Modular laundry system with work surface having a functional insert

Abstract

A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance with a top and a worksurface that extends over the top of the at least one laundry appliance and comprises a functional insert provided on the worksurface.

1 . A modular laundry system comprising: 
 at least one laundry appliance with a top; and    a worksurface that extends over the top of the at least one laundry appliance and comprises a functional insert provided on the worksurface.    
   
   
       2 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional insert comprises a first surface configured for performing a first function and a second surface configured for performing a second function different from the first function.  
   
   
       3 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 2 , wherein the first and second functions are selected from a group comprising scrubbing, handwashing, ironing, and cutting fabric for sewing patterns.  
   
   
       4 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 2 , wherein the functional insert is removable from the worksurface.  
   
   
       5 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the top of the worksurface comprises a recess sized to receive the functional insert.  
   
   
       6 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional insert is configured to be washed in a dishwasher when removed from the worksurface.  
   
   
       7 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional insert comprises a hygienic material.  
   
   
       8 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional insert comprises an anti-slip material.  
   
   
       9 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional insert is formed by a plurality of individual inserts adjacent to one another.  
   
   
       10 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the plurality of individual functional inserts has a width corresponding to one of the at least one laundry appliance.  
   
   
       11 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the modular laundry system comprises two of the laundry appliances, and the functional insert has a width corresponding to a combined width of the two laundry appliances.  
   
   
       12 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional insert comprises a mat mounted to a frame.  
   
   
       13 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 12 , wherein the mat is removably mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       14 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 12 , wherein the mat is reversibly mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       15 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the worksurface is formed by multiple interconnected pieces.  
   
   
       16 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the worksurface is movably mounted to the at least one laundry appliance between a first use position, where the worksurface overlies the at least one laundry appliance, and a second use position, where the worksurface is positioned in front of the at least one laundry appliance.  
   
   
       17 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the worksurface further comprises side flanges formed at opposite sides of the worksurface and defining a space therebetween that is comparable to a width of the at least one laundry appliance.  
   
   
       18 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one laundry appliance has a backsplash, and the worksurface has an opening that receives the backsplash.  
   
   
       19 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 1 , wherein the worksurface further comprises a functional element configured to provide an associated functionality to the worksurface.  
   
   
       20 . The modular laundry system according to  claim 19 , wherein the functional element is selected from a group comprising a storage area, a staging area, a stowable shelf, a hanging area, a wrinkle removing appliance, and lighting.