Modular cabinet

Abstract

An improved modular cabinet has a metallic frame fabricated to a desired configuration and then various components are assembled to the frame to create the cabinet. The frame is created out of at least one pre-fabricated frame member to which a plurality of other components are detachably assembled. Among the components detachably assembled to the frame are those facilitating releasable attachment of components such as panels, shelves, and counters, and, additionally, various hinges or hinge halves are mounted to the frame to facilitate releasable assembly of components such as doors and access openings. Once the frame has been assembled and the brackets and hinges have been releasably assembled thereto, a variety of panels including end panels, shelving mounted within the frame, counters, doors, drawers, and other panels are assembled to the frame to create the modular cabinet. In any modular cabinet, choices are made as to these components when the frame is being assembled and numerous changes can be made in the locations of brackets, hinges, etc. to facilitate use of the same frame in assembling a variety of configurations of cabinet sub-components to create any one of a number of desired configurations, and changing the initially chosen configuration with ease.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved modular cabinet. In the prior art, modular cabinets are known, however, Applicants are unaware of any modular cabinet systems that have the versatility, ease of assembly, and ease of reconfiguration exhibited by the present invention.

In known modular cabinet systems, often some of the components thereof are assembled together in a relatively irreversible fashion employing adhesives or other fasteners that when removed cause damage to the component parts. Applicants are aware of the following prior art:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,604 to Chern discloses a modular cabinet frame structure including a multiplicity of connectors. In Chern, the structure permits assembly of several different cabinet sub-components together. By contrast, the teachings of the present invention contemplate fabrication of a frame and the ability to install a variety of diverse components within that frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,699 to Pagelow et al. discloses a modular cabinet system in which a variety of shelves and receptacles may be selectively installed. The present invention structurally distinguishes from the teachings of Pagelow et al. as contemplating fabrication of a frame structure and, thereafter, installation of a variety of alternative components therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,955 to Sanders et al. discloses modular cabinetry including a plurality of cabinet sub-structures that may be interchangeably stacked together or attached in adjacency. The present invention differs from the teachings of Sanders et al. as contemplating fabrication of a frame structure and installation of several of a variety of components therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,553 to Wunderlich discloses a modular furniture construction system in which basic elements of corner posts, intermediate posts, and corner leg converter posts are provided with longitudinal slots facilitating receipt of panels as well as fasteners used to hold shelves in place. The Wunderlich device permits different and disparate types of furniture to be assembled from these elements including desks, computer workstations, open shelves, entertainment centers, and others. The present invention differs from the teachings of Wunderlich as contemplating fabrication of a frame structure and, thereafter, assembly thereto of several out of a variety of components.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,875 to Hedrick et al. discloses modular cabinets including replaceable laminate panels. In Hedrick et al., a basic cabinet is assembled and interchangeable panels and designs are selectively mounted thereto. The present invention differs from the teachings of Hedrick et al. as contemplating fabrication of a frame structure and assembly of components thereto taken from a list of a variety of components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved modular cabinet. The present invention includes the following interrelated objects, aspects and features:

(1) In a first aspect, the present invention contemplates an improved modular cabinet in which a metallic frame is first fabricated to a desired configuration and then various components are assembled to the frame to create the cabinet.

(2) The frame is created out of at least one pre-fabricated frame member to which a plurality of other components are detachably assembled. Those components when combined with the pre-fabricated frame member create a frame to which the aesthetic and functional aspects of the cabinet are subsequently detachably assembled.

(3) Among the components detachably assembled to the pre-fabricated frame member are a number of mounting brackets that are located on various portions of the frame to facilitate releasable attachment of components such as panels, shelves, and counters, and, additionally, various hinges or hinge halves are mounted to the frame to facilitate releasable assembly of components such as doors and access openings.

(4) Once the frame has been assembled and the brackets and hinges have been releasably assembled thereto, a variety of panels including end panels, shelving mounted within the frame, counters, doors, drawers, and other panels are assembled to the frame to create the modular cabinet. In any modular cabinet, choices are made as to these components when the frame is being assembled and numerous changes can be made in the locations of brackets, hinges, etc. to facilitate use of the same frame in assembling a variety of configurations of cabinet sub-components to create any one of a number of desired configurations, and changing the initially chosen configuration with ease.

As such, it is a first object of the present invention to provide an improved modular cabinet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a cabinet in which a frame is fabricated out of at least one pre-fabricated frame member and a plurality of components detachably assembled thereto.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide such a cabinet in which the user may choose from a multiplicity of sub-components that may be selectively assembled to the frame to create a completed cabinet assembly and easily reconfigure it.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a cabinet in which a variety of brackets and hinges are detachably assembled to the frame members to facilitate assembly thereto of the other components.

These and other objects, aspects and features of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a completed cabinet assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an assembled frame with some of the components of the completed cabinet assembly shown in association therewith.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an example of a frame in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the frame with a number of the components assembled thereto and others shown in position to be so assembled.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the cabinet assembly with some components yet to be assembled thereto.

FIG. 6 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 5, but with the counter assembled thereto and a plurality of doors shown in adjacency to the locations where they will be assembled.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a corner of the frame showing assembly of brackets to the frame.

FIG. 8 shows a further perspective view showing additional brackets assembled to the frame.

FIG. 9 shows a further perspective view showing further brackets as well as details of a leg of the frame.

FIG. 10 shows a further example of a further leg and additional brackets assembled to the frame.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a pre-fabricated standard frame member.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the frame member of FIG. 11 prior to assembly.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a further example of a standard frame member.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of the frame member of FIG. 13 prior to assembly.

FIGS. 15-20 show perspective views of respective tube connectors in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 21-24 show perspective view of respective brackets incorporated in the teachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show side perspective and top views, respectively, of an outside panel connector.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show side perspective and top views, respectively, of an inside panel connector.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show side perspective and top views, respectively, of an end panel connector.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show side perspective and top views, respectively, of a seam filler connector.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show side perspective and top views, respectively, of a base panel connector.

FIGS. 35 and 36 show two examples of door face frame assemblies.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show front and side views, respectively, of a first door construction.

FIGS. 39 and 40 show rear and perspective views of the door assembly of FIGS. 37 and 38.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show front and side views, respectively, of a further door construction.

FIGS. 43 and 44 show rear and perspective views of the door configuration of FIGS. 41 and 42.

FIGS. 45, 46 and 47 show front, side and perspective views of a waste door construction.

FIGS. 48-53 show front views of a variety of frame and door assemblies.

FIGS. 54-56 show examples of face frames with FIGS. 54 and 55 showing doors assembled thereto.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference, first, to FIG. 1, a completed cabinet assembly is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and is seen to include end panels 2 and 3, doors 4, 5 and 6, a kick panel 7, a counter 8, and a door frame 9. With reference to FIGS. 2-14, the more specific details of the cabinet assembly 1 are revealed.

With reference to FIG. 2, portions of the cabinet assembly from FIG. 1 are removed to reveal the frame 10 at the heart of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 10 includes a plurality of frame members 11, 13 and 15 as well as stretchers (tubes) 16, 17, 18 and 19 interconnecting the frame members 11 and 13, and stretchers (tubes) 21, 22, 23 and 24 interconnecting frame members 13 and 15. A variety of brackets 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and others are shown and are employed to releasably fasten a variety of sub-components including the end panels and kick panel to the frame 10. These brackets will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the frame 10. As seen in FIG. 3, the stretchers or tubes are assembled to the frame members through the use of tube connectors illustrated with reference to FIGS. 15-20. FIG. 15 shows a two-way tube connector 30 including a hub 31 and coupling portions 33 and 35 designed to be inserted into stretchers such as the stretcher 16. With reference back to FIG. 2, a two-way tube connector 30 interconnects the frame member 11 to the stretcher 16.

FIG. 16 shows a three-way corner tube connector 40 having a hub 41 and coupling members 43, 45 and 47. A connector 40 is shown in FIG. 2 coupling the frame 11 to the stretcher 17.

FIG. 17 shows a three-way tee tube connector 50 including a hub 51 and coupling members 53, 55 and 57. A three-way tee tube connector 50 is shown in FIG. 2 interconnecting the frame portion 13 and the stretchers 16 and 21.

FIG. 18 shows a four-way tube connector 60 including a hub 61 and coupling members 63, 65, 67 and 69. Such a four-way tube connector 60 is shown in FIG. 2 interconnecting the frame member 13 with the stretchers 17 and 22.

Additional tube connectors are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In FIG. 19, the tube connector 70 is seen to include a hub 71 and coupling members 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76. The tube connector 80 (FIG. 20) includes coupling members 81 and 83 interconnected by a pivot mechanism including a first hinge half 85, a second hinge half 87, and a screw 89 acting as a pivot pin. The tube connector 80 allows interconnection of tubes having angular relationships that are not 90 degrees or 180 degrees and the particular angle is adjustable.

FIG. 4 shows the inventive cabinet 1 in a partial state of assembly. FIG. 4 shows, and additional to the structure shown in FIGS. 1-3, a single door universal face frame assembly 90 also illustrated in FIG. 35, and a double door universal face frame assembly 100 also seen with reference to FIG. 36. Also shown in FIG. 4 are shelves 110 and 112 which fit behind the double door universal face frame assembly and are dropped down into assembled position from their position shown in FIG. 4 before a counter 8 is installed (FIGS. 1 and 5-6), as well as narrower shelves 114 and 116 which fit into the frame 10 behind the single door universal face frame assembly 90. Each of the face frame assemblies 90 and 100 is provided to facilitate receipt of one or more doors such as those illustrated in FIGS. 37-47 as described in greater detail hereinafter.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the brackets 25, 28 and 30 are provided to hold the face frame assemblies 90 and 100 in assembled relation on the frame 10. With reference to FIGS. 21-24, the various brackets utilized in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are seen to be referred to by the reference numerals 120 (FIG. 21), 130 (FIG. 22), 140 (FIG. 23), and 150 (FIG. 24). As should be understood by those skilled in the art, each of the brackets includes a plurality of holes therethrough that are sized to receive fasteners employed to fasten the brackets to various ones of the components of the frame 10 such as the tubes and frame members. Thus, with reference back to FIG. 2, it is seen that the brackets 25, 28 and 30 in FIG. 2 correspond to the bracket 130 of FIG. 22. The brackets 26 correspond to the bracket 140 of FIG. 23, and the bracket 150 is provided under circumstances where two tubes are side-by-side, with the extra width of the bracket 150 accommodating the two tubes and surrounding them.

With reference to FIGS. 25-34, a variety of connectors are depicted. FIGS. 25-30 show a 45 degree outside panel connector 160, a 45 degree inside panel connector 170, a 90 degree end panel connector 180, and a seam filler connector is also shown with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32 and described by reference numeral 190. FIGS. 33 and 34 show a 45 degree base panel connector 200. These connectors are provided to interface between adjacent panels such as the end panels 2 and 3 with respect to the face frame assemblies 90 and 100 as one example. They provide a smooth transition and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Earlier, the adjustable tube connector 80 was described in detail with reference to FIG. 20. That tube connector is provided to facilitate creation of frames where the relationships between tubes is something other than 90 degrees or 180 degrees. As should now be understood, the 45 degree outside panel connector 160 depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26 is used with respect to a frame that includes tube connectors 80 configured to interconnect tubes making a 135 degree angle with respect to one another. This is best understood with reference to FIG. 26 which clearly shows the 135 degree angular relationship between the recesses that receive adjacent panel ends. The situation requiring use of the panel connector 160 occurs when the tube connectors 80 are configured to facilitate installation of a first panel and a second panel adjacent thereto angled in the rearward direction with respect to the first panel.

Conversely, the panel connector 170 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 is employed where the second panel diverges in a direction forward of the first panel. This is also understood from FIG. 28.

The end panel connector 180 shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 is provided to finish an end cap off the end of a frame and covers up a void of material in an aesthetic fashion.

The seam filler 190 shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 provides a transition between two adjacent panels lying in a common plane so that the adjacent edges of the panel are not visible. The base panel connector 200 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 is provided in a situation where one or the other of the panel connector 160 or 170 is employed to allow interconnection of two adjacent kick panels such as the kick panel 7 depicted in FIG. 1. Again, use of the panel connector 200 is in conjunction with a frame employing a plurality of tube connectors 80 to interconnect tubes at an angle such as 135 degrees.

FIG. 5 shows the cabinet assembly in the form shown in FIG. 4, but after the shelves have been installed from above within the frame 10. FIG. 5 shows an exploded view depicting a counter 113 that is pre-fabricated and installed on top of the frame 10 through the use of threaded fasteners 115 that extend through holes in brackets 25 which, as explained above, correspond to the bracket 130 of FIG. 22. FIG. 6 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 5, but with the counter 113 installed and with doors 117, 119 and 123 shown in the position at which they will be installed on the face frame assemblies 90 and 100. The doors 117 and 119 correspond to the door 119 depicted in FIGS. 37-39, with the only difference between the doors 117 and 119 being that they are mirror images of one another so that they may open opposite one another for aesthetic and functional reasons as understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, with reference to FIG. 39, the door 119 includes half hinges 201 and 203 that couple with half hinges of which the half hinge 205 is shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of the corner of the frame 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 identified by the reference letter F. This detail clearly shows the three-way connector 40 as well as brackets 130. FIG. 8 shows a detail of the portion of the frame 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 labeled with the reference letter G. FIG. 8 clearly shows bracket 130, bracket 140, and tube connector 30.

FIG. 9 shows a detail of the portion of the frame 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 designated by the reference letter H. FIG. 9 clearly shows the three-way connector 40, bracket 130, and the structure of a leg 210 including a threaded leveler foot 211 rotated to a position leveling the cabinet 1, and a further bracket 130 that holds the face plate 7 (shown in FIG. 2) in place while also facilitating removable attachment of the end panel 3 (also not shown in FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 shows a detail of the portion of the frame 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 as designated by the reference letter K. FIG. 10 clearly shows bracket 130 as well as a bracket 140 on the leg 220 that also assists in assembling the foot panel 7 to the frame 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the frame member 13 is shown in assembled view and exploded. With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the center frame member 13 includes a T-shaped component 231 consisting of a vertical tube section 233 and a horizontal tube section 235 welded thereto at a joint 237. A further T-shaped assembly 239 includes a vertical tube section 241 and a horizontal tube section 243 connected together at a weld 245.

Another sub-assembly is designated by the reference numeral 249 and consists of a support including a horizontal tube section 251 and two vertical tube sections 253 and 255 which comprise the legs or feet of the eventual frame 10.

A further tube section 257 is also included in frame member 13. A four-way tube connector 60 connects the tube sections 243 and 233, and permits interconnection with other tubes of the eventual frame. A four-way tube connector 60 connects together the tube sections 233 and 251, and permits interconnection with other tubes of the eventual frame. A further four-way tube connector 60 connects together the tube sections 251 and 257, and permits interconnection with other tubes of the eventual frame. The tube sections 235, 257 and 241 are interconnected by the three-way tube connector 50.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a further standard frame member is designated by the reference numeral 260. With reference to FIG. 14, the frame member 260 is made up of a number of components including the support component 249, the same as that of the frame member 13. The frame member 260 also includes a T-shaped sub-component 261 including tube section 263 welded to tube section 265 at the weld 267. The frame member 260 also includes an inverted T-shaped sub-component 269 consisting of tube section 271 and tube section 273 welded together at the weld 275. Rounding out the structures of the frame member 260 are the tube sections 277 and 279. As best shown in FIG. 14, the tube sections 251 and 279 are connected together by the four-way tube connector 60 which permits interconnection with other tubes of the eventual frame as are the tube sections 251 and 277, and the tube sections 279 and 271, and the tube sections 273 and 263. The tube sections 265 and 277 are interconnected with the tube section 271 by the three-way tube connector 50.

As should be understood from FIG. 13, the tube sections 273 and 271 create a notch 281 that allows a stepped configuration of counter having a lower counter mounted over the portion 283, an upper counter mounted on top of the tube section 263, and a backsplash mounted against the tube section 273. Suitable brackets such as those illustrated in FIGS. 21-24 are used to facilitate mounting of these counters (not shown).

FIGS. 41-56 show a variety of other components utilized in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Thus, FIGS. 41-44 show views of a door 300 that includes hinge halves 301 and 303 as well as door bumpers 305 and 307 to protect adjacent frames from marring. As should be understood, the hinge halves 301 and 303 interconnect with hinge halves mounted on associated door frames as described above to allow the door 300 to pivot about a vertical axis.

FIGS. 45-47 show views of a waste door 310 that includes holes 311 of which one is shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 that facilitate interconnection with a pivot hinge (not shown) facilitating pivoting of the waste door about a horizontal axis.

FIG. 48 shows a frame 320 in which is mounted a horizontally pivotable waste door 310 and a vertically pivotable door 300. FIG. 49 shows a face frame 330 in which is mounted a pivotable door 331 that pivots about a vertical axis. FIG. 50 shows a door frame assembly 333 in which is mounted a door 335 pivotable about a vertical axis.

FIG. 51 shows a double door frame assembly 337 in which mirror image doors 339 and 341 are mounted for pivoting about vertical axes on their outer edges so that grasping of respective handles 343 or 345 allow pivoting in opposite directions away from one another as understood by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 52 is similar to FIG. 51 except that it depicts a wider door frame assembly 350 and wider doors 351 and 353. FIG. 53 shows a door frame assembly 355 of similar width to the door frame assembly 350, but shorter in its vertical dimension so that doors 357 and 359 may be received and operate in the manner as described above with respect to the doors 339 and 341.

FIG. 54 shows the door frame assembly 320 as shown in FIG. 48 and with the door 300, but without the door 310. Similarly, FIG. 55 shows the door frame assembly 337 with the door 339, but without the door 341, thereby leaving an opening allowing direct access to shelving, for example. FIG. 56 shows a door frame assembly 350 without the doors 351 and 353 allowing direct access to, for example, shelving.

As should be understood from the above description, the present invention incorporates a great degree of versatility. The frame 10 may be assembled in a variety of configurations using the combination of standard sub-assemblies and additional components assembled together using tube connectors and brackets to facilitate any desired configuration of components to achieve a number of objectives. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a counter can be provided having one level or multiple levels, any combination of doors may be provided on the front face of the frame 10, or no doors or some doors. Shelving may be provided within the frame or it may be omitted. Waste doors may be provided that are pivotable about a horizontal axis or they may be omitted. Doors of varying dimensions may be provided only limited by the configurations of door frame assemblies.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame components other than the tube connectors are made of a suitable strong lightweight metal material. The tube connectors may, if desired, be made of plastic or metal or any other strong, easy to manufacture material. The outer components of the cabinet 1 such as counters, doors, frame members, end plates and kick plates may be made of any suitable materials well known for use in making cabinets including wood, metal, composite materials such as particle board, plastic, rubber or any other desired materials including stone materials such as granite or marble for the counter 8.

As such, an invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments thereof which fulfill each and every one of the objects of the invention set forth hereinabove, and provide a new and useful improved modular cabinet of great novelty and utility.

Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof.

As such, it is intended that the present invention only be limited by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An improved modular cabinet, comprising:

a) a frame including: i) at least one frame member having a sub-assembly comprising at least two tube sections permanently secured together to define an angular relationship therebetween; ii) at least one additional tube section releasably connected to said sub-assembly by a tube connector coupling said additional tube section to one of said tube sections of said sub-assembly; iii) a support for supporting said cabinet on a ground surface;

b) a plurality of components releasably fastened to said frame, including: i) at least one end panel; ii) at least one face frame assembly including an opening for either a door or to provide open access to an interior of said frame; and iii) a counter mounted over a top of said frame.

2. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein said support comprises a plurality of spaced feet.

3. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein said tube connector has more couplings than necessary to assemble said frame member such that said tube connector performs a dual function of facilitating assembly of said frame member and coupling it to a further tube section.

4. The cabinet of claim 1, further including a further frame member releasably coupled to said first-mentioned frame member.

5. The cabinet of claim 4, wherein each frame member includes a support comprising a plurality of feet.

6. The cabinet of claim 5, wherein said frame members are releasably coupled together by a plurality of parallel tube sections connected between said frame members by tube connectors.

7. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein said at least one end panel comprises two opposed end panels.

8. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein said at least one face frame assembly includes at least two openings.

9. The cabinet of claim 8, wherein at least one of said two openings receives a door movable between open and closed positions.

10. The cabinet of claim 9, wherein said door is pivotably mounted in a said opening.

11. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein at least one shelf is mounted within said frame.

12. The cabinet of claim 10, wherein at least one shelf is mounted within said frame and accessible in said open position of said door.

13. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein said counter has multiple levels.

14. The cabinet of claim 13, wherein said frame has a stepped upper portion configured to define said counter.

15. The cabinet of claim 1, further including brackets connected between said frame and said components.

16. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein said components include a kick plate.

17. An improved modular cabinet, comprising:

a) a frame including: i) a plurality of substantially identical frame members having a sub-assembly comprising at least two tube sections permanently secured together to define an angular relationship therebetween; ii) at least one additional tube section releasably connected to each said sub-assembly by a tube connector coupling said additional tube section to one of said tube sections of said sub-assembly; iii) a support for supporting said cabinet on a ground surface including spaced feet; iv) said frame members being releasably interconnected by at least one tube connector and tube section;

b) a plurality of components releasably fastened to said frame, including: i) at least one end panel; ii) at least one face frame assembly including a plurality of openings for doors or to provide open access to an interior of said frame; and iii) a counter mounted over a top of said frame.

18. The cabinet of claim 17, wherein said frame members are releasably coupled together by a plurality of parallel tube sections connected between said frame members by tube connectors.

19. The cabinet of claim 17, wherein at least one of said two openings receives a door pivotable between open and closed positions.

20. The cabinet of claim 19, wherein at least one shelf is mounted within said frame and is accessible in an open position of said door.

21. The cabinet of claim 17, wherein said counter has multiple levels.

22. The cabinet of claim 21, wherein said frame has a stepped upper portion configured to define said counter.

23. The cabinet of claim 17, further including brackets connected between said frame and said components.

24. The cabinet of claim 23, wherein said components include a kick plate.