Patent Application
20240237164
The disclosed invention relates to the general field microwave oven appliances, more specifically to the technical field of microwave oven accessories, and particularly relates to an adjustable apparatus for mounting a microwave oven to a wall or to other surfaces. The present disclosure can also be used to mount a display or other electronic device to a wall or other surfaces.
The present invention is an adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus and will be referred to as such throughout this document. Herein, the background of the subject matter is discussed is some detail, which includes identifying specific challenges that users could potentially face in using microwave ovens and how the present disclosure could possibly solve these challenges.
Over-the-range microwave ovens were created to free up counterspace in the kitchen to provide a more organized and neat appearance. However, this resolution also created another problem: many users may find it difficult to reach microwave ovens for cooking and to clean because over-the-range microwave ovens are located in a relatively high position. Adults who are short in stature, the elderly with limited mobility, children, and those with certain physical disabilities are among the users who typically find it difficult to reach an over-the-range microwave oven. Conversely, microwave ovens that are located in relatively low positions, such as underneath a kitchen's countertop, also pose a problem. Users who are elderly, tall in stature, or those who have physical disabilities may find it quite difficult to stoop or reach below in order to operate or clean a microwave oven. These disadvantages originate from the fact that all microwave ovens, whether over-the-range, under-the-counter, built-in, etc., are stationary kitchen appliances. Therefore, it is impossible to adjust microwave ovens according to the user's preferred level for optimal accessibility.
The challenges of accessing microwave ovens for heating foods and beverages and challenges to clean these small appliances have the possibility of creating hazards for the microwave oven user. Due to the stationary locations of microwave ovens, whether located above (i.e., over-the-range) or below (i.e., under-the-counter) ideal positions, users are now exposed to possible hazardous conditions. Those users who may find it difficult to reach microwave ovens often resort to using step stools, ladders, chairs, or even stooping and overextending their bodies. Using stools, ladders, and chairs to reach microwave ovens that are positioned at a higher level, can be hazardous with a great possibility of a user losing his or her balance and falling. On the other hand, users who use microwave ovens positioned at lower levels, typically resort to stooping and overextending their bodies in a downward position, which can have ergonomic risks including awkward posture and stressing of the muscles and tendons that could even lead to injuries in extreme cases. These ergonomic risks are also possible when users overextend their bodies in an upward position to access microwave ovens located in a relatively high position. Moreover, users who experience difficulty in accessing a microwave oven, could also be exposed to possible burn hazards. Reaching for hot foods and liquids has the potential of spilling onto the user's face, chest, hands, etc., causing sometimes severe scalding and burns.
The problems, as described above in this document, can be resolved by the present disclosure, primarily due to its adjustable features. Because microwave ovens are stationary kitchen appliances, they cannot be adjusted. Even prior arts of other microwave oven mounting systems only allow a microwave oven to be mounted and remain stationary, without any options for a microwave oven to be adjusted. The disclosed subject matter not only allows a microwave oven to be mounted to a wall or other surfaces, but the present invention also allows a microwave oven to be adjusted to optimal levels, thereby creating greater accessibility for users to properly reach a microwave oven without resorting to other methods (i.e., using ladders and step stools or overextending the body) that could potentially threaten the safety of the user. The disclosed invention is securely bolted to a wall or to a surface and a microwave oven is then positioned onto the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus via bolting the rear of the microwave oven onto the mounting apparatus. The present disclosure embodies an extending/contracting segment, consisting of actuators and scissor hinge mechanisms, that allows the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus to maneuver a microwave oven away from and towards a wall or surface. This invention is also able to maneuver a microwave oven upward and downward from its original position. The adjustability of the present disclosure is controlled by using a remote control or an internet enhanced device, whereas the user can easily adjust the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, and thus an attached microwave oven, to the user's position of choice.
The current challenges that users face in reaching these relatively high and low-positioned microwave ovens oftentimes deter many users from cleaning their microwaves ovens thoroughly and regularly. Microwave ovens can pose a health risk for transmitting illnesses and germs if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. Dirty microwaves can potentially catch fire as food particles build up from spills. The buildup of food particles can also lead to a less efficient microwave oven, which leads to foods and liquids not being heated properly. Therefore, the user will need to use a microwave oven longer than normal to heat foods and liquids, thereby causing an increase in energy consumption. Furthermore, not frequently cleaning microwave ovens could also reduce the life of microwave ovens. However, due to its adjustability features, the present subject matter is able to cure these challenges mentioned above by enabling the user to conveniently clean the microwave oven more often, which will, in turn provide the following advantages: decrease the spread of germs and illnesses, decrease the consumption of energy, and extend the life of microwave ovens, thereby, helping to keep the health of the user intact, saving the user money on their electricity bill, and further saving the user additional money by not having to purchase microwave ovens more frequently.
Additionally, prior arts of other microwave oven mounting systems that are available are relatively difficult to install and time-consuming. Therefore, users tend to hire a professional contractor to perform the job. These installations can be quite expensive, costing hundreds of dollars. The present invention will make installation relatively easier and less time consuming, whereas the users, themselves, can install this adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus without having to pay costly installation fees. Moreover, prior arts are usually specific to each microwave oven brand or microwave type. Therefore, with each upgrade or replacement of a microwave oven, the user will have to purchase a new microwave oven mounting kit. However, the disclosed subject matter is a universal, adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, created to fit virtually any microwave oven. Subsequently, the user is able to upgrade or replace a microwave oven, despite its brand or type, without having to purchase a new mounting kit, thereby, being able to keep and use the present invention with any microwave oven upgrade or replacement.
In this document, the invention is described in some detail. However, it should be understood that the preferred embodiment used to describe the invention was created as an example only and should not be limited to any particular embodiment. The terminology that is used in this document is only for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment that is depicted herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The preferred embodiments may have alternatives, variations, and changes without deviating from the subject matter, since the scope of this invention will be limited only by formal claims, which are not included in this document.
In this section of the document, various aspects of the present invention can be further comprehended as it will be described more clearly and completely hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but are included in this document only for the purpose of describing the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated in the drawings or in the description, the left and right sides of the subject matter are mirror images and identical.
The present disclosure is an adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, suitable for mounting a microwave oven to a wall or to other surfaces, especially over a range, stove, or cooking top, under a kitchen counter or cabinet, or around other objects and obstacles, while allowing the user to adjust a microwave oven vertically and horizontally via remote control or internet enhanced devices. The disclosed invention is universal, meaning that this mounting apparatus can mount and adjust virtually any microwave oven that is available, including but not limited to, over-the-range microwaves, low-profile microwaves, countertop microwaves, under-counter microwaves, and convection microwave ovens. Ideally, the material for which the disclosed subject matter is to be made up of is reinforced steel, which has the capacity to properly uphold microwave ovens of at least 75-125 pounds (which is roughly the weight for virtually any type of microwave oven). However, other alternative materials such as aluminum, metal, etc. can be substituted for reinforced stainless steel that has the capacity to uphold microwave ovens.
In the following section, the disclosed subject matter is described in more detail by referencing the drawings provided. Many aspects of the subject matter are described more thoroughly by referencing the correlating numbers shown in the illustrations of the embodiment of the invention. These illustrations only depict certain selected embodiments of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that in describing the present invention, there are numerous versions, methods, and steps, alternatives, and variations, that can be stated. However, for the sake of brevity, this document will refrain from stating and describing each version, method, step, alternative, and variation.
After the mounting brackets 50, 52, 54, 56 are attached to the rear of the microwave oven, they are then attached to the microwave oven mounting plate 25. The mounting plate 25 is used to support the mounting brackets 50, 52, 54, 56, and thus, the microwave oven, onto the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus. There are numerous screw holes located on the four mounting brackets 50, 52, 54, 56 that are used to attach to the rear side of the microwave oven and to also attach onto the microwave oven mounting plate 25. The variety of microwave ovens available today have a very limited amount of screw holes, all located in various positions on the rear side of the microwave ovens. Therefore, the mounting brackets 50, 52, 54, 56 are designed with numerous screw holes in order to attach to and to accommodate virtually any microwave oven. The microwave oven mounting plate 25 also has screw holes located on its upper, lower, left, and right sides in order for the four mounting brackets (the upper bracket 50, lower bracket 52, left bracket 54, and right bracket 56) to attach, respectively.
The extending/contracting segment of the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus consists of two telescopic linear actuator mechanisms 17 that are located on the left and right side of the invention and are attached between the microwave oven mounting plate 25 and the wall mounting segment 30. The two telescopic linear actuators 17 are the mechanical components of the invention that are responsible for moving the microwave oven. These actuators 17 enable the invention to maneuver the microwave oven by extending out exceptionally longer from a compacted and contracted length. The actuators 17 have compacted rods that are able to extend out into greater lengths and contract back into the actuators 17. The actuators 17 provide horizontal mobility to the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus which moves the microwave oven away from and towards the wall. The actuators 17 provide vertical mobility to the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus which lifts and lowers microwave ovens.
Moreover, the extending/contracting segment is also comprised of scissor hinge mechanisms 12 that are located above and below each actuator 17 and are attached to the front end of the wall mounting segment 30 and to the rear end of the microwave oven mounting plate 25. One of the functions of the scissor hinges 12 is to provide additional support to the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus. The scissor hinge mechanisms 12 also work in conjunction with the actuators 17 to help provide vertical and horizontal movement to the invention, and thus to the microwave oven. The scissor hinges 12 are primarily guided by the actuators 17. As the actuators 17 move vertically and horizontally, the scissor hinges 12 move along with them in the same directions, helping to pivot the microwave oven mounting segment and, thus, a microwave oven around obstacles.
The subject matter is motor-driven and electrically powered. For the actuators 17 to move the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, there is a motor 21 attached to the actuators 17 that are electrically powered. The extending/contracting segment also has a controller 26 which is essentially an electronic system equipped with a power supply adapter that regulates the operation of the actuators 17 which are plugged into the controller 26. Optionally, actuators could be wireless.
This figure depicts a wireless remote control 31 that is configured for sending signals to the controller 26 to control the operation of the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus. Optionally, the remote control 31 can be programmed to operate the microwave oven as well. The remote control 31 is accompanied by a remote control pouch 33 that holds the remote control 31. The remote control pouch 33 can hang from or attach to surfaces, such as the surface of the microwave oven itself, at the user's discretion. When the remote control pouch 33 is securely attached to a surface, the remote control 31 is placed inside the remote control pouch 33 to protect the remote control 31 and for the user to be able to quickly have access to the remote control 31 due to its convenient location. In addition to the remote control 31, there will also be an option for the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus to be controlled using smart home automation or internet enhanced device (e.g. IoT devices). For example, to control the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, the user can use a cell phone, computer, tablet/pad, etc. with internet access. The adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus can also be controlled using voice command systems, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
There is also a pull handle 10 that manually controls the extending/contracting segment and is not directly attached to the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, but rather attaches to the microwave oven, preferably underneath the microwave oven. The lower portion of the pull handle 10 contains screw holes that allows the pull handle 10 to bolt underneath a microwave oven. Since the pull handle 10 to be positioned underneath a microwave oven, especially when placed underneath an over-the-range microwave oven, it can be exposed to high temperatures if it placed directly above a range or a cooking top. Therefore, the ideal material for the described pull handle 10 is thermoplastic polyphthalamide (PPA, a high-performance polyamide), reinforced with fiberglass, capable of withstanding high heat temperature.
The wall mounting segment includes a wall mounting segment 30 that secures the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus to a wall or other fixed structures. The wall mounting segment 30 is bolted onto a wall, preferably using wall studs, in order to provide stability in securing the microwave oven on the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus. There are several safety screw holes located on the wall mounting segment 30 that enables wall mounting segment 30 to attach to the wall via bolting. Alternative to using wall studs, heavy duty drywall anchors and other types of fastener and anchoring systems could be used, preferably those that are capable in upholding the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus along with the weight of the microwave oven.
In this view, the microwave oven mounting plate 25 is seen more clearly, whereas the four mounting brackets 50, 52, 54, 56 are shown detached from the microwave oven mounting plate 25, showing where each of the four mounting bracket 50, 52, 54, 56 will attach to each side of the microwave oven mounting plate 25 via bolting. The left mounting bracket 54 and right mounting bracket 56 are mirror images of each other, which attach to the left and right sides of the microwave oven mounting plate 25, respectively. The upper mounting bracket 50 and lower mounting bracket 52 are also mirror images of each other and attach to the upper and lower sides of the microwave oven mounting plate 25, respectively. Ideally, a bolt, a washer, and a nut fastener system 63, are used to fasten together the mounting brackets 50, 52, 54, 56 to the microwave oven mounting plate 25.
This figure depicts two controller wings 65 located on the controller 26. Each controller wing 65 consists of a screw hole that are used to attach the controller 26 to the wall mounting segment 30 via bolting. The wall mounting segment 30 also has wings (wall mounting segment wings 75) which the controller wings 65 align and then are fastened together. Since the controller 26 can attach to the wall mounting segment 30, it can also detach from the wall mounting segment 30 by means of unbolting. This detachable feature helps whenever maintenance of the controller 26 is necessary. The controller 26 in this drawing is not attached to the wall mounting segment 30. However, in
Users who are short in statue or those who find it difficult to reach a microwave oven at higher levels, such as with an over-the-range microwave oven, can benefit from the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus by using this apparatus to lower the microwave oven at a more convenient level for the user to reach and operate more comfortably. The user would simply use the remote control 31 or an internet enhanced device to send commands to the controller 26 to lower the microwave oven mounting segment, which, in turn, lowers a microwave oven to a desired level for optimal user access.
Users who have microwave ovens located in relatively low positions, such as underneath a kitchen countertop, may find it difficult to stoop or reach below to operate or to clean a microwave oven. Using the remote control 31 or an internet enhanced device to raise the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, and thus a microwave oven, to a higher level will provide the user with better access to the microwave oven.
The second aspect of the microwave oven mounting segment is the mounting shelf 45 that attaches underneath a microwave oven and serves a shelf to help support a microwave oven. This mounting shelf 45 aspect has an opening in its midst, namely the mounting shelf cavity 48, which serves as an access point to a microwave oven's operating systems, such as the ventilation, filtration, and lighting systems. Basically, the mounting shelf cavity 48 ensures that the usage of these vital operating systems, which are typically located underneath a microwave oven, are not restricted. Moreover, in this alternative embodiment, the pull handle 40 is attached underneath the mounting shelf 45 aspect instead of underneath a microwave oven as in the preferred embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
The second component of the gliding system is a self-aligning machine screw 95 which fastens on the top of a microwave oven with its lower portion, then enters into the front end of the gliding plate 90 and slides or glides down the center of the gliding plate 90 with its upper portion (located just below its screw head). The screw holders 92 located on the gliding plate 90 are separated by openings that allows the self-aligning machine screw 95 to slide or glide down the center of the gliding plate 90 and then locks into the position of the preferred screw holder 92. As desired, the self-aligning machine screw 95 can also attach to other areas of the microwave oven.
It should be understood that the disclosed invention may be practiced without all the specific details. It should also be understood that the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure that is described herein may consist of alternatives, variations, and changes that do not depart from the scope of the invention.
The implicated material that the present invention, including its alternatives and variations, is to be made up of is reinforced steel. However, there can be a variety of other materials that can substitute for the reinforced steel, which includes but is not limited to other alloy types (i.e., metal, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, nickel, brass, alloy steel, superalloy, chromium, beryllium, copper, iron, etc.), plastic, acrylic, wood, clay, silicone, fiberglass, etc. or a material that has the strength to uphold a microwave oven.
As described in this document, the implicated material for the pull handle is thermoplastic polyphthalamide (PPA, a high-performance polyamide), reinforced with fiberglass, capable of withstanding high heat temperatures. However, there can be a variety of other alternative materials that can be used, such as, but not limited to, other alloy types (i.e., metal, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, nickel, brass, alloy steel, superalloy, chromium, beryllium, copper, iron, etc.), plastic, acrylic, wood, clay, silicone, fiberglass, etc., or a material that is heat resistant.
The present invention, including its alternatives and variations, can use other material to allow each aspect of the disclosed subject matter to attach to another aspect of the present invention or to another object that includes, but not limited to, adhesives, magnetism, suctioning, fasteners, anchors, welding, tape, brazing, soldering, etc.
The steps, methods, sizes, shapes, measurements, positions, arrangements, and orientation of the present invention, including its alternatives and variations, can be adjusted as necessary or as desired, which include but are not limited to the addition or elimination of certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the actuators could be eliminated in the present invention and the scissor hinges could be the primary extending component. Moreover, the pull handle could be positioned on the left or right side of a microwave oven or onto any other feasible area on the microwave oven. The pull handle could also attach to the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, including its alternatives and variations.
Though the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus is created to fit virtually any microwave oven, manufacturers of microwave ovens, certified carpenters, and other skilled technicians could also add more screw holes to the rear of a microwave oven to be more compatible with and able to attach to the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus. Furthermore, the screw holes positioned on the present invention, including its alternatives and variations, can also be repositioned, or more can added or subtracted to accommodate virtually any microwave oven.
The disclosed subject matter, including its alternatives and variations, can be controlled or operated manually or remotely by using mechanisms that can control the movement or operation of an object, including, but not limited to, wired and wireless sources, etc. Electricity is the power source of the present disclosure. Alternatively, other energy sources can be substituted for and work in conjunction with the electrical power source, which include, but are not limited to solar power, renewable energy, hydropower, wind power, etc.
Additionally, the extending/contracting segment (i.e., actuators, scissor hinges, Clevis pin, etc.) depicted in describing the embodiment of the present invention can be substituted for and work in conjunction with other types of engineering mechanisms, including, but not limited to, cylinders, actuators (including smart actuators), robotic arms, robotic mechanisms, articulating arms, cams and followers, gears and gear trains, belts and chains, pulleys, wheels and axles, levers, ratchets, and springs, linkages, universal joint, gliding mechanisms, fasteners, etc. The present invention could also use these engineering mechanisms (actuators, robotic arms, etc.) in any combination to maneuver the adjustable microwave oven mounting apparatus, and thus a microwave oven, in virtually any direction, including but not limited to, having the capability to tilt and rotate. One example on how this can be accomplished is by substituting the present invention's extending/contracting segment with an articulating arm, a robotic arm, or an articulated robot mechanism, wherein using these mechanisms can provide a 360-degree movement feature for optimal user access. Moreover, all aspects of the invention, including its alternatives and variations, could also be engineered to be adjustable, including but not limited to, having the features of being able to contract and to extend.
Manufactures of microwave ovens or other qualified technicians could also update the microwave oven to include a built-in remote control or a technology that can work with smart home automation systems or internet enhanced devices.
The power cord on microwave ovens may be too short to extend out and move in higher and lower directions. Some solutions in resolving this issue could include, but are not limited to:
As described in this document, the present disclosure can also be used to mount displays. These displays include but are not limited to, electronics (i.e., televisions, theater projectors, whiteboards, computers, computer screens, etc.), portraits, frames, etc.
It should be understood that while the preferred embodiment of the invention is described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that alternatives, variations, and changes that are possible without departing from the subject matter. However, for the sake of brevity, this document only includes selected alternatives of the present invention.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/387,852, filed on Dec. 16, 2022, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63387852 | Dec 2022 | US |
