CABINET SYSTEM

A cabinet system is provided. The cabinet system includes a cabinet box and a base, the cabinet box being structured to releasably couple to the base and the base being structured to support the cabinet box thereon. The cabinet box further includes a bottom plate that has a predetermined slope, the predetermined slope being an incline from the front of the bottom plate to the back of the bottom plate, such that the back of the bottom plate is higher in elevation than the front of the bottom plate. The predetermined slope is sufficient to cause liquid to flow down the bottom plate from the back to the front, but the predetermined slope is not substantial enough to prohibit the placement of objects and items thereon.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application to Peter Celano entitled “CABINET SYSTEM,” Ser. No. 61/318,169, filed Mar. 26, 2010, now pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to cabinets, and more particularly to a new and improved cabinet system.

2. State of the Art

Conventional cabinets and cabinet systems have been in use for centuries and are well known. Conventional cabinets are widely used in both commercial and residential establishments and serve many purposes, both functional and aesthetic. For example, cabinets not only offer suitable storage space for items and objects, but cabinets may also be some of the more ornate fixtures in any homeowner's elaborate kitchen, bath, garage, or other similar space.

However, conventional cabinets are designed, constructed, and installed in the interest of the cabinet maker instead of in the interest of the cabinet consumer. Cabinet makers are interested in manufacturing and selling cabinets that are the cheapest to build and install. However, cheaply constructed cabinets are not built to withstand the rigors of use. For example, over time, these cabinets may settle and/or shift, causing the cabinet system, and thus countertops, to become unlevel, or off-center, without the cabinet consumer being aware or being able to fix the problem. Most significantly, however, these cabinets are susceptible to water damage, because the wood-types used to construct these cabinets are highly susceptible to liquid. For example, conventional cabinets are often constructed with particle board, or chipboard, or medium-density fiberboard (“MDF”). Water damage in conventional cabinets leads to the possible formation of mold and its associated health risks. More often than not, the mold that results from water damage is not visible to the cabinet consumer until the mold is widespread and poses a considerable problem.

Accordingly, there is a need in the cabinet market for a cabinet that solves the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, there is a need for a cabinet that is constructed with the cabinet consumer in mind.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cabinets, and more particularly to a new and improved cabinet system, the cabinet system including a cabinet box and a base, the cabinet box being structured to couple to the base.

One aspect of the present invention may include the cabinet box comprising a front face, a right-side face, a left-side face, a rear face, and a bottom plate. The front face may comprise multiple pieces of material coupled together to define the front face, the front face having apertures therein for receiving drawers and shelves. The front face may also comprise cabinet doors attached thereto by hinges. The bottom plate may be structured to couple to at least the rear face and the front face, the bottom plate having a predetermined slope, wherein the predetermined slope is an incline from the front of the bottom plate to the back of the bottom plate, such that the back of the bottom plate is higher in elevation than the front of the bottom plate.

Another aspect of the present invention may include the cabinet box further comprising a back lip defined by the intersection between the bottom plate and the rear face, wherein the inner surface of the rear face extends below the underside surface of the bottom plate to define the back lip. Also, the cabinet box may further comprise a right-side lip and a left-side lip defined by the intersection between the underside surface of the bottom plate and the inner surfaces of the right-side face and the left-side face, respectively. The right-side and left-side lips may increase in width from the front face to the rear face, the increase in width being defined by the predetermined slope of the bottom plate, described above. Moreover, the width of the right-side and left-side lips is substantially equivalent to the width of the back lip at the intersection between the back lip and left- and right-side lips.

Another aspect of the present invention may include the base comprising a front plate, a right-side plate, a left-side plate, and a rear plate. The base may further comprise indentions in each of the front plate, the right-side plate, the left-side plate, and the rear plate, such that these indentions do not contact the surface on which the base is installed and the surface is visible. In certain embodiments, the front plate may be releasably detached from the remaining portions of the base to expose the surface underneath the base. The front plate may also pivot, or tilt, to expose the surface underneath the base.

Another aspect of the present invention may include the base further comprising a raised edge, the raised edge being coupled to the inner surface of the rear plate and being elevated higher than the remaining portions of the base. The raised edge may be structured to engage the back lip of the cabinet box under the condition that the cabinet box is coupled to the base. Under these conditions, the outer surface of the rear face of the cabinet box is flush with the outer surface of the rear plate of the base. On the other hand, under these conditions, the front face of the cabinet box is not flush with the front plate of the base but is instead set back a predetermined length from the front face to define a toe kick space between the bottom plate of the cabinet box and the surface upon which the cabinet is installed.

Another aspect of the present invention may include the base further comprising adjustable feet coupled to the base to adjust the height of the base. The base may also comprise reinforced corners, the corners being defined by the intersection between the front plate and the right- and left-side plates and between the rear plate and the right- and left-side plates. The corners may be reinforced by reinforcing portions coupled to the corners.

Another aspect of the present invention may comprise built-in levels in the cabinet box and/or base to indicate whether the cabinet box and base are level to the surface upon which they are installed or mounted. The built-in levels may be built into the cabinet box and/or base on a surface of the cabinet box and/or base that is visible after installation of the cabinet, or may alternatively be built into a surface that is not visible after installation.

Another aspect of the present invention may comprise the cabinet box and the base being constructed of water-resistant, or waterproof, wood or composite wood products. The cabinet box and the base may also be constructed using waterproof glue placed at the intersections of the various surfaces described above to hold the surfaces together. Moreover, the cabinet box and the base may further be constructed with silicone placed in and around the intersections and on and around any nails or screws used in constructing the cabinet box and base. The cabinet box and the base may further be coated with water resistant or waterproof sealant to further enhance the water-repellant features of the cabinet box and base.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cabinet system in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a cabinet box of the cabinet system in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cabinet box in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the cabinet box in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a base of a cabinet system in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the base in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the base in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the base in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the cabinet system in accordance with the embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cabinet system in accordance with the embodiments; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cabinet box in accordance with the embodiments.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, embodiments of the present invention relate to a new and improved cabinet system 10. The cabinet system 10 comprises a cabinet box 20 and a base 40. The cabinet box 20 is structured to releasably couple to the base 40, and the base 40 supports the cabinet box 20 thereon.

The cabinet box 20 comprises a front face 22, a right-side face 24, a left-side face 26, and a rear face 28, the faces defining a cube-shape having an opening therein to house items and objects. The front face 22 may be comprised of several individual pieces of material coupled together that, once coupled together, define apertures in the front face 22. Alternatively, the front face 22 may be constructed of a single piece of material, wherein the apertures are cut out of the front face 22. Nonetheless, the apertures in the front face 22 are structured to accommodate drawers and shelves (not pictured) therein, and the front face 22 is further structured to support doors (not pictured) that are coupled thereto by hinges (not pictured). The doors are capable of pivoting between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position the opening is visible.

The cabinet box 20 further comprises a bottom plate 30, the top surface of which is visible in FIG. 1. The bottom plate 30 serves as the bottom of the cabinet box and supports items and objects placed within the cabinet box 20. The bottom plate 30 is at least coupled to the front face 22 and the rear face 28, and is positioned therebetween. The bottom plate 30 is also positioned between the right- and left-side faces, 24 and 26, respectively, and if desired, the bottom plate 30 may also be coupled to either, or both, of the right- and left-side faces, 24 and 26.

The top of the front face 22 is flush with the tops of the right- and left-side faces, 24 and 26, respectively, but the sides of the front face 22 extend beyond each of the right- and left-side faces, 24 and 26, and the bottom of the front face 22 extends below the bottom plate 30, such that the front face 22 overlaps the right-side face 22, the left-side face 24, and the bottom plate 30. Such structure allows the cabinet box 20 to be placed side-by-side in a row with additional cabinet boxes 20, so that the sides of the front faces 22 of the respective cabinet boxes 20 contact one another without the side faces, 24 and 26, of the same cabinet boxes 20 contacting one another. This reduces, or eliminates, the chance for water to spread from cabinet box 20 to cabinet box 20, should water somehow attach to one of the cabinet boxes 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom plate 30 is inclined at a predetermined angle from the front face 22 to the rear face 28. Specifically, the surface of the bottom plate 30 where the bottom plate 30 intersects the rear face 28 is higher in elevation than the surface of the bottom plate 30 where the bottom plate 30 intersects the front face 22, such that the bottom plate 30 is inclined from the front face 22 to the rear face 28. The predetermined angle is sufficient to cause liquid to flow down the bottom plate 30 toward the front face 22, but not substantial enough to prohibit the placement of objects and items thereon. Also, to assist the runoff of liquid from the bottom plate 30, the bottom plate 30 intersects with a bottom edge 23 of the front face 22 at a front joint 25, such that the top surface of the bottom plate 30 is flush with the top surface of the bottom edge 23 at the front joint 25. The above-described configuration allows any liquid on the surface of the bottom plate 30 to inevitably roll down the bottom plate 30 toward the front face 22, off the bottom edge 23 of the front face 22, and out of the cabinet box 20 onto the surface upon which the cabinet system 10 is installed. In certain embodiments the predetermined angle of the bottom plate 30 with respect to a level horizontal plane, the level horizontal plane being perpendicular to a plumb line, is between 0.5 and 25 degrees. In additional embodiments, the predetermined angle is between 0.5 and 10 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the predetermined angle is approximately 5 degrees.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the cabinet box 20 is constructed using waterproof glue and silicone gel. Waterproof glue is applied to each of the intersections 60 where the front face 22, the right-side face 24, the left-side face 26, the rear face 28, and the bottom plate 30 are coupled to one another. Moreover, silicone gel is applied to the intersections 60 to further enhance the waterproof characteristics of the cabinet box 20. In addition, the silicone gel is applied over each of the screws and fasteners 62 that are used to couple together the pieces of the cabinet box 20 or secure the cabinet box 20 to the base 40. The silicone gel can also be placed in the inner corners of the cabinet box 20 where the front face 22 and the bottom plate 30 each couple to the right-side face 24 and the left-side face 26, respectively, to create a inclined bump or hill in the inner corner that prohibits liquid from pooling in the inner corner and causes the liquid to drain off the front face 22.

With regard to FIG. 3, the bottom surface of the bottom plate 30 is visible and illustrates the inclination of the bottom plate 30 at the predetermined angle described above. As the bottom surface of the bottom plate 30 inclines from the front face 22 toward the rear face 28, a side lip 34 on the underside of the cabinet box 20 is created. Specifically, at the intersection of the bottom plate 30 with the front face 22, the bottom surface of the bottom plate 30 is flush with the bottom edge of each of the right-side face 24 and the left-side face 26, such that the side lip 34 has little or no width. However, as the bottom plate 30 gradually inclines toward the rear face 28, the side lip 34 correspondingly increases in width to the point where the width of the side lip 34 is largest where the bottom plate 30 intersects with the rear face 28. The side lip 34 is the surface of the inner side of the right-side face 24 and the inner surface of the left-side face 26 that extends below the bottom surface of the bottom plate 30. Further, the side lip 34 is substantially the same dimension on both the right-side face 24 and the left-side face 26.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inclination of the bottom plate 30 also creates a back lip 32 at the intersection of the bottom plate 30 and the rear face 28, wherein the back lip 32 is the surface of the inner side of the rear face 28 that extends below the bottom surface of the bottom plate 30. The back lip 32 is substantially equal in width to the width of the side lip 34 on either the right-side face 24 or the left-side face 26 where the bottom plate 30 intersects the rear face 28. The back lip 32 runs substantially along the entire inner side of the rear face 28 from the right-side face 24 to the left-side face 26. In addition, the back lip 32 functions to align the cabinet box 20 with the base 40, which will be described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base 40 comprises a front plate 42, a right-side plate 44, a left-side plate 46, and a rear plate 48. The front plate 42 and the back plate 48 are respectively coupled at substantially right angles to each of the right-side plate 44 and the left-side plate 46, forming corners 54 where the plates intersect. When the plates are coupled in this configuration, the base 40 is substantially rectangular in shape. Moreover, the height of the respective plates, 42, 44, 46, and 48, is equivalent to one another, such that their respective top edges are level with respect to one another.

As shown in FIG. 8, the corners 54 may be reinforced with reinforcing corner plates 55 that couple to each of the respective plates that form a corner 54. The front plate 42 and rear plate 48 may also be reinforced by a reinforcing front plate 56 and a reinforcing rear plate 58, respectively.

The reinforcing plates 56 and 58 function to strengthen and stabilize the base 40. Moreover, the reinforcing plate 56 may also function to allow the front plate 42 to transition between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the front plate 42 is in its normal, conventional upright position, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5-7. However, to transition to the open position, the front plate 42 can be pivoted on a hinge (not pictured) in order to reveal the underside portions of the cabinet box 20 and the ground surface upon which the cabinet system 10 is installed, under the condition that the cabinet box 20 is mounted to the base 40. In other embodiments, the front plate 42 can transition to the open position by being releasably detached from the reinforcing plate 56 to reveal the underside portions of the cabinet box 20 and ground surface, as described above.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the base 40 further comprises indentions 52 in one or more of the plates, 42, 44, 46, and 48, the indentions 52 being positioned between the corners 54 of the base 40. The indentions 52 raise the level of the bottom edge of plates, 42, 44, 46, and 48, without altering the height or position of the corners 54, so that a user may view the ground surface upon which the base 40 is installed. The user may then conduct a cursory inspection of the ground surface by way of the indentions 52 without removing any of the plates, 42, 44, 46, and 48. Moreover, the indentions 52 in any of the plates, 42, 44, 46, and 48, raises the majority of the bottom edge of the respective plate further away from the ground surface upon which the base 40 is installed, thus further preventing liquid from adhering to the respective plates.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base 40 further comprises a raised plate 50. The raised plate 50 is coupled to the inner surface of the rear plate 48, has a vertical surface 51, as shown in FIG. 7, that is flush with the inner surface of the rear plate 48, and runs along the length of the rear plate 48. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the raised plate 50 rises above the level of the uppermost surface of the rear plate 48. However, the raised plate 50 does not rise above the uppermost surface of the rear plate 48 more than the back lip 32 is wide. In other words, the raised plate 50 does not have a height above the uppermost surface of the rear plate 48 that is greater than the width of the back lip 32. Such a configuration allows the vertical surface 51 to engage the back lip 32 of the cabinet box 20 at the same time as the rear face 28 of the cabinet box 20 engages the rear plate 48 of the base 40 under the condition that the cabinet box 20 is mounted upon the base 40. Furthermore, under the condition that the height of the raised plate 50 is equal to the width of the back lip 32, the top edge of the raised plate 50 also engages the bottom plate 30.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the base 40 further comprises adjustable feet 41 releasably coupled to the base 40 at each of the corners 54. The adjustable feet 41 are typically made of metal, or other waterproof material, but may be made of any waterproof material, such as plastic, that is suitable to support the weight of the cabinet system 10. The adjustable feet 41 are also typically the only part of the base 40, and thus the cabinet system 10, that is in contact with the ground surface upon which the cabinet system 10 is installed. This prevents water or other liquids on the ground surface from coming into contact with the surfaces of the base 40 or the cabinet box 20.

The adjustable feet 41 may be separately and individually adjusted to alter the height of any of the corners 54. Specifically, if a user wishes, for example, to elevate one particular corner 54 of the base 40, the user can simply adjust the height of the adjustable foot 41 at that particular corner 54. This is advantageous because a user may wish to install a series of cabinet systems 10 on an uneven or slanted surface. The adjustable feet 41 allow the user to adjust the height of one or more corners 54 to make each of the corners 54 level to one another, such that the base 40 is completely level, despite the cabinet systems 10 being installed on the uneven or slanted surface.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, under the condition that the cabinet box 20 is coupled to the base 40, the cabinet box 20 rests above and on top of the base 40. Also, the rear face 28 of the cabinet box 20 is flush with the rear plate 48 of the base 40 and the rear face 28 is in substantially the same vertical plane as the rear plate 48. This is due to the relationship of the raised plate 50 and the back lip 32, as described above. Specifically, during installation of the cabinet system 10, the cabinet box 20 may be placed upon the base 40 and moved until the back lip 32 engages the raised plate 50. Upon engagement, an installer can know, without having to visually confirm as much, that the rear face 28 of the cabinet box 20 is flush with and in contact with the rear plate 28 of the base. This reduces the time and effort required to install the cabinet boxes 20 on their respective bases 40.

As shown in FIG. 9, unlike the rear face 28 and the rear plate 48, the front face 22 and the front plate 42 are not in the same vertical plane. The front plate 42 is substantially parallel with the front face 22, but the front plate 42 is positioned inward of the front face 22 and closer to the rear plate 48 than the front face 22. Such a structural configuration defines a toe kick space 45 between the bottom plate 30 and the ground surface and in front of the front plate 42. The toe kick space 45 allows the user to stand closer to the cabinet system 10 because the user may place his/her toes in the toe kick space 45.

To further assist in the installation of the cabinet system 10, the cabinet box 20 and/or the base 40 may have levels 70, such as spirit levels, built therein, or attached thereto, as shown in FIG. 11. The levels 70 are operably coupled to the cabinet box 20 and/or base 40 during construction, or prior to installation of the cabinet system 10. Specifically, the various surfaces of the cabinet box 20 or base 40 to which the level 70 is to be attached are first placed in a position where their respective horizontal edges are substantially, if not exactly, perpendicular to a plumb line. The level 70 is then oriented such that it indicates that the level 70 is level, and the level 70 is operably coupled to the surface of the cabinet box 20 or base 40. With this configuration, the level 70 indicates that the surfaces of the cabinet system 10 are indeed level with respect to a plumb line. Accordingly, any user, or cabinet consumer, can determine whether the cabinet system 10 is level at the time of installation. In addition, a user, or cabinet consumer, may routinely check the level of the cabinet system 10 after installation. Over time the cabinet system 10 may shift or settle for any number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the shifting of tectonic plates of the Earth, thus causing the cabinet system 10 to change from its initial level position to an unlevel position. The user may place the cabinet system 10 back into its level position by reading the level 70 and adjusting the cabinet system 10 by way of the adjustable feet 41 until the level 70 indicates that the cabinet system 10 is again in its initial level position. The level 70 can be placed on the faces 24, 26, or 28, or portions of the cabinet system 10 that are physically coupled to those faces, as shown in FIG. 11.

The level 70 is not placed on the bottom plate 30, because the bottom plate 30 is always inclined at the predetermined angle described above with respect to the faces, 22, 24, 26, and 28, of the cabinet box 20. In fact, it is the inclination of the bottom plate 30 with respect to the remainder of the level cabinet system 10 that allows the cabinet system 10 of the present invention to cause water to run off its surfaces, specifically the surface of the bottom plate 30.

Additionally, prior to installation, the right-side face 24 and the right-side plate 44 are stamped, for example, by a rubber stamp or a brand, with the word “right” to indicate that face 24 and plate 44 are to be installed on the right side of the cabinet system 10. Similarly, the left-side face 26 and the left-side plate 46 are stamped, for example, by a rubber stamp or a brand, with the word “left” to indicate that face 26 and plate 46 are to be installed on the left side of the cabinet system 10. Moreover, face 28 and plate 48 are stamped, for example, by a rubber stamp or a brand, with the word “back” to indicate that face 28 and plate 48 are to be installed on the back side of the cabinet system 10. Bottom plate 30 is also stamped, for example, by a rubber stamp or a brand, with the word “bottom” to indicate that bottom plate 30 is to be installed on the bottom side of the cabinet system 10. The inner surface of face 28 is also marked where the bottom plate 30 is to be coupled to the face 28 to create the predetermined angle of the bottom plate 30.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cabinet box 20 and the base 40 may be treated with a water sealant prior to installation. Alternatively, the various components of the cabinet box 20 and the base 40 may be individually treated with a water sealant prior to assembly. Moreover, the cabinet box 20 and the base 40, or their respective parts, may be individually or collectively treated upon installation, prior to installation, or prior to assembly with a waterproof coating, such as a polyester resin product that when mixed with a hardener (such as an organic peroxide), or catalyst, turns into a putty which then sets and becomes rock-hard.

The cabinet system 10 can be installed in various units, such as dwellings, office space, garages, company facilities, or any other like establishment wherein cabinets are desired. The cabinet system 10 can also comprise a countertop, a sink, and can facilitate any necessary plumbing.

The cabinet system 10 of the present invention can be manufactured and sold as assembled units, comprising the cabinet box 20 and the base 40. Alternatively, the cabinet system 10 of the present invention can be manufactured and sold as a kit having instructions for assembly of the individual components. Each component of the system 10, specifically, the individual components of the cabinet box 20 and the base 40 can be manufactured, prepared, packaged, and sold as a collective kit for assembly by the end-user or cabinet installer. The individual components can be identified, labeled, marked, and pre-fabricated so they can be assembled by the end-user or cabinet installer according to the provided instructions. Moreover, replacement parts for each of the components may be manufactured, packaged, and sold individually for replacement of damaged or worn components. The kit allows the cabinet system 10 to be manufactured at a location and shipped to another location, at which the assembly and installation of the cabinet system 10 takes place.

Due to the waterproof nature of the cabinet system 10 of the present invention, it can be installed and used advantageously in areas of high susceptibility to humidity, moisture, extreme weather, flood, or the like. Aspects of the present invention described above allow the cabinet system 10 to remain free from water damage even under conditions where the cabinet system 10 is exposed to high-volumes of water, whether by leaking pipes, torrential rain, flood or the like.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cabinet box 20 and the base 40 are constructed of Baltic birch plywood, which is stronger and more stable than other conventional plywood. Moreover, Baltic birch plywood exhibits suitable water-resistant qualities. Nonetheless, the cabinet system 10 of the present invention may be constructed of any material suitable to provide sufficient strength and sufficient water repellant characteristics to function as a cabinet. Specifically, the components defining any cabinet system 10 may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of the cabinet system 10 described above. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination thereof.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet box, the cabinet box comprising:

a front face;
a rear face; and
a bottom plate having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the front face and the second end is coupled to the rear face, the bottom plate being inclined at a predetermined slope from the first end to the second end.

2. The cabinet box of claim 1, further comprising:

side faces positioned between the front and rear surfaces, the side faces being coupled to the front face, the rear face, and the bottom plate,
wherein the front face is further comprised of multiple pieces coupled together to define an opening in the front face, the opening being configured to receive and support slidable drawers therein, and
wherein the side faces are configured to receive and support adjustable shelves there between, and
wherein the front face is configured to have attached thereto a hinge that supports a cabinet door, such that the cabinet door can pivot about the hinge between an open position exposing an interior of the cabinet box and a closed position concealing the interior.

3. The cabinet box of claim 2, wherein a bottom edge of the rear face and a bottom edge of each of the side faces are substantially parallel with a ground surface and aligned along a parallel plane above the ground surface.

4. The cabinet box of claim 3, further comprising:

a lip, the lip being defined by the intersection of the bottom plate and the rear face, wherein the predetermined slope of the bottom plate results in the rear face protruding below the underside surface of the bottom plate; and
a secondary lip, the secondary lip being defined by the intersection of the bottom plate and the side face, wherein the predetermined slope of the bottom plate results in the side face protruding below the underside surface of the bottom plate, wherein the secondary lip increases according to the predetermined slope.

5. The cabinet box of claim 3, wherein a bottom edge of the front face is parallel to the bottom edge of the rear face, but the bottom edge of the front face is positioned at a lower elevation than the bottom edge of the rear face.

6. The cabinet box of claim 1, further comprising:

a level coupled to the cabinet box to indicate the orientation of the cabinet box with respect to a horizontal plane, wherein the level is configured to be visible during installation of the cabinet box but invisible after completion of the installation.

7. The cabinet box of claim 6, wherein the level is pre-built into the cabinet box during manufacturing.

8. The cabinet box of claim 2, wherein the cabinet box is comprised of water-resistant wood,

wherein the cabinet box is coated with a water-resistant sealant, and
wherein silicone is placed in intersections between each of the front face, the rear face, and the side faces.

9. A cabinet base, the base comprising:

a front face;
a back face;
side faces positioned between the front face and the back face, each side face being coupled to the front and back faces, the respective faces defining therebetween an interior,
wherein the front face is configured to releasably detach from the cabinet base to reveal the interior or configured to pivot between a closed position concealing the interior and an open position revealing the interior.

10. The cabinet base of claim 9, further comprising:

a protrusion positioned proximate an inner surface of the back face; and
a top edge of each of the front face, the back face, and the side faces, wherein the respective top edges are parallel with one another in a plane, and
wherein the protrusion extends above the top surface of the back face.

11. The cabinet base of claim 8, wherein intersections between the rear face, the back face and the side faces are reinforced with strengthening members.

12. The cabinet base of claim 10, further comprising:

adjustable feet, wherein the adjustable feet are independently adjustable to bring the top edges into the plane.

13. A cabinet system, the cabinet system comprising:

a cabinet box comprising: a front face; a rear face; a bottom plate having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the front face and the second end is coupled to the rear face, the bottom plate being inclined at a predetermined slope from the first end to the second end; side faces positioned between the front and rear surfaces, the side faces being coupled to the front face, the rear face, and the bottom plate; and a lip, the lip being defined by the intersection of the bottom plate and the rear face, wherein the predetermined slope of the bottom plate results in the rear face protruding below the underside surface of the bottom plate, the lip having an interior surface; and
a cabinet base comprising: a front face; a back face; side faces positioned between the front face and the back face, each side face being coupled to the front and back faces; a protrusion positioned proximate an interior surface of the back face; and a top edge of each of the front face, the back face, and the side faces, wherein the respective top edges are parallel with one another in a plane, and wherein the protrusion extends above the top surface of the back face,
wherein the cabinet box is configured to rest upon the cabinet base, the interior surface of the lip of the cabinet box being structured to engage an outer surface of the protrusion to align the rear face of the cabinet box with the rear face of the cabinet base.

14. The cabinet system of claim 13, wherein the front face is further comprised of multiple pieces coupled together to define an opening in the front face, the opening being configured to receive and support slidable drawers therein,

wherein the side faces are configured to receive and support adjustable shelves there between, and
wherein the front face is configured to have attached thereto a hinge that supports a cabinet door, such that the cabinet door can pivot about the hinge between an open position exposing an interior of the cabinet box and a closed position concealing the interior.

15. The cabinet system of claim 13, further comprising:

a level coupled to the cabinet system to indicate the orientation of the cabinet system with respect to a horizontal plane, wherein the level is configured to be visible during installation of the cabinet system but invisible after completion of the installation.

16. The cabinet system of claim 13, wherein the front face of the cabinet base is configured to releasably detach from the cabinet base to reveal the interior of the cabinet base between the underside of the cabinet box and a ground surface upon which the cabinet system is placed or wherein the front face of the cabinet base is configured to pivot between a closed position concealing the interior and an open position revealing the interior.

17. The cabinet system of claim 13, wherein the cabinet system is made of water-resistant wood,

wherein waterproof glue is used to couple the water-resistant wood together to form the cabinet box and the cabinet base,
wherein silicone is placed at intersections between the front face, the rear face, the side faces and the bottom plate of the cabinet box, and
wherein the cabinet system is coated with waterproof sealant.

18. The cabinet system of claim 13, further comprising:

adjustable feet, wherein the adjustable feet are independently adjustable to level the cabinet system.

19. The cabinet system of claim 13, further comprising:

a countertop coupled to the cabinet system.

20. The cabinet system of claim 13, further comprising:

a structure, the cabinet system being a part of the structure.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110234066
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 25, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 29, 2011
Inventor: Peter Celano (Mesa, AZ)
Application Number: 13/072,597
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Combined (312/237); Having Particular Cabinet Support (312/351.1)
International Classification: A47B 91/02 (20060101); A47B 96/20 (20060101); A47B 91/00 (20060101);