ASSEMBLY FOR LIFTING AND MECHANIZING MOVEMENT OF HOME APPLIANCES AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

Provided is an appliance lift assembly, comprising a surface base, a support frame, a platform configured to support an appliance unit, such as a dishwasher, the platform being movable in relation to the support frame, and a lifting system mounted to the movable platform and mounted to the support frame, the lifting system moving the platform between an extended mode and a retracted mode, wherein the appliance lift assembly fit into standard built-in cabinet enclosure. Further provided is a method for elevating or lowering an appliance unit using a lifting system, the method comprising pulling a cable attached to a platform of the lift assembly supporting the appliance, lifting the movable platform by using a rotational or linear motion drive and by using a passive lifter, and stopping movement of the platform when a predetermined height is reached. A method for installing an appliance lift assembly is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for installing, lifting and/or lowering a home appliance, such as a dishwasher.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Low access basket or rack of dishwasher requires to bend over to load and unload the dishes. The postural demands of this chore associated with such a common household machine are not without risks for everyone. The bent over position for lifting, reaching and carry over the dishes, even if performed only one or two times a day, can be unfavorable for some older adults or even for very tall individual and may accentuate stress and fatigue to the lower spine and cause muscle tension leading to back strain. Furthermore, this same posture can be physically strenuous and hurtful for people experiencing acute or chronic low back pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common global problem. The point prevalence of LBP was estimated to be about 7.5% of the human population (577 million people) by the International Association for the Study of Pain. In the US alone, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reported data suggesting 39% of all adult have experienced low back pain in the prior 3 months. In some cases, LBP can turn into persistent or chronic back pain which as a result limits certain daily activity. The present invention provides a new simple mechanical lifting apparatus developed to enable users to load and unload any low access dishwasher or other type of home appliance in an upright position, thereby overcoming the above-referenced ergonomic problems.

This system takes into account standardized home appliance configurations and kitchen cabinet dimensions. It also takes into account safety, reliability, and sensorial elements like pinch point hazards from movement, sound and intuitive operation to ensure safe and easy operation.

A typical household dishwasher generally comprises a wash chamber adapted to receive baskets and water nozzles. The dishwasher further comprises a drop-down front panel door and an electronic display. The dishwasher further comprises mechanical, electrical or piping components such as pumps and motors typically located underneath the wash chamber.

As a built-in dishwasher located under a counter or a free-standing dishwasher, the baskets are placed at a lower position. Such low positioning may lead to discomfort, soreness, strain, or simply inconvenience, for specific users due to the bent position. One of the known solutions to increase the accessibility of the content of a dishwasher and possibly improve a user's standing posture is to raise the dishwasher for easier access to the content of the said dishwasher.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,729,306 B2 discloses an elevation system for the lowest basket of a dishwasher. The elevation system comprises a mechanism which unlocks the lower rack of a dishwasher to allow raising the said lower rack. One draw back of the mechanism is that it takes a significant volume over the basket to raise the said rack, thus allowing only to raise and make use of the lower basket. Furthermore, as the mechanism is located at the lower backet level, a user must lower to reach and activate the raising mechanism.

The ease of access to the dishwasher filter and salt softener container located at the bottom of the wash chamber is another drawback. As the lower rack is fastened to the wash chamber from an inside position and moves up when pulled, the remaining lower opening limits proper body movement to reach the said dishwasher filter and salter softener. Understandably, such drawback may also be associated to other accessories present in any type of home appliance.

Japanese patent application published under no. 2003-135357 discloses an elevating and lowering dishwasher installable in an upper kitchen cabinet. Similarly to the U.S. Pat. No. 10,729,306 B2, a significant volume is required over the dishwasher unit in order to house the lifting drive unit. Thus, a standard dishwasher unit may not be used with the disclosure no. 2003-135357. Indeed, either the dishwasher must be smaller than a standard unit to allocate space for the lift drive unit or the upper cabinet must be taller to compensate for the presence of the said lift drive unit. Furthermore, the dishwasher may be accessed in its lowered position from the cabinet.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,165 discloses a table dishwasher combination. The top loading dishwasher comprises struts which raise the baskets and a swivel mechanism which pivots the baskets left or right. The lifting mechanism requires a nonstandard dishwasher (i.e., top loading) not applicable to standard kitchen cabinetry. Understandably, no item may be placed on the top of the dishwasher, otherwise it may fall when said dishwasher is raised. Furthermore, the table assembly has a volume substantially greater than a traditional dishwasher.

The Korean patent no. 101904551 disclosed a raisable built-in dishwasher in a built-in sink. The dishwasher comprises a driving motor located under the dishwashing unit which transfers motion in a pulley which, in turn, raises the dishwasher over the counter. However, it may be understood that the content of the baskets of the dishwasher unit may only be accessed when the dishwasher unit is fully raised over the counter. Furthermore, the dishwasher unit itself is nonstandard and of small content capacity considering it is incorporated in a built-in sink. The drive motor being under the dishwasher unit limits the lowest height of elevation of the dishwasher, therefore, limiting the volume of the wash tank.

There is thus a need for a novel lifting assembly and associated installation and usage methods for a lifting system adapted for a conventional on the floor or built-in dishwasher unit for loading and unloading of the baskets and that is without postural constraints, in a safe and efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforesaid and other objectives of the present invention are realized by generally providing an appliance lift assembly. The appliance lift assembly may be fully integrated or may be an accessory to an existing home appliance. In some aspects of the invention, the assembly may be used to lift an appliance, such as but not limited to a home appliance. The home appliance may be a dishwasher unit. Any other type of home appliance having dimensions to fit in an under-counter enclosure are within the scope of the present invention.

The assembly generally comprises a surface base, a support frame, a platform configured to support a dishwasher or applicable appliance unit, the platform attached to the surface base and being movable in relation to the support frame and a lifting system mounted to the support frame and to which the movable platform is mounted to, the lifting system moving the platform between an extended mode and a retracted mode.

The appliance lift assembly generally has dimensions to fit a compact or standard dishwasher or appliance cabinet enclosure or may have dimensions adapted to custom requirements. A compact built-in dishwasher enclosure typically has a width of about 18 inches (about 45.72 cm) and a depth of about 24 inches (about 60.96 cm). A standard built-in dishwasher enclosure typically has a width of about 24 inches (about 60.96 cm) and a depth of about 24 inches (about 60.96 cm). In certain regions or commensurate with the appliance unit model, the enclosure dimensions may vary from the above-mentioned measurement.

The support frame may comprise a reinforcement panel configured to stabilize the movement of the platform. The appliance lift assembly may further comprise side panels, top panel and a back panel with brackets attached to one another and to the movable platform and to the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit. The lifting system may comprise a pulling system mounted to the platform and to the support frame. The pulling system may further comprise a drive unit. The drive unit may comprise a gear lubricant such as but not limited to food grade grease and an electric motor, such as but not limited to direct current (DC), alternative current (AC) or servo-motor. The drive unit may further comprise a variable frequency drive, a speed controller or an encoder. The drive unit system may be located away from the support frame. The electrical motor may comprise an electromagnetic brake allowing immediate stop or hold movement of the appliance. The electromagnetic brake may allow the appliance to remain in a static lifted position in the event of power loss or equipment failure. The electric motor is preferably sealed to control the brake wear particle emissions during operation of the assembly.

The pulling system may comprise a first force multiplication member and a second force multiplication member movable with regard to the support frame, the second force multiplication member being mounted to the movable platform. The appliance lift assembly support frame may comprise a track for slidably receiving the second force multiplication member along a substantially vertical path. The track may comprise a groove and the second force multiplication member comprising a sliding member slidably mating with the groove. The first and second force multiplication members may be pulleys, the pulling system comprising a cable operatively connected to the pulleys, the cable being anchored to the support frame at one end. The cable may be made but not limited to a synthetic material or a metal core polymer coated. The cable may be spliced or have a connector for end termination.

In an aspect of the invention, the appliance lift assembly may comprise an accessory bracket to fix and allow passage of service hoses/cord and cable outside the lift assembly. The lifting system may comprise scissor passive lifters which vertically moves along the platform. The system may further comprise bracket panels attached to the movable platform. The said bracket panels may be embodied as a back and a top panel and two side panels around the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit.

When the assembly is in an elevated state, the front section of the assembly is open. The access to the assembly through the open front section is typically restricted. In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a gap closing element, such as a fabric material or woven wire mesh or any other material acting as a curtain, blind or shutter to close the gap. The said gap closing element may further comprise a rolling mechanism and/or may be attached to the front surface base and underneath the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of installing an appliance lift assembly is provided, the method comprising: mounting a movable platform to a surface base, rigidly mounting a support frame of the appliance lift assembly to a surface base, mounting a dishwasher or applicable appliance unit to a movable platform of the appliance lift assembly, and connecting flexible service hoses/cord to the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit. The method may further comprise mounting a movable platform to a surface base by connecting the two elements to a passive lifter. The method may further comprise mounting a dishwasher or applicable appliance unit to a movable platform further comprising mounting bracket panels to each side of the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit and fixing the bracket panels to the platform. The method may further comprise mounting a reinforcement panel as support frame of the appliance lift assembly to a surface base. The method may further comprise securing the surface base to the floor. The method may comprise anchoring the surface base to the floor. The method may further comprise limiting upward movement of the support frame during the appliance lifting motion operation. The method may further comprise securing the surface base to limit or counter any horizontal component force. The securing of the surface base may further comprise fastening the surface base to the floor anchor brackets, such as using screws.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for elevating or lowering a dishwasher or applicable appliance unit using an appliance lift system is provided, the method comprising: pulling a cable attached to a movable platform of the lift assembly supporting the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit, lifting the platform by expansion or guide follower or cable support arrangement of a passive lifter and stopping movement of the platform when a predetermined or user selected height is reached.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the pulling of the cable may further comprise vertically displacing a movable block pulley attached to the platform along a vertical guiding member from the support frame. The pulling of the cable may further comprise rolling and unrolling the cable to lengthen or shortening the cable present in a pulling system. The method may further comprise expanding the passive lifter or compacting the passive lifter by pivoting crossing member to create a scissor or double scissor movement of the passive lifter system.

In some embodiments of the appliance lift assembly, the lifting system may be embodied as structural channels vertically position on each side of the movable platform towards the front of the said assembly and connected to the surface base and to the support frame. The lifting system may further comprise cam followers incorporated in the structural channels and attached to the movable platform to allow vertical movement of the said platform in a balance distribution of forces. Such embodiment generally aims at limiting or preventing any horizontal or pivotal movement of the platform when moving up and down.

In some aspect of the invention, the lifting system may comprise a cable and pulley arrangement on each side panels. The cable and pulley arrangement are adapted to move the cantilever load in a substantially balanced distribution of forces. In such embodiment, the cable ends are fastened on each side of the movable platform front section and generally follow the pulley pattern on the interior top of each side panels to be redirected down at pulleys on each side of the frame support or surface base to which the cable at is mid-length may join the movable front block pulley adapted to fit the said cable. The lifting system may further comprise a separate cable arranged from the movable platform through pulleys around the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit and joins the movable block pulley for vertical movement through the guiding member of the support frame.

In another aspect of the invention, the lifting assembly may comprise an electric linear actuator. The linear motion actuator may be used in place of a rotational motion driving system. The lifting system may comprise one linear motion actuator or sets of two or four linear motion actuator. The linear motion actuator may be at the back or on either sides of the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit. The linear motion actuator may be mounted to the surface base. When mounted to the surface base, the linear motion actuator is adapted to either push or pull the mounting brackets on the side or back bracket panels around the appliance unit which are fastened on the movable platform. For stability and guidance of the lift appliance vertical movement, the lifting system may comprise one or more linear motion actuators, such as to replace the drive system. The lifting system may comprise a portion of the pulling system. In some aspects of the invention, the portion of the pulling system comprises the movable block pulley attached to the movable platform and connected to the guiding member of the support frame.

The drive unit may be located underneath the movable platform or located away from it.

The appliance lift assembly may further comprise hydraulic cylinders, screw jacks, racks and pinions, roller chain or belt system along a frame support, moving platform and surface base.

In another aspect of the invention, the operating controls are set-up to limit risks of motion hazard. The assembly may comprise switch buttons and/or a user interface generally configured to control operation of the equipment. The switch buttons and/or user interface may be configured to require two sets of condition to engage movement. The assembly may further comprise an activation button or interface. The activation button or interface may be configured to require continuous holding of the said interface to lift or lower the appliance lift assembly. Furthermore, the drive system may be interlocked with a dishwasher or applicable appliance door unit and with a child safety lock switch.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a standard built-in dishwasher of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher installed under a counter with an appliance lift assembly shown in a lowered position in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an appliance lift assembly in a lowered state in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an appliance lift assembly of FIG. 2 shown in an elevated state.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the appliance lift assembly of FIG. 2 shown without a dishwasher.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the appliance lift assembly of FIG. 5 shown in an elevated state.

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the appliance lift assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a pulling system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the appliance lift assembly comprising a shutter in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the appliance lift assembly comprising passive lifters being vertical structural channels in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the appliance lift assembly comprising passive lifters being cable pulley arrangements in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the appliance lift assembly comprising linear motion electric actuator in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A novel appliance lift assembly and method for lifting an appliance will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

It may further be understood that although the preferred appliance to be used with the present invention is a dishwasher unit, any other type of appliance or home appliance may be used with the disclosed assembly and methods. For example, the appliance may be a washing machine, a drying machine, a range oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, a wine cooler or any other type of applicable appliance. The appliance lift assembly as described herein may be adapted to be used with any type of appliance units.

Referring to FIG. 1, a standard dishwasher 10′ from the prior art is illustrated. The dishwasher 10′ generally comprises a fixed bottom frame 20′ defining an open space 30′ wherein various components may be installed. Understandably, the fixed bottom frame 20′ supports the dishwasher 10′, and due to its fixed nature, does not allow an extended elevation of the dishwasher 10″.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, a system 100 for raising and lowering a dishwasher unit 10 is illustrated. The lifting system 100 comprises a movable platform 20 for receiving a dishwasher unit. The movable platform 20 generally replaces a fixed supporting frame 20′ of a prior art dishwasher unit 10′. The movable platform 20 generally allows vertical movements, namely elevation and lowering, of the dishwasher unit 10. Referring to FIG. 2, the dishwasher unit 10 is shown installed with the lifting system 100 under a typical/conventional kitchen counter. It may be appreciated that the lifting system 100, shown in a lowered state, comprises a top surface 92 leveled with the adjacent counter surfaces 96. Understandably, the lifting system 100 is configured to raise the dishwasher unit 10 while the counter surfaces 96 adjacent to the top surface 92 of the lifting system 100 stay still.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the lifting system 100 is shown in lowered state. It may be appreciated that in such embodiment the dishwasher unit 10 and the lifting system 100 are housed between two side cabinetry walls 94. Referring to FIG. 4, the lifting system 100 is shown in an elevated state. The FIGS. 5 and 6 show the lifting system 100 without the unit 10. The lifting system 100 comprises a lifting mechanism 30 optimizing vertical movement of the unit 10. Understandably, the lifting mechanism 30 is preferably a passive lifter. However, in other embodiments, any other type of lifting mechanism having appropriate dimensions may be used. The lifting mechanism 30 of the present invention generally comprises, but is not limited to, scissor lifters 35, 37. In embodiments having scissor lifters 35,37, the said scissor lifters 35,37 generally allow the lifting mechanism 30 to be more compact compared to other types of lifting mechanisms arrangement. Accordingly, the lifting mechanism 30 is configured to be housed within the open space 30′ usually required for a standard prior art dishwasher 10″.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting mechanism 30 comprises a pulling system 40, the pulling system generally comprising a lifting cable 50 having tension multiplied by block pulleys 42, 44. The pulling system 40 generally comprises a block pulley 42 elevated in view of a lowered dishwasher unit 10 and connected to a mobile block pulley 44. The mobile block pulley 44 is moveable along a generally vertical axis to move with the unit 10. The cable 50 is connected to a drive system 60, such as but not limited to an electrical winch. The lifting system 100 typically comprises double scissor lifters 35, 37 (see FIG. 3) forming a criss-cross pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting system 100 comprises a first lifter 35 on the left side of the lifting system 100 and a second lifter 37 on the right side of the lifting system 100. In such embodiment, each lifter 35, 37 supports the platform 20 on each side of the platform 20 and of the dishwasher unit 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the scissor lifter 35, 37 each comprise an assembly of a first 36 and a second 38 crossing members. The first and second crossing members 36, 38 are pivotally attached, generally at a center point 39. The scissor lifter 35, 37 may comprise one or more additional scissor assemblies 34 of crossing members 36, 38 stacked or pivotally mounted on top of the first scissor assembly. In such embodiment, the additional scissor assemblies 34 may fold within the two external crossing members 36 and 38, optimizing the lowering and extension of the scissor lifter 35, 37.

At the upper and lower ends of the scissor lifter 35, 37, the end 31 of one of the two members 36, 38 of the assembly is pivotally connected to the surface base 15. At the end of the other member 36, 38 of the same assembly is a slidable pivot point 33. The slidable pivot point 33, by sliding along each side of the lifting system 100 allows raising and lowering of the scissor lifter 35, 37. The slidable pivot points 33 as seen in FIG. 4 may be adapted to slide inside a groove or along any directional component, not shown, specially designed to control the displacement of said pivot point 33. Understandably, sliding of the point 33 allows the lifting mechanism 30 to remain compact when the dishwasher unit 10 is lowered.

Now referring back to FIGS. 3 to 6, the double scissor lifters 35, 37 are connected at one end to the surface base 15 and at another end to the platform 20. Such connections generally aim at ensuring a balanced distribution of forces between the front 22 and the back 24 of the platform 20. The balanced distribution of forces generally aims at limiting movement of the lifting system 100 to a substantially straight vertical movement, thus limiting or preventing any horizontal tilting or swiveling movement of the platform 20 when moving up or down. The use of double scissor lifters 35, 37 generally allows raising the appliance to a higher elevation than prior art cantilever lift forks. It may also permit the use of a lighter and a thinner support frame 70 compared to other bulkier frames of the prior art required to counterbalance such as cantilever lift forks.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lifting system 100 comprises an embodiment of the pulling system 40. The pulling system 40 generally comprises a vertically moving block pulley 30) 44 and fixed block pulley 42. The moving block pulley 44 may be mounted to the movable platform 20 at a securing area 41 to raise and lower said movable platform 20. In the present embodiment, the lifting system 100 comprises a block pulley guiding member 75, such as but not limited to a track, a groove or slot adapted to receive the movable block pulley 44. By sliding the vertical track, the block pulley 44 moves up when in tension and moves down when tension is released. The fixed block pulleys 42 further allow directing the cable 50 and a multiplication factor to lower the force required to support the dishwasher unit 10. The pulling system 40 further comprises an anchor point 45 to attach one end of the cable 50 to the support frame. The pulling system 40 may further comprise cable guiding members, such as idlers, rollers and/or sliders adapted to guide the path of the cable 50 along the pulling system 40. The other end of the cable 50 is attached to the winch drum 61.

In some embodiments, the lifting system 100 further comprises a support frame 70, such as but not limited to a metal reinforcement panel. The support frame 70 generally acts as structural member for the lifting system 100. The support frame 70 may be fixed to the surface base 15 of the lifting system 100. Fixing the support frame 70 to the surface base 15 may allow the support frame 70 to restrict from bending by the presence of the extended corners 26 of the surface base 15 and to limit or prevent upward movement through the floor anchor brackets 95. In some embodiments, the floor anchor brackets 95 may be positioned on both side of the lifting system 100 and fixed in the floor by means of fasteners, such as but not limited to anchor screws. In the present embodiment, the floor anchor brackets 95 prevent or limit upward movement of the surface base 15. Each of the floor anchor brackets 95 may further be connected to the surface base 15 using fasteners 17, such as long bolt screws, to prevent or limit horizontal movement of the said surface base 15. The fasteners 17 are typically installed after the appliance lift assembly has been pushed back in the enclosure. In some embodiments, the support frame 70 comprises anchor points 72 for mounting the fixed block pulleys 42 and guiding member 49 for mounting the mobile 44 block pulleys of the pulling system 40. The support frame 70) may further comprise the cable anchor point 45 and for various cable guiding member components 47, 47′. The positioning of the pulling system 40 may be adjusted with the guiding member 47′ which may be raised or lowered before being secured. In the path 75 may be installed a guiding member or part 49, the guiding part 49 sliding up and down following the shape of the path 75. The guiding part 49 is secured to the mobile block pulley 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 50 is a twelve (12) brand synthetic rope. Such rope typically provides high flexibility, excellent wear characteristics, good tension fatigue resistance and is non-corrosive in nature. The rope may be, but is not limited to, a rope made of synthetic fiber or any other synthetic material known in the art. Understandably, in other embodiments, the rope may be any other type of rope or synthetic rope. In yet other embodiments, the cable 50 is a spliced rope. The pulling system 40 may produce a force amplification ratio of two (2) through pulleys arrangement in the design along with the anchoring 45 of the spliced rope 50 going around the highest fixed block pulley 42 to save space. Understandably, the amplification ratio on the force from the drive system 60 by the pulling system 40 may be any other value higher or lower than two.

Referring to FIG. 8, the embodied mobile block pulley 44 may comprise a rear side plate 46 securable to the guiding part 49 to guide the raising and lowering of the mobile block pulley 44. The mobile block pulley 44 may further comprise a front side plate 48 fixedly connected or mounted to the platform 20 in order to raise or lower the dishwashing unit 10. The front side plate 48 comprises a vertical surface 48′ comprising the front face of the mobile block pulley 44 and a horizontal surface 48″ supporting the platform 20. A curved area 41 may join the vertical surface 48′ to the horizontal surface 48″. Understandably, the front side plate 48 may be made of a single material and manufactured in one piece. The displacement of the mobile block pulley 44 and thus of the platform 20 is upwardly and downwardly guided along a grooved path 75 present in the support frame 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooved path 75 is located about the middle of the support frame 70. Each of the added components may be installed on one side or the other of the grooved path 75. The selected side typically depends on the dedicated side of the drive system 60 in relation to the lifting system 100. In some embodiments, the support frame 70 has a thickness allowing structural support of various components of the lifting system 100 and dishwasher unit 10 while simultaneously providing a width necessary to adapt to the back of dishwasher unit 10. The thickness may further allow maintaining a total depth allowing insertion of the lifting system 100 under counter cabinet for dishwasher.

Referring to FIG. 7, the lifting system 100 comprises a drive system 60, such as a winch. The drive system 60 is typically located on one side of the lifting system 100. As such, the drive system 60 may protrude within the next-door cabinetry. Understandably, the winch may be located anywhere else around the lifting system 100. The embodied winch 60 unit typically comprises a drum 61, a pillow block 62, a block pulley 63, a speed controller or variable frequency drive (VFD) 64 and a gearmotor 65. The drum 61 is typically large enough to enroll only one layer of the cable 50 required for the pulling process. In the illustrated embodiment, a first section is dedicated for the minimum safety number of wraps required on a drum winch and a second section is less than two wraps of cable and is dedicated for movement. The one-layer cable generally aims at optimizing the winch load pulling power capacity, at minimizing the fleet angle requisite of the pulley incoming rope to the drum and at eliminating subsequent wraps from slipping down between turns. The drum 61 is pivotally attached to the pillow block 62 at a first end and driven by the-gearmotor 65 at another end, thus adapted to enroll or unroll the cable 50. All of the comprised elements of the drive system 60 may be fixed to a one-piece metal board, generally inside a cabinet on one side or the other of the lifting system 100. Understandably, any other type of drive system 60 having enough power to raise the weight of the dishwasher 10, of the platform 20 and of the top surface 92 may be used within the scope of the present invention.

The lifting system 100 may further comprise an accessory bracket 85. The accessory bracket 85 may comprise apertures 87 to receive service hoses/cord 86 such as a water hose inlet, a drain hose outlet, an electrical source cord and the cable 50 from the pulling system 40. The electrical source may be an electrical cord (service hoses/cord) connectable to a standard electrical outlet, a junction box or may be an electrical cable connected to the electrical network of the building. In another embodiment, the electrical current is distributed to the lifting system 100 and to the dishwasher unit 10 from the same circuit but used alternately. As an example, when the dishwasher unit 10 is in operation, the circuit to the lifting system 100 is open (no current). On the opposite, when the lifting system 100 is in use, the circuit connecting to the dishwasher unit 10 is open (no current). It may be appreciated that the electrical current diverted between those two devices may provide easier installation of the lifting system 100 and may optimize the use of electrical components around said lifting system 100.

The other end of the service hoses/cord 86 may be connected directly to the platform 20 fastening points 28 located near the other side cabinet panel. The service hoses/cord 86 are preferably flexible. In some embodiments, the service hoses/cord 86 are looped around the highest fixed block pulley 42 and in between the fixed accessory bracket 85 and the fixed platform points 28. During vertical movement of the platform 20, the service hoses/cord 86 attached to the platform side move in a constant radius traveling loop motion (curvature) occurring between the support frame 70 and the back bracket panel 90 while the other end of the service hoses/cord stay fix on the accessory bracket 85.

The accessory bracket 85 is typically located on the panel cabinetry, such as on the same side where the drive system 60 is positioned. The accessory bracket 85 may further comprise an aperture 89 to allow free passage of the rope 50. In some embodiments, the aperture 89 may allow minimal or no friction. The cable 50 exits the aperture 89 to the block pulley 63 to relay the cable towards the drum 61.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lifting system 100 may further comprise bracket panels 90. The bracket panels 90 are typically attached to each side of the platform 20 generally aims at supporting the load of the counter 92 without transferring the load to the wash chamber 10. The bracket panels 90 may further comprise a finished surface part to hide the lifting system 100 when in raised position, giving a generally aesthetically pleasant appearance to the lifting system 100.

Referring to FIGS. 9, the front opening section 91 under the wash chamber of the appliance unit 10 when said appliance unit 10 is elevated or lifted may comprised a closing member 97. The closing member 97 may be made of a fabric or woven wire mesh or aluminum material or any other material acting as a shutter 97 to close access to the opening 91. The shutter 97 may be embodied as a roller shutter, roller blind or a stacking plate shutter which may be mounted on the front surface base 15 and attached underneath the appliance unit 10 during lifting or lowering of the said appliance unit 10. The said shutter 97 generally aims at providing continuous controlled access of the opening section 91 during the appliance lift motion. The opening 91 unblocked by the shutter 97 may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The speed controller or VFD drive 64 is generally adapted to start the gearmotor 65. The gearmotor 65 may rotate the drum 61 and the rope 50 to displace the moving block pulley 44 up or down on the support frame groove 75 which in turn may bring the platform 20 and the dishwasher unit 10 on the desired elevated or lowered position.

Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the invention in which a different passive lifter for the lifting system 100 is illustrated. The embodied lift assembly comprises vertical structural channels 110 and cam followers 102 sliding or rolling up or down in alignment with the structural channels 110. The structural channels 110 are generally positioned on the sides of the movable platform 20 and may comprise more than one structural channel unit on each side. In other embodiments, the vertical structural channels 110 may be positioned at any other suitable position. The structural channels 110 may be secured to the surface base 15 and to the support frame 70. The structural channels 110 may further be secured to the fastener 17 and to the floor anchor brackets 95.

Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another embodiment of the invention in which a different passive lifter for the lifting system 100 is illustrated. In such an embodiment, the passive lifter comprises a cable support pulley arrangement 120 comprising a plurality of pullers 124 secured to the support frame 70. The cable support pulley arrangement 120 is adapted to lift the appliance unit 10 by being connected over the movable platform 20 and to the front of the platform 22. Hence, when the cable 50 is pulled or released, the movable platform 20 may rise or lower accordingly. Understandably, the specific positioning, number and type of pulleys 124 may vary in order to obtain different lifting characteristics.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a further embodiment of the invention in which linear motion actuators 130 are used as a lifting system 100 are shown. The embodied actuator 130 is an electrical cylinder configured to provide a unidirectional force in order to raise or lower the appliance lift assembly. The electrical cylinders 130 may be mounted to the surface base 15 and to side brackets 134 which are secured to the bracket panels 90. The embodied lifting system 100 may comprise at least two electrical cylinders 130. Understandably, the electrical cylinders 130 may lift the appliance unit 10 only up to the length of the piston 138 sliding in and out of the cylinder 130. For vertical guidance in the course of movement from one or more linear actuators, part of the lifting system 100 may comprise the movable block pulley 44 attached to the movable platform 20 and connected to the guiding member of the support frame 70.

In yet other embodiments, the lifting system 100 may comprise switch buttons and/or a user interface to control operation of the lifting system 100. In order to limit risks of motion hazard, the implemented controls may require certain safety conditions prior to engage motion of the lifting system 100.

In some embodiments, the user controls may be located in front of the lifting system 100. In such embodiment, the user controls may comprise a push and hold moving switch, a combination of activation settings and/or a child safety lock switch system. The operating buttons and/or user interface may be located anywhere on or around the lifting system 100, such as on the door of the appliance 10, in-between the appliance 10 and the counter, or on the counter 92. In some embodiments, the user controls may be connected to a network and may be operable using a mobile device or any computerized device connected to the network, such 20) as a tablet, a personal computer or a smartphone. In such embodiment, the computerized device (not shown) may be programmed to automate some tasks such as automatically raising the dishwasher 10 when the cycle of the dishwasher 10 is completed or may be triggered by any other programmed event. Additional sensors, actuators, and safety controls may be envisioned to safely manage the mechanization of the lifting system 100 from further away.

A method of installing an appliance lift assembly is provided. The method may comprise precutting an opening on the cabinetry or location where the drive system is to be located. The cabinet side opening may be used to install the accessory bracket 85 receiving the service hoses/cord and cable. The method may further comprise installing floor anchor brackets 95 within the enclosure of the cabinet, such as at a predetermined position on each side of the lift assembly. The method may further comprise sliding the extended corners 26 from the side bottom structure of surface base 15 and of the support frame 70. The method may further comprise pushing the appliance lift assembly back section into the enclosure in order for the extended corners 26 of component 15 and 70 to become inserted in the floor anchor brackets interior surface and until both parts are coupled. The method may further comprise, once the lifting system 100 is pushed in a desired position, fixing the accessory bracket 85 to the cabinetry by secure fasteners, such as screws. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise pivotally installing wheels on the surface base 15 to help push the lifting system 100 in place.

The method may further comprise installing the support motor frame 98 in a determined precut section of the cabinetry adjacent to the lifting system 100 and anchoring the support motor frame 98 to the floor, such as using fasteners. The method may further comprise fastening the drive unit to the support frame of the motor 65. In some embodiments, the drive unit may comprise a gearmotor 65 and other components. The drive unit may be manufactured as single-piece metal board that may be fastened to the support frame. The method may further comprise connecting the service hoses/cords to suitable locations once the drive unit is fastened.

In some embodiments, the lifting system 100 and installation method may be used in residential homes or in commercial settings. One skilled in the art may appreciate that a hydraulic system or liquid lubricant is not required for the appliance lift assembly. As such, the maintenance operations and potential oil leaks are reduced or totally avoided. Furthermore, the friction components of the appliance lift assembly may require a minimal or null amount of lubrication. The appliance lift assembly has no hazard pinch points ensuring safe movement along with safe control activation. In addition, the appliance lift assembly typically comprises only the electrical source providing power to the appliance unit 10. The single-phase power supply requirement of the lifting system 100 may use standard supply voltage, such as but not limited to 120V. The output of the junction box (not shown) typically provides electrical current to the appliance unit 10 and to the drive system of the lift assembly. Furthermore, a lifting system utilizing synthetic rope, pulleys and winch as described allows very low noise during motion and convenient speed of vertical movement despite the weight of the dishwasher and countertop.

In yet another embodiment, a method of elevating and lowering an appliance unit 10 using a lifting system 100 is provided. The method comprises pulling a cable attached to a platform supporting an appliance unit 10. The method further comprises lifting the platform by expanding, guiding or carrying a passive lifter and stopping movement of the platform when a predetermined or desired height is reached. The method may further comprise lowering the platform by compacting, guiding or carrying a passive lifter and stopping movement of the platform at a predetermined or desired low point.

The method may further comprise the pulling of the cable vertically moving a mobile block pulley attached to the platform along a vertical guiding member. The pulling of the cable may further comprise rolling and unrolling the cable to lengthen or shortening the cable present in a pulling system. The pulling of the cable may further comprise activating a gearmotor to roll or unroll the cable.

The method may further comprise expanding the passive lifter or compacting the passive lifter by pivoting crossing member to create a scissor or double scissor movement of the passive lifter system. The method may further comprise alternatively guiding the passive lifter through vertical channels having cam follower sliding or rolling in alignment to vertical motion. The method may further comprise carrying the passive lifter through a cable support pulley arrangement, the cable moving along the vertical movement by connecting to the movable front block pulley.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1. An appliance lift assembly comprising: a surface base;a support frame mounted to the surface base;a platform configured to support an appliance unit, the platform being movable in relation to the support frame; anda lifting system moving the platform and mounted to the support frame, the lifting system moving the platform between an extended mode and a retracted mode, wherein the appliance lift assembly has dimensions to fit in an under-counter appliance enclosure.

2. The appliance lift assembly of claim 1, the support frame comprising a reinforcement panel.

3. The appliance lift assembly of claim 1, further comprising side panels and a back panel attached to the movable platform.

4. The appliance lift assembly of claim 1, the lifting system comprising a pulling system mounted to the platform and to the support frame.

5. The appliance lift assembly of claim 4, the pulling system further comprising a drive unit.

6. The appliance lift assembly of claim 5, the drive unit being outside of the under-counter appliance enclosure.

7. The appliance lift assembly of claim 4, the pulling system comprising a first force multiplication member and a second force multiplication member movable with regard to the support frame, the second force multiplication member being mounted to the movable platform.

8. The appliance lift assembly of claim 7, the support frame comprising a track and a groove for slidably receiving the second force multiplication member along a substantially vertical path.

9. The appliance lift assembly of claim 8, the track comprising a groove and the second force multiplication member comprising a sliding member slidably mating with the groove.

10. The appliance lift assembly of claim 8, the first and second force multiplication members being block pulleys, the pulling system comprising a cable operatively connected to the pulleys, the cable being anchored to the support frame at one end.

11. The appliance lift assembly of claim 10, the cable made of a synthetic material or of a metal core coated with a synthetic polymer.

12. The appliance lift assembly of claim 1 comprising an accessory bracket to allow passage of service hoses/cord, cable and crossing outside of the lift assembly.

13. The appliance lift assembly of claim 1, the lifting system having a passive lifter for vertically moving the platform.

14. The appliance lift assembly of claim 13, the passive lifter being selected from any one of scissor legs and vertical structural channels comprising cam followers or cable support pulley arrangement.

15. The appliance lift assembly of claim 3, the side panels and the back panel being partly visible when the platform is in extended mode.

16. The appliance lift assembly of claim 4, comprising an access limiting mechanism for restricting entry under the appliance when lifted.

17. The appliance lift assembly of claim 16, the access limiting mechanism being selected in any one of a roller shutter or a stacking plate shutter.

18. The appliance lift assembly of claim 1, the appliance being a dishwasher.

19. A method of installing an appliance lift assembly comprising: installing floor anchor brackets in an under-counter appliance enclosure;sliding an appliance unit comprising a surface base and a support frame in the floor anchor brackets;installing the accessory bracket in the opening; andfastening the surface base to the floor anchor brackets.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising cutting an opening in adjacent cabinetry for receiving an accessory bracket containing hoses, cord and cable.

21. A method of installing an appliance lift assembly, the method comprising: mounting a movable platform to a surface base;rigidly mounting a support frame of the appliance lift assembly to a surface base;mounting an appliance unit to a movable platform of the appliance lift assembly; andconnecting flexible service hoses/cord to the dishwasher or applicable appliance unit.

22. The method of claim 21, the mounting of the movable platform further comprising connecting the movable platform to a passive lifter.

23. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising: mounting the appliance unit to the movable platform;mounting to each side of the appliance unit side panels, a top panel and a back panel; andfixing brackets to one another and to the movable platform.

24. The method of claim 21, the method further comprising mounting a reinforcement panel as support frame of the appliance lift assembly to a surface base.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising anchoring brackets in the floor to secure the surface base and support frame from movement.

26. A method for elevating or lowering an appliance unit using a lift system, the method comprising: pulling a cable attached to a movable platform of the lift system supporting the appliance unit;using a rotational motion drive system to lift the movable platform by expansion or guide follower or cable support arrangement of a passive lifter; andstopping movement of the platform when a selected or predetermined height is reached.

27. The method of claim 26 further activating switches or a user interface to stop the movement of the platform.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising alternatively using a single electrical circuit for powering both the appliance lift assembly and the appliance unit.

29. A method for elevating or lowering an appliance unit using a lift system, the method comprising: pulling a cable attached to a movable platform of the lift assembly supporting the appliance unit;using a linear motion actuator system to lift the movable platform; andstopping movement of the platform when a selected or predetermined height is reached.

30. The method of claim 29 further activating switches or a user interface to stop the movement of the platform.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising alternatively using a single electrical circuit for powering both the appliance lift assembly and the appliance unit.