At least two of the work surfaces can be individually, vertically adjusted relative to the remainder of the work surfaces. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, first, second and third work surfaces are defined by an overall kitchen island, with the first work surface being defined by a main countertop, the second work surface being defined by a tabletop supported above a portion of the first work surface by a pair of spaced pillars which project through the countertop and into a base of the assembly, and a third work surface is constituted by a table which projects from the base at a position offset from the countertop. With this arrangement, each of the countertop, tabletop and table member can be raised or lowered, either simultaneously or individually, in order to customize the overall kitchen countertop assembly to a particular user.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet includes a shell within which is defined at least one food compartment. For enhancing the access to the food storage compartment, the shell is provided with an open frontal zone which includes a frontal facing portion and a sideward facing portion. A door is hingedly connected adjacent one side of the cabinet, extends across the front of the cabinet and wraps around to an opposing side of the cabinet. In this fashion, a section of the door actually defines an extension of one side of the refrigerator cabinet such that, when the door is opened, enhanced access to within the refrigerator is provided.