Patent Application
20250176793
The present subject matter relates generally to domestic appliance, such as dishwashing appliances, and more particularly to a handle transport structure for a domestic appliance.
Domestic appliances (e.g., dishwashing appliances, refrigerator appliances, oven appliances, etc.) are available in a variety of configurations. However, a common element of many domestic appliances is a door that is movably (e.g., rotatably) mounted to a cabinet or housing. In order to allow a user to open and close the door, a handle is often provided. In the case of dishwashing appliances, handles can generally be divided into two types: exposed handles and hidden handles. For exposed handles, the can be independently placed on the door and connected to the same.
Existing dishwashing appliances are generally shipped as a whole after being assembled. For dishwashers with exposed handles, different product packaging is often caused by the different structural dimensions of the handles. Multiple packaging methods are often needed, which can increase the development cycle, difficulty of manufacturing, or the cost of packaging design. In addition, the handle may be exposed, occupying a large space, and the packaging box required for packaging and transportation is large. Moreover, the handle may be easily damaged during transport.
Some dishwashing appliances having begun being sold or transported with a detachable handle, which can be packed in a box as an accessory during transportation. A consumer or retailer can then mount the handle once the dishwashing appliance has reached its final destination or is otherwise unpacked. Unfortunately, this can still present some challenges. In particular, it can still be easy for the handle to be damaged in transport. If the handle is simply placed within the dishwashing appliance, there is a chance that the interior of the dishwashing appliance may be damaged.
As a result, it would be useful to provide an assembly or appliance addressing one or more of the above issues. For instance, it may be advantageous to provide an assembly capable of safely securing a handle (e.g., apart from an appliance door) during transport.
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.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a handle clip for securing an appliance handle during shipping is provided. The handle clip may include a mount segment, a support segment, and a connection segment. The mount segment may be securable to the appliance handle. The support segment may extend from the mount segment away from the appliance handle. The connection segment may be joined to the support segment for receipt on a wire frame. The connection segment may include a rigid tab, a clamp tab, and a resilient arc. The rigid tab may extend downward relative to the support segment. The clamp tab may be longitudinally spaced apart from the rigid tab. The clamp tab may be selectively deflectable relative to the rigid tab. The resilient arc joint may extend from the rigid tab to the clamp tab. The connection segment may define a wire groove to receive the wire frame between the rigid tab and the clamp tab. The clamp tab may include a T-post at a free end disposed below the wire groove and opposite of the resilient arc joint.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a handle clip for securing an appliance handle during shipping is provided. The handle clip may include a mount segment, a support segment, and a connection segment. The mount segment may be securable to the appliance handle. The support segment may extend from the mount segment away from the appliance handle. The connection segment may be joined to the support segment for receipt on a wire frame. The connection segment may include a rigid tab, a clamp tab, and a resilient arc. The rigid tab may extend downward relative to the support segment. The clamp tab may be longitudinally spaced apart from the rigid tab. The clamp tab may be selectively deflectable relative to the rigid tab. The resilient arc joint may extend from the rigid tab to the clamp tab. The connection segment may define a wire groove to receive the wire frame between the rigid tab and the clamp tab. The clamp tab may define a longitudinal aperture apart from the wire groove to receive a fastener therethrough. The rigid tab may define an attachment collar aligned with the longitudinal aperture to receive the fastener with the longitudinal aperture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references 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.
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.
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).
The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in
As illustrated in
Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in
Dishwasher 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in
The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water or wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in
As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and upper spray assembly 142). However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance 100.
Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only and are not limitations of the present subject matter.
In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156 (e.g., which may be positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance 100). Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.
According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated in
The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM 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 160 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.
The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116, as shown in
It should be appreciated that, except as otherwise specified, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of appliance dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiment depicted in
Turning now generally to
In some embodiments, the size of the appliance handle 302 (e.g., in a lateral or left and right direction) is larger than the size of the wire frame 304 in the left and right direction. Appliance handle 302 may be inclined forward or backward in the left and right direction. The wire frame 304 is formed by cross-connecting a plurality of rack bars 306, and the handle clip(s) 310 may be clamped on a rack bar 306, such as at the upper end of the rack 304.
Notably, in the transport state, the arrangement of the appliance handle 302 and transport assembly 300 may be beneficial to reduce the space occupied in a packaging box or prevent the damage of the appliance handle 302. Additionally or alternatively, packaging and difficulties caused by the same may be reduced.
Turning especially to
As shown, mount segment 312 may include an assembly post 318. The assembly post 318 may extend, for instance, upward along the height direction H. In some embodiments, the assembly post 318 extends above (e.g., at a higher position relative to the height direction than) the support segment 314 or at least a portion of the connection segment 316. Optionally, a base or platform 320 of the mount segment 312 may be provided proximal to the support segment 314 or opposite a free end of assembly post 318. Such a platform 320 may define a relatively enlarged width relative to the rest of assembly post 318. In certain embodiments, the assembly post 318 may include a general cylindrical shape or body. In some embodiments, the assembly post 318 defines a lock notch 322 that extends (e.g., inward), such as at a middle or intermediate height position of assembly post 318 (e.g., to receive or engage with a mechanical fastener, such as a clamp, screw, or bolt).
When assembled, the assembly post 318 may be received secured to or received within at least a portion of the handle. For instance, turning further to
Returning generally to
Opposite the mount segment 312 (e.g., relative to the longitudinal direction G), the connection segment 316 may be joined to the support segment 314 for receipt on the wire frame 304. As shown, connection segment 316 generally include a rigid tab 334 and a clamp tab 336 that can together bound (e.g., longitudinally) a portion of wire frame 304 (e.g., rack bar 306). Specifically, connection segment 316 may define a wire groove 338 to receive the wire frame 304 (e.g., rack bar 306) therein between the rigid tab 334 and clamp tab 336. Both the clamp tab 336 and the rigid tab 334 may extend in a generally downward orientation. For instance, the rigid tab 334 may extend downward (e.g., in the height direction H) from or relative to the support segment 314. Additionally or alternatively, the clamp tab 336 may extend downward (e.g., in the height direction) while being apart (e.g., longitudinally spaced apart) from the rigid tab 334.
Generally, the clamp tab 336 is deflectable relative to rigid tab 334. Thus, the clamp tab 336 may be deflected outward when receiving the rack bar 306 and returned inward (e.g., toward rigid tab 334) when rack bar 306 is either removed or received within wire groove 338. In some embodiments, a resilient arc joint 340 extends from the rigid tab 334 to the clamp tab 336. For instance, the resilient arc joint 340 may curve up and over from rigid tab 334 to clamp tab 336 opposite a free end of one or both of tabs 334, 336. Together, the clamp tab 336, the rigid tab 334, and the arc joint 340 may form a U-shaped structure such that the resilient arc joint 340 may act as an elastic hinge to bias the clamp tab 336 and rigid tab 334.
As shown, the clamp tab 336 may include a groove wall 342 disposed above (e.g., at a higher relative height than the wire groove 338 and extends toward the rigid tab 334. The groove wall 342 may, for instance, define an upper limit of wire groove 338. Separately from or in addition to groove wall 342, rigid tab 334 may define a groove shelf 344 that is disposed vertically (e.g., along the height direction H) between the groove wall 342 and the wire groove 338. A longitudinal end of the groove shelf 344 may define an end stop 346 for holding rack bar 306 within wire groove 338. Moreover, the groove shelf 344 may provide an interlocking surface with groove wall 342 such that groove wall 342 extends over at least a portion of groove shelf 344 and bounds vertical movement of rack bar 306 within wire groove 338.
In certain embodiments, one or more lateral or catch notches 348 are defined at the free end of clamp tab 336 or rigid tab 334. Specifically, the catch notches 348 may be formed as laterally open cutouts (e.g., along the width direction W). As shown, a C-shaped void may be formed by the catch notch 348. The free or unencumbered ends of clamp tab 336 or rigid tab 334 may define one or more cutouts as catch notches 348 below the wire groove 338 or opposite of the resilient arc joint 340. As an example, the clamp tab 336 may define at least one catch notch 348 with one or more legs 350 spaced apart from each other (e.g., along the height direction H). Optionally, a pair of catch notches 348 may be defined such that the free end of clamp tab 336 forms a T-post. As an additional or alternative example, the rigid tab 334 may define at least one catch notch 348 with one or more legs 350 spaced apart from each other (e.g., along the height direction H). Optionally, a pair of catch notches 348 may be defined such that the free end of rigid tab 334 forms a T-post. In some such embodiments, the T-post of the rigid tab 334 may be vertically aligned (e.g., at the same position along the height direction H) with the T-post of the clamp tab 336. Separate from or in addition to the catch notches 348, one or more longitudinal hooks 352, 354 may be provided on at least one tab 334 or 336. In some embodiments, rigid tab 334 includes a longitudinal hook extending away from clamp tab 336. As an example, a longitudinal lower hook 352 may extend on rigid tab 334 away from clamp tab 336 below (e.g., at a lower position relative to the height direction H). The longitudinal lower hook 352 may be disposed further below the lateral notches or T-post on rigid tab 334. As an additional or alternative example, a longitudinal upper hook 354 may extend on rigid tab 334 away from clamp tab 336 below (e.g., at a lower position relative to the height direction H). The longitudinal upper hook 354 may be further disposed above longitudinal lower hook 352 or the lateral notches or T-post on rigid tab 334.
Notably, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may accommodate one or more zip-ties or wound fasteners to temporarily (e.g., during shipping) clamp tab 336 relative to rigid tab 334 and, thereby, further hold handle clip 310 on wire frame 304.
In some embodiments, one or more selective fasteners 356 (e.g., mechanical fasteners, such as a screw, bolt, or expandable clips) can be accommodated on handle clip 310. For instance, clamp tab 336 may define a longitudinal aperture 358 to receive a selective fastener 356. As shown, the longitudinal aperture 358 may be defined along the longitudinal direction G and extend fully through clamp tab 336, such that fastener 356 may also extend fully through longitudinal aperture 358. The longitudinal aperture 358 may be spaced apart from wire groove 338 (e.g., above wire groove 338 relative to the height direction H). In some embodiments, rigid tab 334 defines an attachment collar 362 (e.g., threaded collar) that also receives the selective fastener 356. For instance, attachment collar 362 may be aligned (e.g., longitudinally) with longitudinal aperture 358 to receive the fastener 356 with the longitudinal aperture 358. As a particular example, an threaded bolt or screw may be inserted through longitudinal aperture 358 and secured or threaded within attachment collar 362. The flared head of the threaded bolt or screw may further pull or hold the clamp tab 336 in a clamp tab 336 relative to rigid tab 334. Optionally, a recess 360 (e.g., extending inward toward rigid tab 334) may be provided about or as part of longitudinal aperture 358, such as to cradle or support the selective fastener 356 even if the attachment collar 362 is not yet engaged.
Notably, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may accommodate one or more selective fasteners 356 to temporarily (e.g., during shipping) clamp tab 336 relative to rigid tab 334 and, thereby, further hold handle clip 310 on wire frame 304.
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.
