GB2568903A

GB2568903A - Modular kitchen assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2568903A
Application number: GB1719872.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: john allen Daniel
Original assignee: Neptune Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Neptune Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-29
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2019-06-05
Also published as: GB201719872D0

Abstract

A modular kitchen assembly comprises at least three frame members 9, each having at least two legs 11 and a cross-board 13 mounted between the posts 11. The frames 9 are positioned upright, such that each is supported by its legs 11. Left and right sides of panels within at least two intermediate bodies 15 are configured to be attached to the boards 13. Intermediate bodies 15 are mounted between respective pairs of frame members 9, forming a base unit 1 by aligning several attachment points of a panel of each central section 15 with corresponding points on the cross-board 13. A substantially planar worktop is mounted over the base unit to form an assembly such as a kitchen island. The intermediate elements 15 are removable in their entireties from this assembly. The intermediate bodies 15 may include drawer assemblies 12 or joining pieces 14.

Description

Modular kitchen assembly

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a modular kitchen assembly. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a modular kitchen assembly which can be reconfigured to a new design.

Background of the Invention

Kitchen assemblies may have a resource-efficient construction. For example, floor-level assemblies may have a top layer of solid wood mounted on a particleboard frame, whereas eye-level wall-mounted assemblies may have a series of particleboard cupboards, with solid wooden doors .

Superior kitchen assemblies may have a solid wooden construction, providing enhanced aesthetic and guality.

An example of a floor-level kitchen assembly is a kitchen island. Traditionally, kitchen islands are stand-alone structures positioned in the centre of a kitchen, making use of floor space which may otherwise be redundant. They are typically square or rectangular in footprint, and accessible from all sides. They provide additional kitchen furniture to complement wall-mounted furniture, for example providing additional storage space and/or additional worktop space, in a space-efficient manner. They may provide seating in the form of a breakfast bar, to complement or as an alternative to dining table seating. They may be aesthetically desirable in a kitchen environment.

Kitchen islands tend to be single storey, having one or more sections which may house shelves and/or cupboards, and a covering worktop (which may additionally accommodate a sink).

Basic, lower quality kitchen assemblies tend to be free-standing (i.e. portable), and may be flat-packed for home-construction. Although the kitchen assemblies tend to be movable as a single structure, they are not reconfigurable .

Higher quality kitchen assemblies may have a solid wooden construction. Such kitchen assemblies tend to be constructed on-site by a skilled carpenter/joiner to a bespoke design. The kitchen assemblies are not portable, typically being fixed to the floor or wall. Once constructed, it is not generally possible to disassemble such kitchen assemblies, without specialist carpentry/joinery skill. The kitchen assemblies having been constructed to a particular design, are not reconfigurable should the reguirements for the kitchen space change .

The present invention seeks to mitigate the abovementioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved modular kitchen assembly.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided, a modular kitchen assembly comprising: (i) at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a cross-board mounted between the supporting legs; (ii) at least two intermediate bodies, each comprising a panel having a left side and a right side, each left and right side configured to be attached to a cross-board of a frame member; (iii) a substantially planar worktop; wherein the frame members are positioned in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs; and the intermediate bodies are mounted between respective pairs of frame members forming a base unit, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body being attached to the crossboard of an adjacent frame member; and each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board have a plurality of attachment points, at least two of the left side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the crossboard attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members; and the worktop is mounted over the base unit to form a kitchen assembly; and the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.

The present invention recognises that a kitchen assembly can have a modular form, in which the component elements of the kitchen assembly can, advantageously, be easily disconnected, without requiring disassembly of all the constituent parts. Such a kitchen assembly also enables easier initial assembly from a series of preformed elements, using only basic carpentry skill. The advantages provided by the present invention are particularly useful in a kitchen environment, where space and other functional or aesthetic requirements may frequently change.

The present invention provides a versatile kitchen assembly, which can be tailored to the unique functional requirements of the user, without expensive bespoke design (i.e. whilst being constructed from a limited number of constituent parts).

Each of the frame members may have a substantially identical pattern of attachment points. Each of the intermediate bodies may have a complementary pattern of attachment points, such that the attachment points map to corresponding attachment points in the frame members.

The pattern of attachment points in each frame member may enable each intermediate body to be mounted in more than one position between any given pair of respective frame members, for example in two or more separate locations. The same intermediate body could potentially therefore provide different functionality depending on its mounted position. The pattern of attachment points in each frame member may enable each intermediate body to be mounted between any two adjacent frame members.

The present invention also advantageously enables individual parts of the kitchen assembly to be removed for repair or replacement without deconstruction of the entire assembly.

The present invention recognises that a high quality kitchen assembly can be provided in a modular form for self-assembly, using pre-fabricated intermediate bodies, thus offering a high-end product which can be manufactured and assembled more economically. Such a product is advantageously future-proofed, by enabling reconfiguration to accommodate changing requirements, offering value for money to customers.

The intermediate bodies may be cuboidal intermediate bodies, each comprising a left panel, a right panel, a front panel and a rear panel. The intermediate bodies may each additionally comprise a bottom panel.

The at least three frame members may have a plurality of different depths.

The kitchen assembly may have a non-uniform depth. The at least three frame members may have the same height and width.

Each of the at least three frame members may be substantially identical.

The kitchen assembly may have a uniform depth.

The use of common components may facilitate interchangeability in the modular system, providing greater options for initial customisation and reconfiguration from a limited range of parts. Such a design may reduce manufacturing costs by minimising the number of component parts.

The intermediate bodies may be configured such that they can be mounted between any two respective frame members .

The kitchen assembly may therefore be reconfigurable, to suit changing reguirements for the kitchen space. Such a modular system may provide versatility, enabling the intermediate bodies to be reattached and reused in a new location in the base unit, after removal.

The attachment points may be bolt holes.

The removal and if required, re-attachment of the intermediate bodies may therefore be undertaken using only basic carpentry skill and tools.

The intermediate bodies may be re-attachable as entire elements to the kitchen assembly.

Such a feature may provide for quick and easy reconfiguration of the kitchen assembly.

The modular kitchen assembly may be formed of solid wood.

Such a kitchen assembly may be a premium quality kitchen assembly, of the kind usually constructed to a bespoke design. The kitchen assembly may therefore provide advantages associated with traditionally constructed solid wood kitchen furniture for example, stability, longevity and quality.

At least one of the intermediate bodies may include drawers. At least one of the intermediate bodies may include shelves. At least one of the intermediate bodies may include a panel inset from the outer edge of the kitchen assembly, providing a space for a stool under the worktop .

The height of each intermediate body may be the same as the height of every other intermediate body. The width of each intermediate body may be the same as the width of every other intermediate body.

Thus the intermediate bodies may be readily interchanged in the modular kitchen assembly, provided there are sufficient attachment points (i.e. provided there is space between two respective frame members that is not already occupied by other intermediate bodies).

The modular kitchen assembly may be a kitchen island. The modular kitchen assembly may be for use at the periphery of the kitchen, for example adjacent a kitchen wall.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided, a method of constructing a modular kitchen assembly including the following steps: providing at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a cross-board mounted between the supporting legs; providing at least two intermediate bodies, each comprising a panel having a left side and a right side, each left and right side configured to be attached to a cross-board of a frame member; providing a substantially planar worktop; positioning the frame members in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs; mounting the intermediate bodies between respective pairs of frame members forming a base unit, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body attached to the cross-board of an adjacent frame member, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board having a plurality of attachment points, at least two of the left side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the crossboard attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members; mounting the worktop over the base unit to form a kitchen assembly; wherein the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.

The method may further include the steps of: removing an intermediate body as an entire element; reconfiguring the kitchen assembly by re-attaching the intermediate body at a different location in the base unit.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming a modular kitchen assembly comprising: (i) at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a cross-board mounted between the supporting legs; (ii) at least two intermediate bodies, each comprising a panel having a left side and a right side, each left and right side configured to be attached to a cross-board of a frame

- 8 member; (iii) a substantially planar worktop; wherein the intermediate bodies are configured to be mounted between respective pairs of frame members when the frame members are positioned in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs, such that each left and right side of the panel of each intermediate body is attached to the cross-board of an adjacent frame member, forming a base unit; and each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board have a plurality of attachment points, the attachment points arranged such that at least two of the left side attachment points are aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points are aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members; and the worktop is configured to be mounted over the base unit to form a kitchen assembly; and the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa .

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base unit of a kitchen island according to a first example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the base unit of the kitchen island of the first example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a front view of the left section of the kitchen island of the first example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the left section of the kitchen island of the first example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the centre section of the kitchen island of the first example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the right section of the kitchen island of the first example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a base unit of a kitchen island of a second example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a base unit of a kitchen island of a third example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a base unit of a kitchen island of a fourth example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a base unit of a kitchen island of a fifth example embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a base unit of a kitchen island of a sixth example embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

An example of a modular kitchen assembly is a kitchen island. A first example embodiment of the invention concerns a kitchen island.

The base unit 1 of the kitchen island according to the first example embodiment of the invention (Figures 1 and 2) has three sections, a left section 3, a right section 5 and a centre section 7, each formed of solid wood. The base unit 1 is depicted in an upright orientation, and would typically have a planar worktop (not shown) fixed above, to form a complete kitchen island. The base unit is 885mm high, 1160mm deep and 4629mm wide.

The left section 3 has a left frame member 9 formed of two spaced apart posts 11 and a cross-board 13 spanning the posts, and an identical right frame member

9. The cross boards 13 are attached to the posts 11 using standard joinery technigues. An intermediate body 15 spans the two frame members 9, fixed to each frame member 9 at the adjacent cross-board 13. The intermediate body 15 of the left section 3 is formed of two drawer assemblies 12, positioned back-to-back, so that the drawers are accessible from the front and the rear of the island.

Similarly, the right section 5 has a left frame member 9 formed of two spaced apart posts 11 and a crossboard 13 spanning the posts, and an identical right frame member 9. An intermediate body 15'' spans the two frame members 9, fixed to each frame member 9 at the adjacent cross-board 13. The intermediate body 15'' of the right section 5 is formed of a joining piece 14, having front and rear panels each inset from the respective front and rear sides of the island, providing space for a stool.

The right frame member 9 of the left section 3 is shared with the centre section 7, so that it also forms the left frame member 9 of the centre section 7. Similarly, the left frame member 9 of the right section 5 is shared with the centre section 7, so that it also forms the right frame member 9 of the centre section 7. An intermediate body 15' spans the left and right frame members 9 of the centre section 7, fixed to each frame member 9 at the adjacent cross-board 13. The intermediate body 15' is formed of a drawer assembly 12 (substantially identical to the drawer assemblies 12 of the left section 3) accessible from the front of the island, and a panel 10 inset from the rear side of the island, providing space for a stool.

The left section 3 assemblies are cuboidal

12, each having left 23, right

25, upper 18, lower 21 and rear 20 bounding walls, the drawer assemblies being symmetrical about a centre line (not shown) between respective frame members 9, when mounted. The drawer assemblies 12 are fixed to respective frame members 9 as described above. Each drawer assembly 12 includes three drawers 17, positioned side-by-side, the front of each drawer 17 inset slightly from the front/rear edge 22 of the two adjacent frame members 9. Each drawer assembly 12 forms a selfcontained (e.g. whole) element, and is constructed by known joinery techniques. Each drawer assembly 12 is bolted to the adjacent frame members 9 at complementary attachment points 19 located in each of the left 23 and right 25 bounding walls of the drawer assembly 12 and in each adjacent cross-board 13.

The centre section 7 (Figure 5) drawer assembly 12 is substantially the same as the each drawer assembly 12 of the left section 3, and extends between respective frame members 9 at the front of the centre section 7. The centre section 7 also includes a panel 10 (in place of the rear drawer assembly of the left section 3), which extends between respective frame members 9 towards the rear of the centre section 7. The panel 10 is a selfcontained (e.g. whole) element, and includes a generally planar board, with ribs 21 on each left and right edge. The panel 10 is constructed by known joinery techniques. The panel 10 is bolted to each adjacent cross-board 13 at attachment points 19 located in the ribs 21, which align with complementary attachment points 19 in the adjacent cross-boards 13. The panel 10 is the same height 'h', and width 'w' as the drawer assembly 12.

The right section 5 (Figure 6) joining piece 14 is a self-contained (e.g. whole) box-shaped element, formed of front 25 and back 23, left 29 and right 27, and bottom 31 bounding walls. The joining piece 14 is constructed using standard joinery technigues. The joining piece 14 is bolted to the adjacent frame members 9 at complementary attachment points 19 located in each of the left 29 and right 27 bounding walls of the joining piece 14, and in each adjacent cross-board 13. The joining piece 14 is the same height 'h' and width 'w' as the drawer assemblies 12 and panel 10.

Since the width 'w' and height 'h' of each of the drawer assemblies 12, panel 10 and joining piece 14 are the same, and the pattern of attachment points on each frame member 9 is the same and permits multiple configurations, the various components of the intermediate bodies (15, 15', 15'') along with the frame members 9 form parts of a modular system.

The components can be fitted either side of a notional centre line through the frame members, as in the left 3 and centre 7 sections of the first example embodiment, or can be fitted centrally within the frame members, as in the right section 3 of the first example embodiment, and can provide the same or different functionality to the front and rear sides of the kitchen island.

Advantageously, in the first example embodiment, the components (12, 10, 14) of the intermediate bodies (15, 15', 15'') can be removed as whole self-contained elements simply by removing the bolts from the attachment points 19 (i.e. without specialist joinery skill). The components (12, 10, 14) of the intermediate bodies (15, 15', 15'') can also be re-attached as whole selfcontained elements at different attachment points 19 (i.e. without specialist joinery skill) between different pairs of frame members 9, for example if a different kitchen island configuration is required. Frame members 9 can be removed if a smaller kitchen island is desired, or added if a larger kitchen island is desired. Thus a versatile modular system is provided whereby a kitchen island can be de-constructed, re-arranged whilst in situ (for example to reflect changing requirements for the kitchen space), and re-constructed using only basic carpentry skill.

Several further example variations will now be described:

In the second example embodiment of the invention (Figure 7), the base unit 101 is substantially the same as the base unit of the first example embodiment, but with only two sections: a left section 103 similar to the left section of the first example embodiment, and a right section 105 similar to the right section of the first example embodiment. The base unit is 885mm high, 1160mm deep and 3115mm wide.

In the third example embodiment of the invention (Figure 8), the base unit 201 is substantially the same as the base unit of the second embodiment, but is narrower (not as wide), each drawer assembly 212 having only two drawers 217 instead of three. As in the first example embodiment, the joining piece 214 is the same height and width as each drawer assembly 212 of the same embodiment. The base unit is 885mm high, 1160mm deep and 2230mm wide.

In the fourth example embodiment of the invention (Figure 9), the base unit 301 is substantially the same as the (standard depth) base unit of the third embodiment, but is shallower (less deep), each of the drawer assemblies 312, joining piece 314 and frame members 309 having a smaller depth. The base unit is 885mm high, 866mm deep and 2230mm wide. In this example embodiment, a different pattern of attachment points on the frame members and intermediate bodies, for example, having fewer attachment points, is required.

In the fifth example embodiment of the invention (Figure 10), the base unit 401 is substantially the same as the (standard depth) base unit of the first example embodiment, but is even shallower, being half the standard depth, and with only two sections. Each section 403, 405 is similar to the left section of the first example embodiment (i.e. having a drawer assembly which is three drawers wide). Each section has only one drawer assembly 412, rather than two positioned back-to-back. Such an example embodiment reguires a corresponding shallower frame member. The base unit is 885mm high, 623mm deep and 3115mm wide. In this example embodiment, a different pattern of attachment points on the frame members and intermediate bodies, for example, having fewer attachment points, is required.

In the sixth example embodiment of the invention (Figure 11), the base unit 501 is substantially the same as the base unit of the fourth example embodiment, but with each section 503, 505 having two drawer assemblies 512 positioned back to back and each drawer assembly 512 having three side-by-side drawers 517. The base unit is 885mm high, 866mm deep and 3115mm wide.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

It will be appreciated that the base unit in the first example embodiment of the present invention, has been formed from three sections arranged consecutively; however, in alternative embodiments the base unit may be formed from four or more sections, or fewer than three sections .

In a variation not illustrated, a section having a three-drawer drawer assembly is positioned adjacent a section having a two-drawer drawer assembly (i.e. one section being wider than the other). The reconfiguration in such a variation is achieved by replacing the intermediate bodies with others having the same width.

In a variation not illustrated, a section having standard depth is positioned adjacent a section having shallower depth, for example having only half the depth. The reconfiguration in such a variation is achieved by replacing the intermediate bodies with others having the same width, using the available attachment points. In such an embodiment, the pattern of attachment points in the narrow frame member corresponds with the pattern of attachment points in the wider frame members.

An alternative embodiment of the invention has wider intermediate bodies for example having more than three drawers per drawer assembly. In other alternative embodiments of the invention, there are three sections, but the intermediate bodies are arranged differently, for example with drawer assemblies in every section. In alternative embodiments of the invention the intermediate bodies may provide different functionality for example, providing open shelving, or storage for bottles, or a recess for accommodating a sink or any other useful kitchen storage or utility space.

In the above example embodiments of the invention, the intermediate bodies may be pre-formed. They may be suitable for assembling together with pre-formed frame members. However, the components of the intermediate bodies may alternatively or additionally be suitable for fitting piece-by-piece to the assembled frame members.

The example embodiments of the invention concern a kitchen island. An alternative embodiment of the invention concerns a low-level wall-mounted assembly, for example a series of interconnected cabinet and/or shelving units at floor level. Such a wall-mounted assembly may include a worktop. Such a wall-mounted assembly may not include a worktop. An alternative embodiment of the invention concerns an eye-level wallmounted assembly, for example a series of interconnected cabinet and/or shelving units at head height. Such a wall-mounted assembly may not include a worktop.

A modular kitchen assembly may comprise: (i) at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a cross-board mounted between the supporting legs; (ii) at least two intermediate bodies, each comprising a panel having a left side and a right side, each left and right side configured to be attached to a cross-board of a frame member; wherein the frame members are positioned in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs; and the intermediate bodies are mounted between respective pairs of frame members forming a base unit, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body being attached to the cross-board of an adjacent frame member; and each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board have a plurality of attachment points, at least two of the left side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the crossboard attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members; and the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be 5 appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A modular kitchen assembly comprising:

(i) at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a cross-board mounted between the supporting legs;

(ii) at least two intermediate bodies, each comprising a panel having a left side and a right side, each left and right side configured to be attached to a cross-board of a frame member;

(iii) a substantially planar worktop;

wherein the frame members are positioned in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs; and the intermediate bodies are mounted between respective pairs of frame members forming a base unit, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body being attached to the cross-board of an adjacent frame member; and each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board have a plurality of attachment points, at least two of the left side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the crossboard attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members; and the worktop is mounted over the base unit to form a kitchen assembly; and the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.

2. A modular kitchen assembly according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate bodies are cuboidal intermediate bodies, each comprising a left panel, a right panel, a front panel and a rear panel.

3. A modular kitchen assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least three frame members have a plurality of different depths.

4. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the at least three frame members are substantially identical.

5. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediate bodies are configured such that they can be mounted between any two respective frame members .

6. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment points are bolt holes.

7. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the intermediate bodies are re-attachable as entire elements to the kitchen assembly.

8. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim formed of solid wood.

9. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the intermediate bodies includes drawers.

10. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the intermediate bodies includes shelves.

11. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the intermediate bodies includes a panel inset from the outer edge of the kitchen assembly, providing a space for a stool under the worktop .

12. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the height of each intermediate body is the same as the height of every other intermediate body.

13. A modular kitchen assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the width of each intermediate body is the same as the width of every other intermediate body.

14. A modular kitchen assembly wherein the modular kitchen assembly is a kitchen island.

15. A method of constructing a modular kitchen assembly including the following steps:

• providing at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a crossboard mounted between the supporting legs;

• providing at least two intermediate bodies, each comprising a panel having a left side and a right side, each left and right side configured to be attached to a cross-board of a frame member;

• providing a substantially planar worktop;

• positioning the frame members in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs;

• mounting the intermediate bodies between respective pairs of frame members forming a base unit, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body attached to the cross-board of an adjacent frame member, each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board having a plurality of attachment points, at least two of the left side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points being aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members;

• mounting the worktop over the base unit to form a kitchen assembly;

wherein the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.

16. A method according to claim 15 further including the steps of:

• removing an intermediate body as an entire element;

• reconfiguring the kitchen assembly by re-attaching the intermediate body at a different location in the base unit.

17. A kit of parts for forming a modular kitchen assembly comprising:

(1) at least three frame members, each comprising two or more supporting legs and a cross-board mounted between the supporting legs;

(iii) a substantially planar worktop;

wherein the intermediate bodies are configured to be mounted between respective pairs of frame members when the frame members are positioned in an upright orientation such that each frame member is supported by its legs, such that each left and right side of the panel of each intermediate body is attached to the cross-board of an adjacent frame member, forming a base unit; and each left and each right side of the panel of each intermediate body and each cross-board have a plurality of attachment points, the attachment points arranged such that at least two of the left side attachment points are aligned with a corresponding at least two of the crossboard attachment points, and at least two of the right side attachment points are aligned with a corresponding at least two of the cross-board attachment points, when the intermediate bodies are mounted between the frame members; and the worktop is configured to be mounted over the base unit to form a kitchen assembly; and the intermediate bodies are removable as entire elements from the kitchen assembly.