COOKING APPLIANCE CONSOLE ASSEMBLY WITH ATTACHMENT FEATURES ADAPTED FOR STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a console assembly for a cooking appliance, and more specifically, to a console assembly skin with attachment features adapted for structural support.

In certain arrangements cooking appliances, particularly ranges, include a console assembly that houses and provides user access to the control and informational features of the appliance. As shown in the related art depiction of an example console assembly of FIG. 2, such console assemblies C may be of a variation that extends upwardly from a rear of the appliance over a back end of a cooktop surface (not shown) associated with the appliance. Typical console assembly construction includes structural end posts P that support an internal frame F, or support structure, to which the controls K and/or display panel D for the appliance are mounted. An aesthetic skin S, typically of bent or stamped sheet metal, is attached to the posts P and/or the support structure F to enclose the front portion of the console assembly C and to hide the internal components with the control operators extending through apertures in the skin S so that they can be operated or viewed by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a console assembly for a cooking appliance includes a first supporting end post mountable on an upper surface of the cooking appliance on a first side thereof. The first supporting end post defines a first outer surface having a perimeter and a first flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter. The console assembly also includes a console body having a first major face and a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face. The console body has at least one control unit for the cooking appliance mounted thereto. The console body is coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a cooktop upper surface and a console assembly extending upwardly from a rear edge of the cooktop upper surface. The console assembly includes a first supporting end post mountable on the upper surface of the cooking appliance on a first side thereof adjacent the rear edge. The first supporting end post defines a first outer surface having a perimeter and a first flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter. The console assembly further includes a console body having a first major face and a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face. The console body is coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface. At least one control unit for the cooking appliance is mounted to the console body.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a console assembly for a cooking appliance includes first and second supporting end posts mountable on an upper surface of the cooking appliance on respective first and second sides thereof. Each of the first and second supporting end posts define respective first and second outer surfaces having a respective perimeter and respective first and second flanges offset from the respective outer surface and extending outwardly from the respective perimeter. The console assembly further includes a console body having a first major face, a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face, and a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface. The console body is coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the first inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface and with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface. At least one control unit for the cooking appliance is mounted to the console body on an interior thereof and having an operative portion positioned on an exterior of the console body.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a related art console assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective assembly view of an appliance having a console assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective assembly view of a structural interface of the console assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective assembly view of an alternative structural interface for a console assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is sectional view of a further alternative structural interface for a console assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to a cooking appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Ordinal modifiers (i.e., “first”, “second”, etc.) may be used to distinguish between various structures of a disclosed article in various contexts, but such ordinals are not necessarily intended to apply to such elements outside of the particular context in which they are used and that, in various aspects different ones of the same class of elements may be identified with the same, context-specific ordinal. In such instances, other particular designations of the elements are used to clarify the overall relationship between such elements. Ordinals are not used to designate a position of the elements, nor do they exclude additional, or intervening, non-ordered elements or signify an importance or rank of the elements within a particular class.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “about”, “approximately”, or “substantially” are intended to mean that a value of a parameter is close to a stated value or position. However, minor differences may prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. Thus, unless otherwise noted, differences of up to ten percent (10%) for a given value are reasonable differences from the ideal goal of exactly as described. In many instances, a significant difference can be when the difference is greater than ten percent (10%), except as where would be generally understood otherwise by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the context in which such term is used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, reference numeral 10 generally designates a console assembly for a cooking appliance 12. The console assembly 10 includes a first supporting end post 14a mountable on an upper surface 16 of the cooking appliance 12 on a first side 18 thereof. The first supporting end post 14a defines a first outer surface 20a having a perimeter 22a and a first flange 24a offset from the outer surface 20a and extending outwardly from the perimeter 22a. The console assembly 10 also includes a console body 26 having a first major face 28 and a first inwardly-turned end surface 30a on a first side 32a of the first major face 28. The console body 26 is coupled with the first supporting end post 14a by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface 30a with the first flange 24a of the first supporting end post 14a with the inwardly-turned end surface 30a positioned outside of the first flange 24a and the first major face 28 extending perpendicular to the first outer surface 20a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking appliance 12 of the present example is in the form of a range that includes an oven 36 and a cooktop 38 in a single unit. As discussed above, the console assembly 10 is configured as an upper console assembly 10 that is positioned above the upper surface 16, which is defined on the cooktop 38, along a rear edge 40 thereof. As shown, the console assembly 10 extends upwardly from the rear edge 40 of the cooktop 38 upper surface 16. In this arrangement, the first supporting end post 14a is mounted on the upper surface 16 on a first side 42a thereof adjacent the rear edge 40, such as by being received in an opening 44a in the upper surface 16 and being coupled therein by fasteners or the like. In this manner, the console body 26 is affixable in the desired position above the upper surface 16 at least by the coupling thereof with the first supporting end post 14a, as described herein, and by the configuration of the supporting end post 14a, as shown more particularly in FIG. 3.

In at least one aspect, the present console assembly 10 eliminates the need for an internal support (such as that which is discussed above with reference to FIG. 1) by connecting the console body 26 to the end post 14a along a structural interface 46, described in greater detail below and generally achieved by the above-described arrangement, where the console body 26 is coupled with the first supporting end post 14a by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface 30a with the first flange 24a of the first supporting end post 14a with the inwardly-turned end surface 30a positioned outside of the first flange 24a and the first major face 28 extending perpendicular to the first outer surface 20a. In this general arrangement, the internal components of the console assembly 10, can be affixed directly to the internal surface 51 of the console body 26. In various examples, the console body 26 either or both of a control unit 34 for one of the burners of the cooktop or a display unit 50 for the cooking appliance 12 mounted thereto. Accordingly, the base 48 of the control unit 34, as well as the display unit 50 can be configured for mounting to the console body 26, including by attachment to the interior surface 51. The end post 14a is structurally supported by the internal frame of the appliance 12 such that attachment of the console body 26 to the end post 14a secures the assembled console assembly 10 to the remainder of the appliance 12. This arrangement, as discussed further below also improves the alignment between the console body 26 and end post 14a and may decrease associated assembly time.

In the example of the console assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the structural interface 46 includes a notch 52 defined within the flange 24a of the end post 14a, the notch 52 extending inward from an outer edge 54 of the flange 24a toward the perimeter 22a of the outer surface 20a with a protrusion 56 disposed generally centrally within the notch 52. In this arrangement, the console body 26 includes a tab 58 extending laterally from an edge 60 of the inwardly-turned end surface 30. The notch defines a slot 62 that is configured to receive the protrusion 56 in a press or snap fit arrangement to couple the console body 26 to the end post 14a. In various arrangements, the protrusion 56 can be oversized with respect to the slot 62 to facilitate a press-fit arrangement by a deformative interference fit of the protrusion 56 within the slot 62. Such an arrangement can include tapering of the protrusion 56 for alignment and assembly with the slot 62. In another example, a snap-fit arrangement may be realized by configuring the protrusion 56 with an arrow or Christmas tree shape, as may be generally understood in the art. In the illustrated example, the end post 14a includes two notches 52 with corresponding protrusions 56, as discussed above, that align with and are insertable into respective slots 62 in two corresponding tabs 58 on the console body 26. Each of the tabs 58 are of the general construction discussed above. More particularly, the tabs 58 can be of the same sheet material as the console body 26 and can extend integrally from the end surface 30a, such as by being bent inwardly to a position generally parallel with the major face 28 of the console body 26. The slots 62 can be positioned within the tab 58 so as to be spaced inward from the end surface 30a by the same distance by which the flange 24a is inset from the outer surface 20, such that the end surface 30 remains generally flush therewith when the console body 26 is assembled with the end post 14a. In a similar manner, the notches 52 and corresponding protrusions 56 can be formed integrally with the flange 24a, including by cutting or stamping the desired shape thereof within the general profile of the flange 24a. The end post 14a can be formed of a single piece of sheet material that is stamped or otherwise formed into the desired shape, including as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As further shown in the figures, console assembly 10 can further include a second supporting end post 14b mounted on the upper surface 16 of the cooking appliance 12 on a second side 18b thereof. In a similar manner to the end post 14a, discussed above, the second supporting end post 14b defines a second outer surface 20b having a perimeter 22b and a second flange 24b offset from the outer surface 20b and extending outwardly from the perimeter 22b. Similarly, the console body 26 further has a second inwardly-turned end surface 30b on a second side 32b of the first major face 28 opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface 30a. In this manner, the console body 26 is generally coupled with the second supporting end post 14b by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface 30b with the second flange 24b of the second supporting end post 14b with the second inwardly-turned end surface 30b positioned outside of the second flange 24b in the same manner discussed above with respect to the first end surface 30a and the first end post 14a. In this manner, the second end surface 30b can couple with the second flange 24b along a structural interface 46 as discussed above. More particularly, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the structural interface 46 can include a plurality of notches 52 and corresponding protrusions 56 defined in the flange 24b of the second end post 14b. As discussed above, the protrusions 56 associated with the second end post 14b can engage with slots 62 to couple with tabs 58 extending inward from the second end surface 30b, in a similar manner to the arrangement discussed above.

As mentioned above, the incorporation of the structural interfaces 46 for attachment of the console body 26 with the end posts 14a and 14b is such that a control unit 34, including the plurality of control units 34 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, can be directly coupled to console body 26 on an interior 64 thereof, including without the need for an internal support or frame to carry the load of such control units 34. In particular, the control unit 34 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is configured as a controls for burners included in the cooktop 38. It is appreciated that such controls can be adapted for use in connection with electric or gas burners, as is understood in the art. As discussed above, the control units 34 include bases 48, which include the electronic and/or mechanical features of the control units 34 that control and/or regulate the operating level of the burners. The bases 48 include the appropriate features (for example, through holes or the like) for attachment with the interior 64 of the console body 26. More particularly, the console body 26 can include various apertures 66 associated with the respective control units 34. As shown, a central aperture 66a can be configured to allow a stem 68 that extends from the base 48 to pass therethrough. As can be appreciated, the stem 68 can connect the base 48 with a knob 70 or other operative portion of the control unit 34 to allow a user to manipulate the function of the control unit 34, as implemented by the base 48. Additional mounting apertures 66b can be positioned adjacent each central aperture 66a to receive a screw or the like for mounting of the base 48 to the interior 64 of the console body 26. Other arrangements are possible, including various adaptations for other types of control units 34. A plurality of this aperture 66 arrangement can be repeated to accommodate similar mounting of other control units 34 associated with the appliance 12.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the console assembly 10 can also include a lower cover member 72 that extends to fill a space between the console body 26 and the upper surface 16 of the cooktop 38. As the lower cover member 72 lacks the control units 34 or other features mounted thereto, the attachment of the lower cover member 72 to the end posts 14a and 14b can be made using prior means, which can include additional supporting interaction with the console body 26 and/or the cooktop 38. A rear cover 74 can also be coupled with the end posts 14a and 14b rearward of the console body. The rear cover 74 can be integral with a rear of the appliance and can extend upwardly behind the console assembly 10 or can be a separate element. The rear cover member can connect and/or interface with the console body 26.

An alternative implementation of the structural interface 146 shown in FIG. 4. In describing the present structural interface 146 in connection with the related console assembly 110 and appliance 112, like features are discussed with reference to like numerals increased by 100. Any features not specifically discussed are appreciated as being the same as those discussed above with respect to the console assembly 10 and appliance 12. In the present example, the depicted supporting end post 114a defines a slot 176 positioned at an interface 178 between the outer surface 120a and the flange 124a. The console body 126 includes at least one tab 178 extending away from the inner edge 180 of the inwardly-turned end surface 130a generally parallel to the inwardly-turned end surface 130a, which may include the tab 178 being inwardly-offset from the end surface 130a, including by a portion thereof adjacent the edge 180 being bent inward (with the tab 178 still being considered generally parallel to the end surface 130a). The tab 178 is received within the slot 176 of the supporting end post 114a to couple the console body 126 to the first supporting end post 114a.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the perimeter 122a of the outer surface 120a of the end post 114a may include a forward portion 182 and an upper portion 184, with at least one slot 176 (and in the present example, two slots 176) positioned along the forward portion 182 of the perimeter 122a and at least one slot 176 positioned along the upper portion 184 of the perimeter 122a. In this arrangement, the inwardly-turned end surface 130a may include a rearwardly-extending portion 186 and a downwardly-extending portion 188 with one tab 178 positioned along the rearwardly-extending portion 186 and extending in a downward direction. At least one (in the present example, two) tab 178 is also positioned along the downwardly-extending portion 188 and extends rearward. In such an arrangement, the tabs 178 can engage with the slots 175 in a snap fit manner facilitated by the different directions of extension of the tabs 178 and the corresponding entry directions with respect to the slots 176, as well as by flexing of the console body 126 during assembly. It is to be appreciated that a similar arrangement can be implemented on the opposite end post (not shown) and on the corresponding, opposite side of the console body 126.

In a further arrangement shown in FIG. 5, a variation of the structural interface 246 can be configured by way of console body 226 defining a return flange 290 coupled with the edge 280 of the inwardly-turned end surface 230b and extending parallel therewith in a direction toward the first major face 228 and an attachment flange 292 coupled with the return flange 290 opposite the inwardly-turned end surface 230b and extending parallel therewith in a direction away from the first major face 228. In an example return flange 290 is formed on the end 280 of each of the end surfaces 230b (as well as the opposite end surface 230b, which is not shown in FIG. 5) by bending back an extended end of the end surface 230b along the inside thereof. The end is then bent back over again to define a channel 294 between the attachment flange 292, the return flange 209 and an interior ben 296. The channel 294 receives the flange 224b of the respective end post 214b. In this arrangement, the flange 224 of the supporting end post 214b is received between the return flange 290 and the attachment flange 292 of the console body 226 to at least partially couple the console body 226 with the end post 214b. In such an arrangement, the return flange 290 and attachment flange 292 can be defined along the downward extending portion 288 of the end surface 230b and, optionally, along the rearward extending portion. The attachment flange 292 can, further, be configured to retain the flange 224b in the channel 294 in a press fit arrangement and/or an additional fastener can be used to secure the console body 226 opposite the major face 228. Notably, the bend 296 and added material thickness defined by the return flange 290 further increases the rigidity of the console body 226 and the resulting console assembly 210 assembly. In this manner, the return flange 290 and the attachment flange 292 can comprise a reinforcing frame portion 298 on the corresponding side 232b of the console body 226. As discussed above, similar components to those included in the console assembly 10 and appliance 12, as well as (in certain aspects) console assembly 110 and appliance 112, are described using similar reference numbers increased by 100, with components not specifically discussed with reference to FIG. 5 being understood as the same as those discussed above.

The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a console assembly for a cooking appliance includes a first supporting end post mountable on an upper surface of the cooking appliance on a first side thereof. The first supporting end post defines a first outer surface having a perimeter and a first flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter. The console assembly also includes a console body having a first major face and a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face. The console body has at least one control unit for the cooking appliance mounted thereto. The console body is coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface.

In the console assembly of ¶ [0031], the first flange of the first supporting end can define at least one notch extending inwardly toward the perimeter with a tab positioned within the notch, and the console body can include at least one tab extending laterally from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface, the notch defining a slot with the tab of the first supporting end being received in the notch to couple the console body to the first supporting end [spec: multiple feature, each partially coupling].

In the console assembly of ¶ [0032], wherein the tab of the first supporting end can be received in the notch in a press-fit arrangement.

In the console assembly of ¶ [0031], the first supporting end can define at least one slot positioned at an interface between the first outer surface and the first flange, and the console body can include at least one tab extending away from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface generally parallel to the inwardly-turned end surface [may be offset with connector not making it not generally parallel] and being received within the slot of the first supporting end to couple the console body to the first supporting end.

In the console assembly of ¶ [0034], the perimeter of the outer surface of the first flange may include a forward portion and an upper portion, the at least one slot may include a first slot positioned along the forward portion of the perimeter and a second slot positioned along the upper portion of the perimeter, the inwardly-turned end surface may include a rearwardly-extending portion and a downwardly-extending portion, the at least one tab may include a first tab positioned along the rearwardly-extending portion and a second tab positioned along the downwardly-extending portion, and the first tab and second tab may respectively engage with the first and second slots in a snap fit arrangement.

In the console assembly of ¶ [0031], the console body can define a return flange coupled with an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction toward the first major face and an attachment flange coupled with the return flange opposite the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction away from the first major face, and the first flange of the first supporting end can be received between the return flange and the attachment flange of the console body to couple the console body with the first supporting end post.

In the console assembly of ¶ [0036], the return flange and the attachment flange can comprise a reinforcing frame portion on the first end of the console body.

The console assembly of any one of ¶¶ [0031] to [0037] can further include a second supporting end post mountable on the upper surface of the cooking appliance on a second side thereof, the second supporting end post defining a second outer surface having a perimeter and a second flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter, and the console body can further have a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface, the console body being coupled with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface.

In the console assembly of any one of ¶¶ [0031] to [0038], the at least one control unit can be directly coupled to console body on an interior thereof.

In the cooking appliance of ¶ [0040], the first flange of the first supporting end can define at least one notch extending inwardly toward the perimeter with a tab positioned within the notch, and the console body can include at least one tab extending laterally from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface, the notch defining a slot with the tab of the first supporting end being received in the notch to couple the console body to the first supporting end.

In the cooking appliance of ¶ [0041], the tab of the first supporting end can be received in the notch in a press-fit arrangement.

In the cooking appliance of ¶ [0040], the first supporting end can define at least one slot positioned at an interface between the first outer surface and the first flange, and the console body can include at least one tab extending away from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface generally parallel to the inwardly-turned end surface [may be offset with connector not making it not generally parallel] and being received within the slot of the first supporting end to couple the console body to the first supporting end.

In the cooking appliance of ¶ [0043] the perimeter of the outer surface of the first flange can include a forward portion and an upper portion, the at least one slot can include a first slot positioned along the forward portion of the perimeter and a second slot positioned along the upper portion of the perimeter, the inwardly-turned end surface can include a rearwardly-extending portion and a downwardly-extending portion, the at least one tab can include a first tab positioned along the rearwardly-extending portion and a second tab positioned along the downwardly-extending portion, and the first tab and second tab can respectively engage with the first and second slots in a snap fit arrangement.

In the cooking appliance of ¶ [0040], the console body can defines a return flange coupled with an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction toward the first major face and an attachment flange coupled with the return flange opposite the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction away from the first major face, and the first flange of the first supporting end can be received between the return flange and the attachment flange of the console body to couple the console body with the first supporting end post.

The cooking appliance of ¶ [0040] can further include a second supporting end post mountable on the upper surface of the cooking appliance on a second side thereof, the second supporting end post defining a second outer surface having a perimeter and a second flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter, and the console body can further have a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface, the console body being coupled with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface.

In the cooking appliance of any one of ¶¶ [0040] to [0046], the console body can define a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to the first major face thereof, and the at least one control unit can include a plurality of control units coupled directly to an interior of the console body, each one of the plurality of control units having operative portions extending through respective ones of the apertures and extending to an exterior of the console body.

In the cooking appliance of any one of ¶¶ [0040] to [0047], the console assembly can further include lower, top, and rear cover members coupled with the first supporting end post respectively beneath, above, and rearward the console body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a console assembly for a cooking appliance includes first and second supporting end posts mountable on an upper surface of the cooking appliance on respective first and second sides thereof. Each of the first and second supporting end posts define respective first and second outer surfaces having a respective perimeter and respective first and second flanges offset from the respective outer surface and extending outwardly from the respective perimeter. The console assembly further includes a console body having a first major face, a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face, and a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface. The console body is coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the first inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface and with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface. At least one control unit for the cooking appliance is mounted to the console body on an interior thereof and having an operative portion positioned on an exterior of the console body.

In the console assembly of ¶ [0049], the console body may define a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to the first major face thereof, and the at least one control unit may include a plurality of control units coupled directly to an interior of the console body, each one of the plurality of control units having operative portions extending through respective ones of the apertures and extending to an exterior of the console body.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A console assembly for a cooking appliance, comprising: a first supporting end post mountable adjacent to an upper surface of the cooking appliance on a first side thereof, the first supporting end post defining a first outer surface having a perimeter and a first flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter; anda console body having a first major face and a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face and being coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface.
2. The console assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first flange of the first supporting end defines at least one notch extending inwardly toward the perimeter with a tab positioned within the notch; andthe console body includes at least one tab extending laterally from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface, the notch defining a slot with the tab of the first supporting end being received in the notch to couple the console body to the first supporting end.
3. The console assembly of claim 2, wherein the tab of the first supporting end is received in the notch in a press-fit arrangement.
4. The console assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first supporting end defines at least one slot positioned at an interface between the first outer surface and the first flange; andthe console body includes at least one tab extending away from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface generally parallel to the inwardly-turned end surface [may be offset with connector not making it not generally parallel] and being received within the slot of the first supporting end to couple the console body to the first supporting end.
5. The console assembly of claim 4, wherein: the perimeter of the outer surface of the first flange includes a forward portion and an upper portion;the at least one slot includes a first slot positioned along the forward portion of the perimeter and a second slot positioned along the upper portion of the perimeter;the inwardly-turned end surface includes a rearwardly-extending portion and a downwardly-extending portion;the at least one tab includes a first tab positioned along the rearwardly-extending portion and a second tab positioned along the downwardly-extending portion; andthe first tab and second tab respectively engage with the first and second slots in a snap fit arrangement.
6. The console assembly of claim 1, wherein: the console body defines a return flange coupled with an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction toward the first major face and an attachment flange coupled with the return flange opposite the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction away from the first major face; andthe first flange of the first supporting end is received between the return flange and the attachment flange of the console body to couple the console body with the first supporting end post.
7. The console assembly of claim 6, wherein the return flange and the attachment flange comprise a reinforcing frame portion on the first end of the console body.
8. The console assembly of claim 1, further including a second supporting end post mountable on the upper surface of the cooking appliance on a second side thereof, the second supporting end post defining a second outer surface having a perimeter and a second flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter, wherein: the console body further has a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface, the console body being coupled with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface.
9. The console assembly of claim 1, further including at least one of a control unit and a display unit for the cooking appliance being directly coupled to console body on an interior thereof.
10. A cooking appliance, comprising: a cooktop upper surface; anda console assembly extending upwardly from a rear edge of the cooktop upper surface and including: a first supporting end post mountable on the upper surface of the cooking appliance on a first side thereof adjacent the rear edge, the first supporting end post defining a first outer surface having a perimeter and a first flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter; anda console body having a first major face and a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face, the console body being coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface; andat least one control unit for the cooking appliance mounted to the console body.
11. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein: the first flange of the first supporting end defines at least one notch extending inwardly toward the perimeter with a tab positioned within the notch; andthe console body includes at least one tab extending laterally from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface, the notch defining a slot with the tab of the first supporting end being received in the notch to couple the console body to the first supporting end.
12. The cooking appliance of claim 11, wherein the tab of the first supporting end is received in the notch in a press-fit arrangement.
13. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein: the first supporting end defines at least one slot positioned at an interface between the first outer surface and the first flange; andthe console body includes at least one tab extending away from an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface generally parallel to the inwardly-turned end surface [may be offset with connector not making it not generally parallel] and being received within the slot of the first supporting end to couple the console body to the first supporting end.
14. The cooking appliance of claim 13, wherein: the perimeter of the outer surface of the first flange includes a forward portion and an upper portion;the at least one slot includes a first slot positioned along the forward portion of the perimeter and a second slot positioned along the upper portion of the perimeter;the inwardly-turned end surface includes a rearwardly-extending portion and a downwardly-extending portion;the at least one tab includes a first tab positioned along the rearwardly-extending portion and a second tab positioned along the downwardly-extending portion; andthe first tab and second tab respectively engage with the first and second slots in a snap fit arrangement.
15. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein: the console body defines a return flange coupled with an edge of the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction toward the first major face and an attachment flange coupled with the return flange opposite the inwardly-turned end surface and extending parallel therewith in a direction away from the first major face; andthe first flange of the first supporting end is received between the return flange and the attachment flange of the console body to couple the console body with the first supporting end post.
16. The cooking appliance of claim 10, further including a second supporting end post mountable on the upper surface of the cooking appliance on a second side thereof, the second supporting end post defining a second outer surface having a perimeter and a second flange offset from the outer surface and extending outwardly from the perimeter, wherein: the console body further has a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface, the console body being coupled with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface.
17. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein: the console body defines a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to the first major face thereof; andthe at least one control unit includes a plurality of control units coupled directly to an interior of the console body, each one of the plurality of control units having operative portions extending through respective ones of the apertures and extending to an exterior of the console body.
18. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein the console assembly further includes lower, top, and rear cover members coupled with the first supporting end post respectively beneath, above, and rearward the console body.
19. A console assembly for a cooking appliance, comprising: first and second supporting end posts mountable on an upper surface of the cooking appliance on respective first and second sides thereof, each of the first and second supporting end posts defining respective first and second outer surfaces having a respective perimeter and respective first and second flanges offset from the respective outer surface and extending outwardly from the respective perimeter; anda console body having a first major face, a first inwardly-turned end surface on a first side of the first major face, and a second inwardly-turned end surface on a second side of the first major face opposite the first inwardly-turned end surface, the console body being coupled with the first supporting end post by engagement of the first inwardly-turned end surface with the first flange of the first supporting end post with the inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the first outer surface and with the second supporting end post by engagement of the second inwardly-turned end surface with the second flange of the second supporting end post with the second inwardly-turned end surface positioned outside of the first flange and the first major surface extending perpendicular to the second outer surface; andat least one control unit for the cooking appliance mounted to the console body on an interior thereof and having an operative portion positioned on an exterior of the console body.
20. The console assembly of claim 19, wherein: the console body defines a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to the first major face thereof; andthe at least one control unit includes a plurality of control units coupled directly to an interior of the console body, each one of the plurality of control units having operative portions extending through respective ones of the apertures and extending to an exterior of the console body.

COOKING APPLIANCE CONSOLE ASSEMBLY WITH ATTACHMENT FEATURES ADAPTED FOR STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

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