Extruded counterweight for a domestic appliance

Abstract

A counterweight for a domestic appliance may include an extruded body. The extruded body may extend between a front side and a rear side. The front side may be interfaced with the domestic appliance. The extruded body may be formed from a first material. The counterweight may include an insert body embedded within the extruded body. The insert body may be formed from a second material different than the first material. The extruded body may be secured to the domestic appliance via the insert body.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a domestic appliance, and more particularly to a counterweight for a domestic appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Domestic (e.g., household) appliances are used generally for a variety of tasks by a variety of users. For example, a household may include such appliances as laundry appliances (e.g., a washing machine or dryer appliance), kitchen appliances (e.g., a refrigerator, an oven, a cooktop, a range hood, a microwave, dishwasher, etc.), along with air conditioners, water heaters, and various other appliances.

[0003] Some domestic appliances include features for counteracting forces that are applied to the domestic appliance. In particular, such features can include counterweights that are secured to the domestic appliance at various locations. For example, domestic appliances, such as oven appliances, can include counterweights that are secured to a cabinet of the appliance. In such instances, the counterweights are utilized to prevent tipping situations of the domestic appliance. As another example, domestic appliances, such as a washing machine appliance, can include counterweights secured to the drum of the domestic appliance. In such instances, the counterweights are utilized to mitigate vibrations caused during operation of the domestic appliance. However, existing counterweights, and methods of manufacturing existing counterweights, have numerous drawbacks. For instance, tooling, processing, and part cost of existing counterweights can be costly due to the nature of the manufacturing process.

[0004] Accordingly, counterweights for a domestic appliance that obviate one or more of the above-mentioned challenges would be beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a domestic appliance is provided. The domestic appliance may include a cabinet. The cabinet may define a receiving space. The domestic appliance may include one or more counterweights secured to the cabinet. The counterweights may include an extruded body. The extruded body may extend between a front side and a rear side. The extruded body may further extend between a top side and a bottom side. The front side may be interfaced with the cabinet. The extruded body may define a uniform profile between the top side and the bottom side. The extruded body may be formed from a first material. The counterweights may include an insert body embedded within the extruded body. The insert body may be formed from a second material different than the first material. The extruded body may be secured to the cabinet via the insert body.

[0007] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a counterweight for a domestic appliance is provided. The counterweight may include an extruded body. The extruded body may extend between a front side and a rear side. The front side may be interfaced with the domestic appliance. The extruded body may be formed from a first material. The counterweight may include an insert body embedded within the extruded body. The insert body may be formed from a second material different than the first material. The extruded body may be secured to the domestic appliance via the insert body.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of an oven appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example oven appliance of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a rear perspective view of an oven appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a front perspective view of a counterweight according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a rear perspective view of a counterweight according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of an insert body embedded within a counterweight according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0016] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a counterweight according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0017] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

[0021] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, reference to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0022] Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,”“a processor,”“a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

[0023] FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an oven appliance 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter. Oven appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. As illustrated, oven appliance 100 includes an insulated cabinet 102. Cabinet 102 of oven appliance 100 extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side 108 (left side when viewed from front) and a second side 110 (right side when viewed from front) along the lateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.

[0024] However, it should be appreciated that oven appliance 100 is provided by way of example only, and aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any suitable domestic appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance, a laundry appliance, a dishwasher appliance, or the like. Thus, the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular domestic appliance.

[0025] Within cabinet 102 is a cooking chamber 120 which is configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. Oven appliance 100 includes a door 124 rotatably attached to cabinet 102 in order to permit selective access to cooking chamber 120. Handle 126 is mounted to door 124 to assist a user with opening and closing door 124 in order to access cooking chamber 120. As an example, a user can pull on handle 126 mounted to door 124 to open or close door 124 and access cooking chamber 120. One or more transparent viewing windows 128 (e.g., FIG. 1) may be defined within door 124 to provide for viewing the contents of cooking chamber 120 when door 124 is closed and also assist with insulating cooking chamber 120.

[0026] In general, cooking chamber 120 is defined by a plurality of chamber walls 130. Specifically, cooking chamber 120 may be defined by chamber walls 130. Chamber walls 130 may include a top wall 131, a rear wall 133, a bottom wall 135, and two sidewalls 137. These chamber walls 130 may be joined together to define an opening through which a user may selectively access cooking chamber 120 by opening door 124. In order to insulate cooking chamber 120, oven appliance 100 includes an insulation gap defined between the chamber walls 130 and cabinet 102. According to an exemplary embodiment, the insulation gap is filled with an insulating material 132, such as insulating foam or fiberglass, for insulating cooking chamber 120.

[0027] Oven appliance 100 may also include a cooktop 140. Cooktop 140 is positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 such that it is positioned above cooking chamber 120. Specifically, cooktop 140 includes a top panel 142 positioned proximate top 104 of cabinet 102. As illustrated in exemplary embodiments, top panel 142 may be constructed of glass, ceramics, enameled steel, and combinations thereof. In some other embodiments, the top panel includes one or more grates that are supported on a top surface of top panel 142 for supporting cooking utensils, such as pots or pans, during a cooking process.

[0028] Oven appliance 100 may further include one or more heating elements for selectively heating cooking utensils positioned on top panel 142 or food items positioned within cooking chamber 120. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the oven appliance includes heating elements 150 at the top panel 142. The heating elements 150 may be induction heating elements, resistive heating elements, radiant heating elements, or gas burners. Specifically, a plurality of induction heating elements may be mounted, for example on or below top panel 142. While shown with four heating elements 150 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, oven appliance 100 may include any number of heating elements 150 in alternative exemplary embodiments. Heating elements 150 may also have various diameters. For example, each heating element of heating assemblies 150 can have a different diameter, the same diameter, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0029] In addition, heating elements may be positioned within or may otherwise be in thermal communication with cooking chamber 120 for regulating the temperature within cooking chamber 120. Specifically, an upper gas heating element 154 may be positioned in cabinet 102 at a top portion of cooking chamber 120, and a lower gas heating element 156 may be positioned at a bottom portion of cooking chamber 120. Upper gas heating element 154 and lower gas heating element 156 may be used independently or simultaneously to heat cooking chamber 120, perform a baking or broil operation, perform a cleaning cycle, etc. The size and heat output of upper gas heating element 154 and lower gas heating element 156 can be selected based on, e.g., the size of oven appliance 100 or the desired heat output. Oven appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and configuration of heating elements 150 within cabinet 102 or on cooktop 140. For example, oven appliance 100 may further include electric heating elements, induction heating elements, or any other suitable heat generating device.

[0030] In some embodiments, a control panel assembly 160 is located within convenient reach of a user of the oven appliance 100. Control panel assembly 160 may include one or more user-interface inputs 162 and a graphical display 164, which may be separate from or integrated with the user-interface inputs 122. The user-interface inputs 162 may each be associated with one of heating elements 150. In this manner, user-interface inputs 162 allow the user to activate each heating element 150 and determine the amount of heat input provided by each heating element 150 for cooking food items within cooking chamber 120 or on cooktop 140. Although shown as touch inputs, it should be understood that user-interface inputs 162 the configuration of oven appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only. More specifically, control panel assembly 160 may include various input components, such as one or more of a variety of touch-type controls, electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The graphical display 164 may be designed to provide operational feedback or other information to the user such as e.g., whether a particular heating elements are activated or the rate at which the heating elements are set. Indeed, according to the illustrated embodiment, control panel assembly 160 includes a graphical display 164, such as a liquid crystal display with an interactive display and interface.

[0031] Generally, oven appliance 100 may include a controller 166 in operative communication with control panel assembly 160. Control panel assembly 160 of oven appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses, and signals generated in controller 166 operate oven appliance 100 in response to user input via user input devices, e.g., user-interface inputs 162 or display assembly 164. Input / Output (“I / O”) signals may be routed between controller 166 and various operational components of oven appliance 100 such that operation of oven appliance 100 can be regulated by controller 166. In addition, controller 166 may also be in communication with one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor, which may be positioned within cooking chamber 120 and used to measure temperature inside cooking chamber 120 and provide such measurements to the controller 166. It should be appreciated that other sensor types, positions, and configurations may be used according to alternative embodiments.

[0032] Controller 166 is a “processing device” or “controller” and may be embodied as described herein. Controller 166 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of oven appliance 100, and controller 166 is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM, electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

[0033] Although aspects of the present subject matter are described herein in the context of a single oven appliance, it should be appreciated that oven appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other domestic appliances having different configuration or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter. For example, refrigerator appliance, washing machine appliance, dishwasher appliance, or the like may be utilized with the present subject matter.

[0034] Domestic appliances, such as the oven appliance 100, may include counterweights secured thereto. The counterweights may be configured to counteract forces that may be applied to the domestic appliance. For instance, the counterweights may be utilized to counteract tipping forces or vibration forces that may be applied to the domestic appliance. In particular, the counterweight may help balance and stabilize the domestic appliance and components thereof. Existing counterweights may be molded, for instance, via a cast molding process, to a predetermined shape of the counterweight. Such molding processes for forming existing counterweights can be very costly. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight (e.g., counterweight 200) that may be formed via an extrusion process (e.g., described in more detail below). As will be appreciated, the exemplary counterweights, and the formation thereof, advantageously reduce manufacturing cost and complexity (e.g., when compared to existing counterweights).

[0035] Referring now generally to FIG. 3, a rear perspective view of the oven appliance 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter is provided. The oven appliance 100 may include one or more counterweights 200 secured thereto, for instance, to prevent or mitigate tipping of the oven appliance 100. In particular, the counterweights may be attached to the rear 114 of the cabinet 102, such as at a rear panel or surface of the cabinet 102. Although the counterweights 200 are illustrated as being attached to the rear 114 of the cabinet 102, it should be appreciated that the counterweights may be secured to the oven appliance 100 at any suitable location such that a counter force may be applied to the oven appliance 100 or components thereof.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 7, embodiments of the counterweight 200 are provided. The counterweight 200 may include an extruded body 202 and an insert body 204. The extruded body 202 may extend between a front side 206 and a rear side 208. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the extruded body 202 may extend between the front side 206 and the rear side 208 along the transverse direction T of the oven appliance 100. In some embodiments, the extruded body 202 is secured to the cabinet 102 of the oven appliance 100. For instance, the extruded body 202 may be secured proximal to the rear side 208 (e.g., at the rear side 208 or otherwise closer to the rear side 208 than the front side 206 relative to the transverse direction T). The front face 206 may be complementary to the shape of the panel or surface of the oven appliance 100 the extruded body 202 may be secured. As illustrated, the front face 206 may include curves or indentations that correspond to shape of the rear panel of the oven appliance 100 to which the extruded body 202 may be secured. In addition, the extruded body 202 may extend between a top side 210 and a bottom side 212. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the extruded body 202 may extend between the top side 210 and the bottom side 212 along the vertical direction V of oven appliance 100 when the extruded body 202 is secured to the cabinet 102 of the oven appliance 100.

[0037] The extruded body 202 may define a uniform profile (e.g., a constant or uniform cross-sectional area) between the top side 210 and the bottom side 212. The uniform profile of the extruded body 202 may reduce the geometric complexities that are found in existing counterweights. The reduction in the geometric complexities of the extruded body 202 may advantageously reduce manufacturing costs of the counterweight 200 (e.g., when compared manufacturing costs of existing counterweights).

[0038] The extruded body 202 may include, or may be constructed (e.g., formed) from, a first material 216. Generally, the first material 216 may be a dense material, such as a concrete material, a ceramic material, or a metal material, that provides the weight (e.g., the counterbalancing force) of the counterweight 200. The first material 216 may define one or more distinct states or forms. For instance, the first material 216 may define a plastic state, a curing state, and a hardened state. In the plastic state, the first material 216 may be a semi solid. In particular, in the plastic state, the first material 216 be capable of being extruded (e.g., thrust or forced through an opening of a die) into any suitable shape. In the plastic state, the first material 216 may be forced or pushed through an extrusion die to form the shape of the extruded body 202. For example, when the first material 216 is a concrete material, the plastic state of the concrete material may be when the concrete material is wet, such as after an aggregate, cement, and water have been mixed to form the concrete material. In such instance, the wet concrete material may be extruded through an extrusion die to form the shape of the extruded body 202.

[0039] The curing state may occur directly after the plastic state of the first material 216. In the curing state, the first material 216 may develop strength and durability. For instance, during the curing state, ambient moisture and ambient temperature conditions surrounding the first material 216 may be controlled, for instance, by an operator. In this regard, the development of the strength and durability of the first material 216 is ensured.

[0040] The hardened state may occur directly after the curing state of the first material 216. In the hardened state, the first material 216 may fully develop its specified strength. Moreover, in the hardened state, the first material 216 may be impermeable and may be capable of being secured to the cabinet 102 of the oven appliance 100.

[0041] The insert body 204 of the counterweight 200 may include a support portion 217 and a connection portion 218. The support portion 217 may be disposed outside of the extruded body 202. For instance, the support portion 217 may include a support face 219 that may engage or interface with the oven appliance 100 when the counterweight 200 is secured to the oven appliance 100. In this regard, the support portion 217 advantageously ensures the engagement between the counterweight 200 and the oven appliance 100 is stable. The connection portion 218 may be embedded within the extruded body 202. The connection portion 218 may include an outer surface 220 configured to engage with the extruded body 202. The connection portion 218 may include one or more raised bodies 222. The raised bodies 222 may be extruded or protruded outward from the outer surface 220 of the connection portion 218. The raised bodies 222 may include one or more ribs, knurling, or any other suitable structure that may advantageously improve the connection between the insert body 204 and the extruded body 202. For instance, the raised bodies 222 increase an engageable surface area of the insert body 204. The engageable surface area of the insert body 204 may correspond to a surface area of the connection portion 218 (e.g., the portion of the insert body 204 that the first material 216 of the extruded body 202 may cure to, for instance, when the first material 216 of the extruded body 202 transitions from the plastic state to the hardened state, such as during manufacturing). In this regard, the connection portion 218 allows the connection between the insert body 204 and the extruded body 202 to be robust.

[0042] The insert body 204 may include, or be constructed (e.g., formed) from, a second material 225 that is different than the first material 216 of the extruded body 202. The second material 225 may be any suitable material configured for providing a fastening location for the counterweight 200. For example, the second material 215 may include or be provided as a metal material (e.g., aluminum, copper, copper alloys, zinc, etc.), a plastic material (e.g., polymer material, such as low and high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), or the like. The extruded body 202 may be fastened or secured to the cabinet 102 of the oven appliance 100 via the insert body 204. For instance, the insert body 204 may include a fastener interface 223 (e.g., FIG. 5) positioned at the rear side 208 of the extruded body 202. The fastener interface 223 may define a fastener hole 224 through which a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, or the like) is extendable, such as to be received at the fastener interface 223. The fastener interface 233 may form a counterbore hole (e.g., FIG. 5), a countersink hole, or other appropriate hole through which a head of the mechanical fastener may be received at or within the insert body 204. In particular, the body of the mechanical fastener may be received through the fastener hole 224 and fastened to a corresponding location on the cabinet 102 of the oven appliance 100. In this regard, the counterweight 200 may be secured to the cabinet 102.

[0043] However it should be appreciated that the insert body 204 is provided by way of example only. In additional or alternative embodiments, the insert body 204 may be configured in any suitable manner such that the insert body 204 be secure the extruded body 202 to the oven appliance 100. For example, the insert body 204 may include a threaded body disposed at the front side 206 of the extruded body 202. The threaded body may be configured as a threaded fastener that may threadedly engage with a complementary threaded portion formed at the cabinet 102 of the oven appliance 100.

[0044] Optionally, the counterweight 200 may include one or more auxiliary or secondary insert bodies 204 embedded therewithin. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the counterweight 200 may include three insert bodies 204 embedded therewithin. The secondary insert bodies 204 may provide additional securing locations for the extruded body 202, for instance, when a weight of the extruded body 202 is relatively high.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter, the counterweight 200 may be constructed (e.g., manufactured or assembled) via an extrusion process. Notably, when compared to current construction of appliance counterweights, the exemplary counterweight 200, and methods of producing the existing counterweight 200, may advantageously decrease tooling, processing, and part cost due to the implementation of the extrusion process. In particular, existing appliance counterweights are formed via a cast molding process. Such a process requires a cast mold (e.g., that can be selectively opened / closed) to form the counterweight. Each cast mold must be specifically made to fit the needs of the appliance to which the counterweight is to be secured. In addition, the cast molds typically can only form a small number of counterweights at a time. Thus, the number of cast molds and production costs required to support high production volumes via a cast molding process can be high.

[0046] The extrusion process for forming appliance counterweights (e.g., counterweight 200) described herein advantageously mitigates the drawbacks of the cast molding process. As an illustrative example, to form the extruded body 202, the first material 216 of the counterweight 200 may be prepared. In some instances, preparing the first material 216 includes mixing the individual components of the first material 216 to form the first material 216 in its plastic state. For example, when the first material 216 includes a concrete material, preparing the first material 216 may include mixing an aggregate, water, and cement together to form a wet concrete mixture (e.g., concrete in its plastic state).

[0047] The first material 216, in its plastic state, may be forced or pushed through an extrusion die to form the desired shape of the extruded body 202 of the counterweight 200. The extrusion die may include a body, such as a metal body, that defines an opening corresponding to the desired shape of the extruded body 202. Once the first material 216 is extruded through the extrusion die, the extruded first material 216 may be cut (e.g., with a blade) at a predetermined height, for instance to form individual extruded bodies 202. As should be appreciated, the predetermined height and the physical properties of the first material 216 may define the overall weight of the extruded bodies 202.

[0048] In addition, after the first material 216 has been extruded through the extrusion die, insert bodies 204 may be pressed or inserted into and through the first material 216. As should be appreciated, insert bodies 204 may be pressed or inserted into and through the first material 216 at a predetermined mounting location, such as a center of gravity, of the extruded body 202. After the insert body 204 has been embedded within the first material 216, the first material 216 may be transitioned to the curing state, and ultimately to the hardened state. Once in the hardened state, the counterweight 200 may be capable of being installed or secured to the cabinet 102 of appliance 100.

[0049] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A domestic appliance comprising:a cabinet defining a receiving space; andone or more counterweights secured to the cabinet, the counterweights comprising:an extruded body extending between a front side and a rear side, the extruded body further extending between a top side and a bottom side, the front side being interfaced with the cabinet, the extruded body defining a uniform profile between the top side and the bottom side, the extruded body being formed from a first material, andan insert body embedded within the extruded body, the insert body being formed from a second material different than the first material,wherein the extruded body is secured to the cabinet via the insert body.

2. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the insert body comprises a connection portion and a support portion,wherein the connection portion is embedded within the extruded body, andwherein the support portion is disposed outside of the extruded body.

3. The domestic appliance of claim 2, wherein the insert body further comprises one or more ribs, andwherein the ribs are extended outward from an outer surface of the connection portion.

4. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the insert body comprises a fastener interface positioned at the rear side of the extruded body,wherein the fastener interface defines a fastener hole therethrough, andwherein the fastener hole is configured for receipt of a mechanical fastener.

5. The domestic appliance of claim 4, wherein the fastener hole defined by the fastener interface is formed as a countersink hole or a counterbore hole.

6. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a concrete material.

7. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises a plastic material.

8. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises a metal material.

9. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the insert body is a first insert body, andwherein the domestic appliance further comprises one or more second insert bodies embedded within the extruded body.

10. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the cabinet extends between a front and a rear, andwherein the counterweights are secured proximal to the rear of the cabinet.

11. A counterweight for a domestic appliance, the counterweight comprising:an extruded body extending between a front side and a rear side, the front side being interfaced with the domestic appliance, the extruded body being formed from a first material, andan insert body embedded within the extruded body, the insert body being formed from a second material different than the first material,wherein the extruded body is secured to the domestic appliance via the insert body.

12. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the insert body comprises a connection portion and a support portion,wherein the connection portion is embedded within the extruded body, andwherein the support portion is disposed outside of the extruded body.

13. The counterweight of claim 12, wherein the insert body further comprises one or more ribs, andwherein the ribs are extended outward from an outer surface of the connection portion.

14. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the insert body comprises a fastener interface positioned at the rear side of the extruded body,wherein the fastener interface defines a fastener hole therethrough, and wherein the fastener hole is configured for receipt of a mechanical fastener.

15. The counterweight of claim 14, wherein the fastener hole defined by the fastener interface is formed as one of a countersink hole or a counterbore hole.

16. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the extruded body further extends between a top side and a bottom side, andwherein the extruded body defines a uniform profile between the top side and the bottom side.

17. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the first material comprises a concrete material.

18. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the second material comprises a plastic material.

19. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the second material comprises a metal material.

20. The counterweight of claim 11, wherein the insert body is a first insert body, andwherein the domestic appliance further comprises one or more second insert bodies embedded within the extruded body.

Images