A lift mechanism

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a lift mechanism (100) for an appliance, the lift mechanism (100) including: a first portion (102) mountable to the appliance and arranged to extend along a central axis (108); a second portion (104) operatively associated with the first portion (102) and moveable relative to the first portion (102) about the central axis (108); and a wheel assembly (130) mounted to the second portion (104) and adapted to facilitate movement of the appliance around a surface, wherein the first portion (102) includes a plurality of protrusions (112) that extend in a direction towards the second portion (104), and the second portion (104) includes a plurality of cam surfaces (118) that correspond to the plurality of protrusions (112), wherein each cam surface (118) of the second portion (104) includes a non-linear profile defined by two or more sections, and wherein the second portion (104) is moveable about the central axis (108) between a first position and a second position to cause the wheel assembly (130) to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

Description

A LIFT MECHANISMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2024901017, filed on 11 April 2024. The entire disclosure of Australian Patent Application No. 2024901017 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a lift mechanism of a kitchen appliance.

[0003] The invention has been developed primarily for use with kitchen appliances such as coffee machines, and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, and may also be employed in other applications involving lift mechanisms for manoeuvring an appliance around on a surface.BACKGROUND

[0004] Kitchen appliances such as coffee machines typically include a plurality of fixed feet to support and stabilise the machine on a benchtop, particularly during operation of the machine. Such appliances may be unwieldy due to their weight and size, thereby making it difficult for a user to move or reposition the appliance. With coffee machines, for example, the user may wish to access the rear of the coffee machine for cleaning purposes or to remove the water tank for refilling purposes. In such appliances, a wheel mechanism may be incorporated at the base of the appliance to allow the appliance to be manoeuvred around on the benchtop.

[0005] Known wheel mechanisms for kitchen appliances such as coffee machines may include a part (e.g. a knob or dial) that is actuated by the user to deploy the wheel mechanism. However, such knobs or dials are typically positioned on or around a base portion of the appliance that is not readily accessible to the user. With coffee machines, for example, the knob or dial of known wheel mechanisms may only be accessible when the drip tray is removed to expose the knob or dial to the user.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a lift mechanism for an appliance, the lift mechanism including: a first portion mountable to the appliance and arranged to extend along a central axis; a second portion operatively associated with the first portion and moveable relative to the first portion about the central axis; and a wheel assembly mounted to the second portion and adapted to facilitate movement of the appliance around a surface, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of protrusions that extend in a direction towards the second portion, and the second portion includes a plurality of cam surfaces that correspond to the plurality of protrusions, wherein each cam surface of the second portion includes a non-linear profile defined by two or more sections, and wherein the second portion is moveable about the central axis between a first position and a second position to cause the wheel assembly to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the non-linear profile of each cam surface is curved.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, each cam surface of the second portion includes one or more detent sections and one or more ramp sections.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the one or more detent sections and / or the one or more ramp sections have a curved arrangement.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the one or more detent sections includes a first detent section and a second detent section.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first detent section is adapted to receive and retain the associated protrusion of the first portion when the second portion is in the first position.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the second detent section is adapted to receive and retain the associated protrusion of the first portion when the second portion is in the second position.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first detent section has a depth that is larger than a depth of the second detent section.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the one or more ramp sections includes a first ramp section and a second ramp section.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, when the second portion is moved between the first and second positions, the associated protrusion of the first portion travels from the first detent section towards the second detent section.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the associated protrusion of the first portion travels from the first detent section to the first ramp section, then from the first ramp section to the second ramp section, and then from the second ramp section to the second detent section.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the associated protrusion of the first portion travels from the first detent section to the first ramp section at a higher speed relative to the speed of travel of the associated protrusion of the first portion from the first ramp section to the second ramp section or from the second ramp section to the second detent section.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first ramp section has a steep profile.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a surface of the first ramp section is inclined at an angle of between approximately 20 and 80 degrees.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the second ramp section has a shallow profile.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a surface of the second ramp section is inclined at an angle of between approximately 5 and 20 degrees.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the first portion includes a first body and the plurality of protrusions are provided on an underside of first body.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the second portion includes a second body and a lever extending from the second body, and wherein the plurality of cam surfaces are provided on an upper side of the second body.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the lever is rotatable or movable about the axis to cause movement of the second portion about the axis.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the lever has a range of motion about the central axis of approximately 80 degrees.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the lift mechanism further includes a pivot pin operatively associated with one or both of the first and second portions to facilitate the movement of the wheel assembly between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the pivot pin extends along a central cavity of the first portion and a central cavity of the second portion, and the pivot pin includes a retention feature adapted to engage a corresponding retention feature of the wheel assembly.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the pivot pin includes a pin head and a pin body extending from the pin head, and the lift mechanism further includes a spring mounted around the pin body.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, a first end of the spring is adapted to engage an underside of the pin head and a second end of the spring may be adapted to engage the first portion.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the wheel assembly includes a wheel carriage mounted to the second portion and adapted to rotate about the central axis.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the wheel assembly further includes a wheel cover adapted to be secured to the wheel carriage, with the wheel cover and the wheel carriage being aligned along the central axis.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the wheel assembly further includes a wheel or ball caster mounted to the wheel carriage.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the wheel assembly further includes a wheel shaft to connect the wheel to the wheel carriage.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the wheel and the wheel shaft are aligned along a wheel axis, and the wheel axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

[0036] There is also disclosed herein a kitchen appliance including the lift mechanism described above, wherein the appliance is a coffee machine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0038] Figure l is a schematic exploded view of a lift mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic isometric view of a second portion of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 5 is a further schematic isometric view of a second portion of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of a base of an appliance incorporating the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0044] Figures 7 to 10 are schematic side views of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1 during movement between a retracted or home position and an extended or activated position;

[0045] Figures 11 to 14 are further schematic side views of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1 during movement between a retracted or home position and an extended or activated position;

[0046] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a first and second portion of a lift mechanism according to another embodiment;

[0047] Figures 16 to 19 are schematic side views of the lift mechanism shown in Figure 15 during movement between a retracted or home position and an extended or activated position;

[0048] Figures 20 and 21 are schematic isometric views of an appliance incorporating the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1, with the drip tray removed; and

[0049] Figures 22 and 23 are schematic isometric views of an appliance incorporating the lift mechanism shown in Figure 1, with the drip tray present.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is depicted an embodiment of a lift mechanism 100 of an appliance. For the purposes of this specification, the lift mechanism 100 and various alternative embodiments will be described for use in a coffee (espresso) machine. It will, however, be appreciated that the lift mechanism 100 and various alternative embodiments may be associated with any other type of small / benchtop kitchen appliance that may need to be manoeuvred around a surface, such as a benchtop, for any purpose.

[0051] The lift mechanism 100 includes a first (upper) portion or assembly 102 and a second (lower) portion or assembly 104 that is moveable or rotatable relative to the first portion 102. The first portion 102 is fixed to an appliance (such as appliance 106 shown in Figures 15 to 18) and the second portion 104 is rotatable relative to the first portion 102 about a central axis 108. In a preferred arrangement, the lift mechanism 100 is incorporated into a base of the appliance 106 and is located towards the front surface or portion of the appliance 106, which would typically be the surface or portion of the appliance 106 that is closest to the user during normal use. In such arrangements, the appliance 106 may include one or more fixed wheels located towards the rear surface or portion thereof. It is envisaged that in some embodiments, the lift mechanism 100 may be incorporated towards the rear surface or portion thereof. In such embodiments, the presence of wheels (as will be discussed in further detail below) with the liftmechanisms 100 on the front and rear portions may allow the appliance 106 to perform a complete 360 degree rotation on the spot.

[0052] The first portion 102 includes a first body or housing 110 and is mountable to the appliance 106 by way of conventional fastening mechanisms. By way of example, and with reference to Figures 15 to 18, the first body 110 is mounted to a base moulding of a coffee machine 106 below a region where the drip tray of the coffee machine 106 is positioned. As such, it will be understood the first body 110 may be mounted directly to an underside of the appliance (i.e. instead of indirectly via a support casting or other component). It will be appreciated that this arrangement may at least allow for ease of assembly and disassembly, and also allow for the lift mechanism 100 to remain stable (less wobbling) against the appliance. The first body 110 of the first portion 102 includes a plurality of lugs or protrusions 112. In the embodiment shown, the first body 110 includes three lugs 112 extending in a first direction, being a direction towards the second portion 104 and are formed as indents in an upper side or portion of the first body 110 and corresponding protrusions / lugs on an under side or portion of the first body 110. Each lug 112 may have a curved end extremity. It will, however, be appreciated that the configuration of the first body 110 is not necessarily limited to the shape and configuration as shown in the drawings or described above, and may be adjusted depending on the design requirements of the lift mechanism 100. In some embodiments, the first portion 102 may include less than three lugs 112. In other embodiments, the first portion 102 may include more than three lugs 112.

[0053] The second portion 104 includes a second body or housing 114 and a lever or handle 116 that extends from the second body 114. In a preferred arrangement, the second body or housing 114 and the handle 116 are integrally formed such that the second portion 104 is provided as a single component. The second portion 104 is rotatable or moveable about the axis 108 relative to the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is moved between a first position and a second position, as will be described in further detail below. The second body 114 of the second portion 104 includes a plurality of cam surfaces 118 that correspond to the plurality of lugs 112 of the first body 110. It will be appreciated that the shape and / or configuration of the lugs 112 may at least allow for the second portion 104 to only contact the first portion 102 at the points of the lugs 112 (three points in the depicted embodiment), without requiring face-to-face contact. In the embodiment shown, the second body 114 is generally cylindrical and includes three cam surfaces 118 formed on an upper portion or side 119 thereof. It will, however, be appreciatedthat the configuration of the second body 114 is not necessarily limited to the shape and configuration as shown in the drawings or described above, and may be adjusted depending on the design requirements of the lift mechanism 100. Similar to the first portion 102, the second portion 104 may include any number of cam surfaces 118 corresponding to the lugs 112 of the first portion 102.

[0054] The lift mechanism 100 may further include one or more additional components or assemblies that assist with the rotation or movement of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 and to thereby allow the appliance 106 to be manoeuvred around the benchtop.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the lift mechanism 100 further includes a pivot pin 120 and a spring (or other biasing mechanism) 122 locatable in a central cavity 124 of the first body 110 (and a corresponding central cavity 125 of the second body 114), extending along the central axis 108. The pivot pin 120 may include a pin head 126 and a pin body 128 extending from the pin head 126. A lower portion of the pin body 128 may include a retaining groove (or other retention feature) 129. The pivot pin 120 may be operatively associated with the first portion 102 and / or the second portions 104 to facilitate the extension and retraction of a wheel assembly, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0056] The spring 122 may coil around the pin body 128, whereby a first (upper) end of the spring 122 may engage an underside of the pin head 126 and a second (lower) end of the spring 122 may engage an upper surface 127 of a wall that surrounds the central cavity 124. In an assembled configuration, the pin body 128 of the pivot pin 120 extends along the central cavity 124 towards the second portion 104, whereby the retaining groove 129 of the body 128 engages a retention ring or clip (or other retention feature) of a wheel assembly, as will be described in further detail below. The pin body 128 of the pivot pin 120 may also include a step that engages an upper surface of a wall that surrounds the central cavity 125. The movement of the pivot pin 120 and the accompanying spring 122 along the central axis 108 will also be described in further detail below.

[0057] The lift mechanism 100 may further include a wheel assembly 130 that is mounted to the second portion 104 to facilitate the movement of the appliance 106 around on the benchtop. In the depicted embodiment, the wheel assembly 130 includes a wheel carriage 132, a wheel 134, a wheel shaft 136, a wheel cover 138, and any number of parts (such as washers and E-rings or clips) to facilitate the connection between the various components of the wheel assembly 130.For example, the wheel assembly 130 may include bearing washers 140 to support the engagement between the second body 114 and the wheel carriage 132, as well as a washer 140 and E-ring 142 to facilitate the connection between the connection between the pivot pin 120 and the wheel carriage 132. In the embodiment shown, the E-ring 142 engages the retaining groove 129 of the pin body 128 of the pivot pin 120 to retain or secure the pivot pin 120 to the wheel assembly 130. It will be appreciated that the wheel 134 may be in any suitable form to facilitate the movement of the appliance 106 around on the benchtop. For example, the wheel 134 may alternatively be in the form of one or more ball casters.

[0058] The wheel assembly 130 may further include one or more additional washers 144 and firings 146 to support the connection between the wheel 134 and wheel shaft 136 to the wheel carriage 132. In the embodiment shown, the wheel carriage 132 and wheel cover 138 are aligned along the central axis 108, whilst the wheel 134 and wheel shaft 136 are aligned along a wheel axis 148 that extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the central axis 108. The wheel carriage 132 is adapted to fit substantially within a lower cavity of the second body 114 of the second portion 104 and the wheel cover 138 is adapted to be secured to the wheel carriage 132. In a preferred arrangement, the wheel carriage 132 may be adapted to rotate freely (360 degree rotation) about the central axis 108 to aid in manoeuvring the appliance 106 around on the benchtop. It will be appreciated that the components of the wheel assembly 130 are not necessarily limited to the configuration as shown in the drawings or described above, and may be adjusted depending on the design requirements of the lift mechanism 100.

[0059] Returning to the second portion 104, it will be appreciated that each cam surface 118 of the second body 114 may have a non-linear (curved) profile defined by two or more “sections” in a preferred arrangement. An exemplary non-linear profile of the cam surface 118 is shown in Figures 4 and 7 to 10. As discussed above, the lever 116 of the second portion 104 is moveable between a first position and a second position about the central axis 108, which in turn moves the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 about the central axis 108. In a preferred arrangement, the lever 116 is adapted to move or rotate at or about an angle of approximately 80 degrees about the central axis 108 between the first and second positions. It will be understood that the range of motion of the lever 116 is not necessarily limited to the range described above, and may be adjusted depending on the design requirements of the lift mechanism 100. The range of motion of the lever 116 may be determined by, for example, the size of the appliance (i.e. the distance between the pair of front feet).

[0060] In the first position of the lever 116, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in a retracted or home position relative to the first portion 102, whereby the appliance 106 is supported and stabilised on the benchtop by any number of fixed feet. In the second position of the lever 116, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in an extended or activated position relative to the first portion 102, whereby the front of the appliance 106 (or any other portion of the appliance 106 where the lift mechanism 100 is located) is lifted or raised from the benchtop. It is envisaged that the wheel assembly 130 may be extended or lowered along the central axis 108 at a distance of up to approximately 10 mm when in the extended or activated position. In some arrangements, the wheel assembly 130 may be extended or lowered along the central axis 108 at a distance of approximately 5 to 6 mm when in the extended or activated position. In a preferred arrangement, the wheel assembly 130 may be extended or lowered along the central axis 108 at a distance of approximately 7 mm when in the extended or activated position. In a typical arrangement whereby the appliance 106 has a pair of front feet and a pair of rear feet, the pair of front feet (which would ordinarily be supporting the appliance 106 on the benchtop) is lifted from the benchtop when the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in the extended or activated position. It will thus be appreciated that a distance between the base of the appliance 106 and the benchtop is larger when the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in the extended or activated position as compared to a distance between the base of the appliance 106 and the benchtop when the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in the retracted or home position. The extension and retraction of the second portion 104 and the wheel assembly 130 will be described in further detail below.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, each cam surface 118 includes a first detent section 150 that receives and retains the associated lug 112 of the first portion 102 when the second portion 104 is in the retracted or home position. Each cam surface 118 may also include a second detent section 152 that receives and retains the associated lug 112 of the first portion 102 when the second portion 104 is in the extended or activated position. In a preferred arrangement, a depth of the first detent section 150 is larger than a depth of the second detent section 152. Located between the first and second detents 150 and 152 are a first ramp section 154 and a second ramp section 156. One or more of the first detent section 150, the first and second ramp sections 154 and 156, and the second detent section 152 may have a curved arrangement. Accordingly, the first detent section 150, the first and second ramp sections 154 and 156, and the second detent section 152 may together provide the cam surface 118 with a non-linear, curved profile. Whenthe second portion 104 moves between the (first) retracted or home position and the (second) extended or activated position, the lugs 112 of the first portion 102 travel from the first detent section 150, along the first and second ramp sections 154 and 156, towards the second detent section 152.

[0062] The first ramp section 154 may have a steep profile, whereby the surface of the ramp section 154 may be inclined at an angle of between approximately 20 and 80 degrees (relative to the horizontal). In some arrangements, the surface of the first ramp section 154 may be inclined at an angle of between approximately 25 and 30 degrees. In a preferred arrangement, the surface of the first ramp section 154 may be inclined at an angle of approximately 27 degrees. It will be appreciated that providing a steep profile in the first ramp section 154 may at least allow for the associated lug 112 to initially move out of the first detent 150 at a fast speed (or at least faster than the speed at which the lug 112 moves along the second ramp section 156), which in turn allows for the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) to move quickly into the extended or activated position, thereby minimising the rotation angle of the lever 116. It will be appreciated that by minimising the rotation angle of the lever 116 is important for benchtop kitchen appliances compared to large kitchen appliances (such as refrigerators, for example), due to the limitations in the amount of space that can be used to accommodate a lever and to move / rotate the appliance. A benchtop kitchen appliance such as a coffee machine, for example, will have a smaller amount of space between the two front feet when compared to a larger amount of space between the two front feet of a refrigerator.

[0063] The second ramp section 156 may have a shallow profile, whereby the surface of the ramp section 156 may be inclined at an angle of between approximately 5 and 20 degrees (relative to the horizontal). In some arrangements, the surface of the second ramp section 156 may be inclined at an angle of between approximately 10 to 15 degrees. In a preferred arrangement, the surface of the second ramp section 156 may be inclined at an angle of approximately 13 degrees. It will be appreciated that providing a shallow or gradually inclining profile in the second ramp section 156 may at least minimise the amount of force required to be imparted upon the lever 116 to move the second portion 104 and in turn the wheel assembly 130 to lift the appliance 106 from the benchtop. In other words, the shallow or gradually inclining profile in the second ramp section 156 may at least make it easier for a user to move the second portion 104 and in turn the wheel assembly 130 over a larger distance / angle. It will further be appreciated that the amount of force required to be imparted upon the lever 116 would beadvantageously less than a force required to move a lever arrangement on a large appliance such as a refrigerator, for example, which would ordinarily be significantly heavier than a small / benchtop appliance.

[0064] As noted above, the depth of the first detent section 150 is larger than a depth of the second detent section 152. It will be appreciated that providing a relatively shallow second detent section 152 may at least minimise the amount of force required to be imparted upon the lever 116 to move the second portion 104 and in turn the wheel assembly 130 to lower the appliance 106. It will, however, be understood that the depth of the second detent section 152 is preferably sufficient to receive and retain the lug 112 of the first portion 102 when the second portion 104 is in the extended or activated position and prevent the lug 112 from inadvertently being displaced or moving out of the second detent section 152, when the appliance 106 is being manoeuvred around the benchtop.

[0065] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lever 116 may include a hook or retention feature 160 that is arranged to cooperate with a guide feature 162 provided in the base of the appliance 106. In such embodiments, the hook feature 160 and associated guide feature 162 are adapted to follow or correspond to the “cam motion” described above, i.e. to follow or correspond to the movement or rotation of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102. This arrangement may at least allow for the various components of the lift mechanism 100 to remain stable during operation, e.g. throughout the rotation of the lever 116 to lift the appliance 106 from the benchtop and when manoeuvring the appliance 160 around on the benchtop.

[0066] The extension and retraction of the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) to lift and lower the appliance 106 from the benchtop will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 14. In these Figures, a line 170 has been included to illustrate the surface (e.g. a benchtop) on which the appliance 106 is located. Additionally, for ease of understanding, the second portion 104 in these Figures is shown in the same position throughout the Figures and the first portion 102 is shown in different positions, with the first body 110 of the first portion 102 being shown in cross-section so as to clearly depict the lugs 112. It will be understood that during an actual operation of the lift mechanism 100 and as discussed above, it is the first portion 102 that remains fixed to the appliance 106 and the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) moves / rotates relative to the first portion 102.

[0067] In Figures 7 and 11, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is shown in the retracted or home position, whereby each lug 112 of the first portion 102 is received and retained in the first detent section 150 of the corresponding cam surface 118. In this retracted or home position, the appliance 106 is typically supported and secured on the benchtop 170 by a pair of feet (for example, the front feet of the coffee machine 106). The pivot pin 120 is shown in a raised position in the central cavity 124, with the spring 122 in an expanded configuration. It will be appreciated that the spring 122 may be biased towards the expanded configuration to aid in the return of the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) to the retracted or home position. The first (upper) end of the spring 122 is in contact with an underside of the pin head 126 and the second (lower) end of the spring 122 is in contact with the upper surface 127 of the first body 110.

[0068] Figures 8 and 12 depict the relative position of the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is rotated slightly to the left to move the lug 112 out of the first detent section 150 and onto the first ramp section 154. As discussed above, the steep profile of the first ramp section 154 may at least allow for the lug 112 to move out of the first detent section 150 at a fast speed, which in turn allows the wheel 134 to rapidly contact the benchtop 170 without requiring a large rotation angle of the lever 116. During this relative movement between the second portion 104 and first portion 102, the pivot pin 120 travels along the central axis 108 by a distance towards a lowered position in the central cavity 124, whereby the spring 122 is in a slightly compressed configuration. As the pivot pin 120 is secured to the wheel assembly 130, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is also extended or lowered along the central axis 108 by a corresponding distance from the first portion 102. During an actual operation of the lift mechanism 100, the appliance 106 (or part thereof) is raised relative to the benchtop 170 the same distance.

[0069] Figures 9 and 13 depict the relative position of the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is rotated further to the left to move the lug 112 from the first ramp section 154 and onto the second ramp section 156. During this relative movement between the second portion 104 and first portion 102, the pivot pin 120 travels along the central axis 108 by a distance towards a lowered position in the central cavity 124, whereby the spring 122 is in a fully compressed configuration. As the pivot pin 120 is secured to the wheel assembly 130, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is also extended or lowered along the central axis 108 by a corresponding distance from the first portion 102.During an actual operation of the lift mechanism 100, the appliance 106 (or part thereof) is raised relative to the benchtop 170 the same distance.

[0070] Figures 10 and 14 depict the relative position of the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is rotated further to the left to move the lug 112 from the second ramp section 156 and onto the second detent section 152, whereby the lug 112 is received and retained in the second detent section 152. In this arrangement, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in the extended or activated position. The pivot pin 120 is shown in a lowered position in the central cavity 124, with the spring 122 has expanded slightly from its fully compressed configuration. In this arrangement, the appliance 106 is secured in a raised position and the wheel 134 is in contact with the benchtop 170 to allow the appliance 106 to be manoeuvred around the benchtop 170 via rotation of the wheel 134 (and via rotation of the wheel assembly 130 around the pivot pin 120 / axis 108). As discussed above, since the spring 122 is biased towards the expanded configuration, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) may be easily returned to the retracted or home position (as shown in Figures 7 and 11) by rotating the lever 116 to the right. The biasing force of the spring 122 allows the lug 112 to move rapidly out of the second detent section 152, down along the second ramp section 156 and the first ramp section 154, and back into the first detent section 150.

[0071] It will be understood that the movement / rotation of the second portion 104 between the retracted or home position and the extended or activated position as described above may be referred to as a three-stage non-linear movement profile defined by: a) a first stage (i.e. Figures 8 and 12), being the initial movement / rotation of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 (by way of the lever 116) to move the lugs 112 out of the first detent section 150 and onto the first ramp section 154, at a first / fast speed; b) a second stage (i.e. Figures 9 and 13), being the subsequent movement / rotation of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 (by way of the lever 116) to move the lugs 112 from the first ramp section 154 and onto the second ramp section 156, at a second / slower speed relative to the first stage; and c) a third stage (i.e. Figures 10 and 14), being the further subsequent movement / rotation of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 (by way of the lever 116) to move the lugs 112 from the second ramp section 156 and onto the second detent section 152, at a third / slower speed relative to the first stage. Conversely, the return of the second portion 104 to the retracted or home position may also be referred to as a three-stage non-linear movement profile. As noted above, due in part to relatively shallow second detent section 152 and the non-linear, curved profile ofthe cam surface 118 as a whole, the amount of force required to be imparted upon the lever 116 to move / rotate the second portion 104 from the extended or activated position back to the retracted or home position may be minimised. Overall, the user does not need to expend a great deal of effort to operate the lift mechanism 100.

[0072] In this specification, the movement or rotation of the lever 116 of the second portion 104 about the central axis 108 is described as a right to left movement (i.e. whereby the lever 116 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the central axis 108) due to the arrangement of the cam surfaces 118 of the second portion 104. In this arrangement, the first ramp section 154, the second ramp section 156, and the second detent section 152, respectively, are positioned to the right of the first detent section 150 such that movement / rotation of the second portion 104 from right to left allows the lugs 112 of the first portion 102 (which are fixed) to move from left to right. Likewise, the movement / rotation of the second portion 104 from left to right allows the lugs 112 of the first portion 102 to move from right to left. It will be understood that in other embodiments (not shown), the first ramp section 154, the second ramp section 156, and the second detent section 152, respectively, may be positioned to the left of the first detent section 150 such that movement / rotation of the lever 116 (and associated second portion 104) from left to right allows the lugs 112 of the first portion 102 (which are fixed) to move from right to left.

[0073] It is envisaged that in some alternative arrangements, the cam surfaces 118 may be associated with the first (upper) portion 102 and the lugs 112 may be associated with the second (lower) portion 104. An example of an embodiment with the alternative arrangement (i.e. whereby the location of the lugs 112 and the cam surfaces is swapped) is shown in Figures 15 to 19. It will be understood that this embodiment operates in a generally similar manner as one or more of the embodiments described previously, with like reference numerals being used to indicate like features. In the interest of clarity, not all like features will be accorded a like reference numeral in the drawings, the description of the like features of this embodiment will not be repeated, and it will be understood that any one or more of the like features or functions of the one or more embodiments described above and as shown in Figures 1 to 14 to are applicable to the embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 19, and vice versa.

[0074] In embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 19, the second body 114 of the second portion 104 includes the plurality of lugs 112 and the first body 110 of the first portion 102 includes the plurality of cam surfaces 118.

[0075] The extension and retraction of the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) of this alternative arrangement to lift and lower the appliance 106 from the benchtop will now be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19. Similar to the Figures 7 to 10 discussed above, a line 170 has been included in Figures 16 to 19 to illustrate the surface (e.g. a benchtop) on which the appliance 106 is located. Additionally, in these Figures, the first portion 102 is shown in a fixed position (e.g. as it remains fixed to the appliance 106) and the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is shown to move / rotate relative to the first portion 102.

[0076] In Figure 16, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is shown in the retracted or home position, whereby each lug 112 of the second portion 104 is received and retained in the first detent section 150 of the corresponding cam surface 118 of the first portion 102. The lever 116 is shown to extend to the left in this arrangement when the second portion 104 is in the retracted or home position.

[0077] Figure 17 depicts the relative position of the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is rotated slightly to the right to move the lug 112 out of the first detent section 150 and onto the first ramp section 154.

[0078] Figure 18 depicts the relative position of the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is rotated further to the right to move the lug 112 from the first ramp section 154 and onto the second ramp section 156.

[0079] Figure 19 depicts the relative position of the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 when the lever 116 is rotated further to the right to move the lug 112 from the second ramp section 156 and onto the second detent section 152, whereby the lug 112 is received and retained in the second detent section 152. In this arrangement, the second portion 104 (and in turn the wheel assembly 130) is in the extended or activated position. In this arrangement, the appliance 106 is secured in a raised position and the wheel 134 is in contact with the benchtop 170 to allow the appliance 106 to be manoeuvred around the benchtop 170 via rotation of the wheel 134 (and via rotation of the wheel assembly 130 around the pivot pin 120 / axis 108).

[0080] In the arrangement of Figures 16 to 19, the movement or rotation of the lever 116 of the second portion 104 about the central axis 108 is described as a left to right left movement (i.e. whereby the lever 116 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about the central axis 108) dueto the arrangement of the lugs 112 and the cam surfaces 118. Movement / rotation of the second portion 104 from left to right allows the lugs 112 of the second portion 104 to move from left to right, whereby each lug 112 travels from the first detent section 150, along the first and second ramp sections 154 and 156, and towards the second detent section 152.

[0081] Figures 15 to 18 depict an arrangement of the lift mechanism 100 in a coffee machine 106. It will be appreciated that in this arrangement, a portion of the lever 116 is visible and accessible to the user when the drip tray 180 of the coffee machine 106 is installed.

[0082] Various forms of the lift mechanism described above may have one or more of the following advantages. The lever arrangement of the lift mechanism may at least allow for ease of accessibility to the user. Additionally, the lug / protrusion and non-linear (curved) cam arrangement of the lift mechanism may at least allow for rapid deployment or vertical movement of the wheel assembly without requiring a large range of rotation of the lever. The skilled person will appreciate that this arrangement is particularly relevant in respect of benchtop kitchen appliances with limitations in the amount of space that can be used to accommodate a lever and to move / rotate the appliance. Accordingly, the lift mechanism may allow for the range of motion of the lever to be maximised across the lifting stage. The detents of the cam surfaces may also allow for the lift mechanism to be secured in place in an extended or activated position, reducing the risk of the lift mechanism being inadvertently returned to the retracted or home position whilst the appliance is being manoeuvred around on the benchtop.

[0083] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0084] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof,are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lift mechanism for an appliance, the lift mechanism including: a first portion mountable to the appliance and arranged to extend along a central axis; a second portion operatively associated with the first portion and moveable relative to the first portion about the central axis; and a wheel assembly mounted to the second portion and adapted to facilitate movement of the appliance around a surface, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of protrusions that extend in a direction towards the second portion, and the second portion includes a plurality of cam surfaces that correspond to the plurality of protrusions, wherein each cam surface of the second portion includes a non-linear profile defined by two or more sections, and wherein the second portion is moveable about the central axis between a first position and a second position to cause the wheel assembly to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

2. The lift mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the non-linear profile of each cam surface is curved.

3. The lift mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each cam surface of the second portion includes one or more detent sections and one or more ramp sections.

4. The lift mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the one or more detent sections and / or the one or more ramp sections have a curved arrangement.

5. The lift mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the one or more detent sections includes a first detent section and a second detent section.

6. The lift mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the first detent section is adapted to receive and retain the associated protrusion of the first portion when the second portion is in the first position.

7. The lift mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second detent section is adapted to receive and retain the associated protrusion of the first portion when the second portion is in the second position.

8. The lift mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first detent section has a depth that is larger than a depth of the second detent section.

9. The lift mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the one or more ramp sections includes a first ramp section and a second ramp section.

10. The lift mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein when the second portion is moved between the first and second positions, the associated protrusion of the first portion travels from the first detent section towards the second detent section.

11. The lift mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the associated protrusion of the first portion travels from the first detent section to the first ramp section, then from the first ramp section to the second ramp section, and then from the second ramp section to the second detent section.

12. The lift mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the associated protrusion of the first portion travels from the first detent section to the first ramp section at a higher speed relative to the speed of travel of the associated protrusion of the first portion from the first ramp section to the second ramp section or from the second ramp section to the second detent section.

13. The lift mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first ramp section has a steep profile.

14. The lift mechanism according to claim 13, wherein a surface of the first ramp section is inclined at an angle of between approximately 20 and 80 degrees.

15. The lift mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the second ramp section has a shallow profile.

16. The lift mechanism according to claim 15, wherein a surface of the second ramp section is inclined at an angle of between approximately 5 and 20 degrees.

17. The lift mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion includes a first body and the plurality of protrusions are provided on an underside of first body.

18. The lift mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the second portion includes a second body and a lever extending from the second body, and wherein the plurality of cam surfaces are provided on an upper side of the second body.

19. The lift mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the lever is rotatable or movable about the axis to cause movement of the second portion about the axis.

20. The lift mechanism according to claim 19, wherein the lever has a range of motion about the central axis of approximately 80 degrees.

21. The lift mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lift mechanism further includes a pivot pin operatively associated with one or both of the first and second portions to facilitate the movement of the wheel assembly between the retracted position and the extended position.

22. The lift mechanism according to claim 21, wherein the pivot pin extends along a central cavity of the first portion and a central cavity of the second portion, and the pivot pin includes a retention feature adapted to engage a corresponding retention feature of the wheel assembly.

23. The lift mechanism according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the pivot pin includes a pin head and a pin body extending from the pin head, and the lift mechanism further includes a spring mounted around the pin body.

24. The lift mechanism according to claim 23, wherein a first end of the spring is adapted to engage an underside of the pin head and a second end of the spring may be adapted to engage the first portion.

25. The lift mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheel carriage mounted to the second portion and adapted to rotate about the central axis.

26. The lift mechanism according to claim 25, wherein the wheel assembly further includes a wheel cover adapted to be secured to the wheel carriage, with the wheel cover and the wheel carriage being aligned along the central axis.

27. The lift mechanism according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the wheel assembly further includes a wheel or ball caster mounted to the wheel carriage.

28. The lift mechanism according to claim 27, wherein the wheel assembly further includes a wheel shaft to connect the wheel to the wheel carriage.

29. The lift mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the wheel and the wheel shaft are aligned along a wheel axis, and the wheel axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

30. A kitchen appliance including the lift mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the appliance is a coffee machine.

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