Appliance

Abstract

An appliance with a simple mechanism for mounting a decorative panel to an exterior surface. The mechanism simplifies the installation process associated with mounting the panel by removing the need for precise tolerances. The mechanism includes a plurality of adjustable mounting brackets and corresponding channel portions which permit an installer to adjust the panel with three degrees of freedom to align it relative to the surroundings, and subsequently secure the panel in place. The mechanism allows translation in substantially horizontal and vertical directions as well as rotation in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment the mechanism also is also capable of supporting the panel while the adjustments are being performed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the domestic priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 039,490, filed on Mar. 26, 2008, and entitled “An Appliance”. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 039,490 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention broadly relates to appliances with decorative panels mounted to the exterior.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] In general, the exterior of an appliance is finished in such a manner to attract potential customers and to be aesthetically pleasing. As a result, it is common for appliance manufacturers to produce products with a variety of different external finishes to provide for alternate tastes. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the visual effect appliances have on their surrounding environment. This is evidenced by the increasing number of appliances incorporating high cost finishing materials such as stainless steel or a wi...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0046]Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, an appliance 101 is pictured with a decorative panel 100 mounted to a partition or exterior surface 310. The appliance in this instance is a drawer style refrigerator. However, it is intended that the panel mounting mechanism described in this specification would be equally suitable for application to other appliances (for instance a hinged refrigerator or a dishwasher). In fact it is a distinct advantage of the panel mounting system disclosed that the mechanism be easily scalable such that it can be applied to a variety of different products.

[0047]It is also preferable that the appliance 101 be fixed in place such that its position is not significantly altered during regular use. Such fixture may result solely from the weight of the appliance or alternatively may be provided by mechanical fasteners, which fix the appliance relative to its surroundings or adjacent cabinetry.

[0048]Referring specifically to FIG. 1, decorative panel 100 is illustra...

CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the domestic priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 039,490, filed on Mar. 26, 2008, and entitled “An Appliance”. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 039,490 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention broadly relates to appliances with decorative panels mounted to the exterior.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] In general, the exterior of an appliance is finished in such a manner to attract potential customers and to be aesthetically pleasing. As a result, it is common for appliance manufacturers to produce products with a variety of different external finishes to provide for alternate tastes. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the visual effect appliances have on their surrounding environment. This is evidenced by the increasing number of appliances incorporating high cost finishing materials such as stainless steel or a wi...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0046]Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, an appliance 101 is pictured with a decorative panel 100 mounted to a partition or exterior surface 310. The appliance in this instance is a drawer style refrigerator. However, it is intended that the panel mounting mechanism described in this specification would be equally suitable for application to other appliances (for instance a hinged refrigerator or a dishwasher). In fact it is a distinct advantage of the panel mounting system disclosed that the mechanism be easily scalable such that it can be applied to a variety of different products.

[0047]It is also preferable that the appliance 101 be fixed in place such that its position is not significantly altered during regular use. Such fixture may result solely from the weight of the appliance or alternatively may be provided by mechanical fasteners, which fix the appliance relative to its surroundings or adjacent cabinetry.

[0048]Referring specifically to FIG. 1, decorative panel 100 is illustra...

Images