DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN APPLIANCE

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an appliance, and more specifically, to a door assembly for an appliance that includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and a trim element that couples to the inner panel and the outer panel.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a cabinet with an interior processing chamber. A door assembly is operable relative to the cabinet between open and closed positions. The door assembly includes a first door panel with a front portion. A second door panel with a rear section is coupled to the front portion of the first door panel. A snap feature is positioned along an outer edge of the second door panel. A trim element is coupled to the snap feature. The trim element includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment. The lip is positioned along and engages an outer periphery of the first door panel to secure the trim element to the outer periphery of the first door panel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a cabinet with an interior processing chamber. A door assembly is operable relative to the cabinet between open and closed positions. The door assembly includes a first door panel with a front portion. A second door panel with a rear section is coupled to the front portion of the first door panel. A trim element that includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment. The lip extends along an outer periphery of the first door panel and engages a rear portion of the first door panel. A screen is proximate to a front section of the second door panel. The screen includes an outer region and a screen rim that extends along the outer region and receives the trim element. The screen rim abuts a front segment of the trim element. The second panel is secured between the screen and the first door panel via the trim element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an appliance includes a first door panel with a front portion and a rear portion opposing the front portion. An annular channel is defined on the rear portion and extends along the outer periphery of the first door panel. A first aperture extends from the front portion to the rear portion. A second door panel has a front section and a rear section that is coupled to the front portion of the first door panel. A second aperture extends from the front section to the rear section and aligns with the first aperture. A porthole window is proximate to the first aperture and the second aperture. A snap feature is positioned along an outer edge of the second door panel. A trim element is coupled to the snap feature. The trim element includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment. The lip extends along an outer periphery of the first door panel and engages the annular channel of the first door panel to provide a secure interface between the trim element and the first door panel. The engagement of the snap feature and the trim element secures the second door panel to the first door panel.

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 front perspective view of an appliance with a door assembly in an open

position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an appliance with a door assembly in a closed position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective, partially exploded view of an appliance with a door assembly that includes a first door panel, a second door panel, and a trim element, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective, exploded view of a door assembly that includes a first door panel, a second door panel, and a trim element, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a door assembly that includes a trim element and a snap feature, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective, exploded view of a door assembly that includes a first door panel, a second door panel, a trim element, and a screen, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a door assembly that includes a trim element and a screen with a snap feature, according to the present 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 method steps and apparatus components related to a door assembly for an 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, like 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.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, reference numeral 10 generally designates a door assembly that is attached to a cabinet 12 for an appliance 14, where the door assembly 10 is rotationally operable between an open position 16 and a closed position 18. Typically, the door assembly 10 is utilized for a cleaning appliance, such as a washing appliance, drying appliance, combination washing and drying appliance, dishwashing appliance, and other similar appliances that utilize a fluid for cleaning certain articles.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the appliance 14 includes the cabinet 12 having an access aperture 20 that is positioned within a door-receiving recess 22 of the cabinet 12. The access aperture 20 extends through a front panel 24 of the cabinet 12 and provides access to an interior processing chamber 26 that is defined within the cabinet 12, typically in the form of a rotating drum that is positioned within the cabinet 12. In certain aspects of the device, the rotating drum may be set within a tub. The door assembly 10 is rotationally operable relative to the door-receiving recess 22 to selectively enclose the interior processing chamber 26 in a closed position 18 of the door assembly 10. The door assembly 10 includes a first door panel 28, which is shown as an inward-facing panel. A second door panel 30, which is shown as an outward-facing panel, has a rear section 32 that is coupled to a front portion 34 of the first door panel 28. A snap feature 36 is defined along an outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30. A trim element 40 is coupled to the snap feature 36. The trim element 40 includes a rear segment 42 with a lip 44 defined on the rear segment 42. The lip 44, when attached to the first door panel 28, extends along an outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28 and engages a rear portion 48 of the first door panel 28 to secure the snap feature 36 to the outer periphery 46.

In the depicted example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cabinet 12 includes the front panel 24, a rear panel 60 opposing the front panel 24, a bottom panel 62 and an opposing top panel 64 between the front panel 24 and the rear panel 60, and a first side panel 66 and an opposing second side panel 68 between the bottom panel 62 and the top panel 64. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a user interface 70 is housed within the front panel 24 of the cabinet 12. A user, desiring to use the appliance 14, interacts with the user interface 70 to activate one or more routines of the appliance 14. The cabinet 12 can be made of a material at least partially resistant to bending, deformation, excess vibrations, or otherwise being formed in response to a user interacting with the appliance 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door assembly 10 is shown coupled to the front panel 24 of the appliance 14 via a hinge 80. The hinge 80 can be coupled to either a left side 82 or a right side 84 of the front panel 24. Similarly, the hinge 80 can be rotatably coupled to either a left side 86 or a right side 88 of the rear portion 48 of the first door panel 28, depending on whether the hinge 80 is coupled to the left side 82 or the right side 84 of the front panel 24. The hinge 80 is coupled to the front panel 24 and rotatably coupled to the first door panel 28 such that the door assembly 10 is permitted to rotate, or swing, about the hinge 80. The positioning of the hinge 80 dictates whether the rotation, or swing, of the door assembly 10 will be a right-hand swing or a left-hand swing.

As the door assembly 10 swings from the open position 16 to the closed position 18, a door lock 100 coupled to the door assembly 10 operably engages with a door lock receiver 102 defined on the door-receiving recess 22 of the front panel 24. According to various aspects, the door lock 100 is coupled to the rear portion 48 of the first door panel 28 and extends outward from the rear portion 48. The door lock 100 can be one of various kinds of door locks. For example, the door lock 100 may be a bi-metal door lock, a spring steel door lock, a magnetic door lock, and various other door locks. It is also generally contemplated that the door lock receiver 102 may likewise be a type of receiver that coincides with the door lock 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a user can swing the door assembly 10 between the open position 16 and the closed position 18 by grasping a door handle 110 that is defined on the door assembly 10. According to various aspects, the door handle 110 is defined by a portion of the door assembly 10 that has a reduced thickness relative to the rest of the door assembly 10. In particular, the door handle 110 can be defined on a portion of an outer periphery of the door assembly 10. For example, the first door panel 28, the second door panel 30, the trim element 40, and/or the screen may each define an area of reduced thickness that at least partially defines the door handle 110.

The door handle 110 is defined on an opposing side of the door assembly 10 relative to the hinge 80. For example, the hinge 80 may be coupled to a left-side of the first door panel 28 and the door handle 110 may be defined on a right-side 112 of the door assembly 10. Typically, the door handle 110 is formed within the rear portion 48 of the first door panel 28. Additionally, or alternatively, it is generally contemplated that the door handle 110 is defined such that the door handle 110 is hidden between the rear portion 48 of the first door panel 28 and the front panel 24 of the cabinet 12 when the door assembly 10 is in the closed position 18. The door handle 110 is visible when the door assembly 10 is in the open position 16.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the door assembly 10 includes the first door panel 28, which is illustrated as an interior door panel. The first door panel 28 includes the front portion 34, and the rear portion 48, which opposes the front portion 34. A plurality of components and/or structures may be defined on the front portion 34 and/or the rear portion 48. In the illustrated example, a plurality of supports 120 are defined on the front portion 34 of the first door panel 28, and a plurality of fastener receivers 122 are annularly defined around the first door panel 28. The plurality of supports 120 can be defined such that additional structural support is provided to the first door panel 28 as the door assembly 10 swings between the open position 16 and the closed position 18.

The plurality of fastener receivers 122 operably receive a plurality of fasteners 124. In particular, the plurality of fastener receivers 122 may each define a fastener aperture or recess, and internal threading that permits the insertion and operably securement of the plurality of fasteners 124 into the plurality of fastener receivers 122. In examples where each fastener aperture extends through each fastener receiver, the plurality of fasteners 124 may extend through the first door panel 28 and engage with the second door panel 30 such that the first door panel 28 is coupled to the second door panel 30. In other examples, the plurality of fasteners 124 may extend through and engage with the first door panel 28 and/or the hinge 80, the door lock 100, or other various components.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-7, the first door panel 28 includes a central region 130 offset from the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28. In some examples, the central region 130 may define one of various shapes, such as a circular, oblong, oval, or elliptic shape. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the central region 130 defines a first aperture 132. The first aperture 132 may have a shape that coincides with a porthole window 134 or with a shape of the central region 130. For example, the first aperture 132 may have a circular shape that permits extension of the porthole window 134 through the first aperture 132. According to various aspects, the central region 130 can be offset from the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28. In such examples, the degree of offset of the first aperture 132 within the central region 130 and with respect to the outer periphery 46 can be at least partially determined by the size of the a first door panel sidewall 136 that extends inward form the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28.

The first door panel sidewall 136 extends from the central region 130 and outward towards the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28. According to various aspects, the sidewall 136 may perpendicularly or obliquely extend relative to the central region 130. The length of extension of the sidewalls 136 can be a continuous length or a variable length. In examples where the sidewall 136 has a continuous length, the central region 130 may be offset such that a plane formed by the central region 130 is generally parallel to the outer periphery 46. In examples where the sidewall 136 has a variable length, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the central region 130 may be obliquely angled relative to the outer periphery 46. In this configuration, an upper section of the door assembly 10 will have a depth that is different than that of a lower section of the door assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the first door panel sidewall 136 includes a plurality of engagement receivers 140 that are circumferentially defined around the sidewall 136. In some examples, the plurality of engagement receivers 140 can be defined around the sidewall 136 and are proximate to an annular channel 142 of the first door panel 28. In other examples, the plurality of engagement receivers 140 are defined on the front portion 34 of the first door panel 28 and extend towards the second door panel 30. The plurality of engagement receivers 140 operably engage with a plurality of engagement elements 144 that may extend from the second door panel 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the first door panel 28 includes the annular channel 142 extending along the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28. The annular channel 142 can extend around an entirety of the outer periphery 46 or a portion of the outer periphery 46. The annular channel 142 includes a first portion 150 with an abutment surface 152 and a second portion 154 offset from the first portion 150. In some examples, the first portion 150 integrally extends from the second portion 154 and includes an outer surface 156 that defines an outer edge of the first door panel 28. The abutment surface 152 is generally perpendicular to the outer surface 156. The abutment surface 152 receives and operably engages with the lip 44 and provides a secured interface between the trim element 40 and the first door panel 28, as provided herein. According to various examples, the length of the abutment surface 152 may be at least partially determined by the length of the lip 44 and the secure interface. For example, the abutment surface 152 length can be such that the length of the lip 44 is equal to or greater than the length of the abutment surface 152. It is also generally contemplated that the abutment surface 152 may include features to assist in the engagement with the lip 44. For example, the abutment surface 152 may include a textured surface that creates a friction engagement between the lip 44 and the abutment surface 152. In certain aspects of the device, a gasket, bead, or other seal member can be disposed between the abutment surface 152 and the lip 44 to provide for a sealed engagement between the trim element 40 and the first door panel 28.

The second portion 154 of the annular channel 142 is shown between the first portion 150 and the sidewall 136 of the first door panel 28. The second portion 154 can be integrally formed with or coupled to the first portion 150 and the sidewall 136. In the illustrated example, the second portion 154 is shown integrally formed with the first portion 150 and the sidewall 136 such that a continuous rear surface 160 of the first door panel 28 is formed. In the illustrated example, the second portion 154 includes a second portion outer surface 162 that is perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to the abutment surface 152 and parallel, or generally parallel, with an end surface 164 of the lip 44, and a second portion back surface 166 that is integrally formed with the rear surface 160 of the first door panel 28. According to various aspects, the offset relationship between the first portion 150 and the second portion 154 can be at least partially determined by the abutment surface 152 and/or the second portion outer surface 162.

The lip 44 engages with the first portion 150 of the annular channel 142 such that the lip 44 is secured to the first door panel 28 and a lip back surface 170 is generally flush with the rear surface 160 of the first door panel 28. Additionally, or alternatively, it is generally contemplated that the annular channel 142 may be of various sizes and/or shapes such that the lip 44 may be either recessed, flush, or protruding relative to the rear surface 160 of the first door panel 28.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the door assembly 10 includes the second door panel 30, which is illustrated as an external door panel. The second door panel 30 is primarily secured to the first door panel 28 using the trim element 40, as described herein. The second door panel 30 can also be secured to the first door panel 28 through supplemental engagements, which can include, but are not limited to, the plurality of fasteners 124, the plurality of engagement elements 144, and/or a combination thereof. In various aspects, the second door panel 30 can define a shape and size that coincides with the first door panel 28. For example, the first door panel 28 and the second door panel 30 can both define a circular, oval, or elliptic shape. In some examples, the second door panel 30 is of greater size than the first door panel 28. For example, the second door panel 30 can be of a size such that the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30 encircles the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28. In such an aspect of the device, the trim element 40 can have a size and shape that accommodates these differences in the first door panel 28 and the second door panel 30.

The second door panel 30 includes the rear section 32, which is coupled to the front portion 34 of the first door panel 28, and a front section 172 of the second door panel 30 opposes the rear section 32. The rear section 32 abuts the front portion 34 of the first door panel 28 and can include one or more components for coupling the second door panel 30 to the first door panel 28. For example, the rear section 32 may define the plurality of engagement elements 144 or a second plurality of fastener receivers for receiving the plurality of fasteners 124.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the second door panel 30 defines a second aperture 180 that extends through the second door panel 30. The second aperture 180 may have a shape that coincides with the shape of the porthole window 134 or the shape of the first aperture 132. For example, the second aperture 180 may have a circular shape that coincides with a circular shape of the first aperture 132 and/or a circular shape of the porthole window 134. In some examples, the second aperture 180 may be offset from the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30. For example, the second aperture 180 may be recessed towards the interior processing chamber 26 such that the porthole window 134, which is illustrated as rearward of the second aperture 180, is likewise recessed towards the interior processing chamber 26. Typically, the porthole window 134 includes a perimeter flange 182 that extend outward from a deflector portion 184 of the porthole window 134. The perimeter flange 182 is configured to be disposed between the first door panel 28 and the second door panel 30. In particular, the perimeter flange 182 engages with the first aperture 132 and the second aperture 180. In this manner, at least the first aperture 132 of the porthole window 134 engages the deflector portion 184 of the porthole window 134, the further secure and align the porthole window 134 relative to the first door panel 28 and the second door panel 30.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the second door panel 30 includes an outer section 190 defined along the outer edge 38. The outer section 190 includes an exterior surface 192 that is integrally formed with a front surface 194 of the second door panel 30, and an outer section interior surface 196. In various aspects, the exterior surface 192 curves and intersects with the interior surface 196 at a second door panel abutment edge 198. According to various aspects, the interior surface 196 and the abutment edge 198 operably secure the trim element 40 to the second door panel 30, as provided herein.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the door assembly 10 includes the snap feature 36. In some examples, the snap feature 36 is defined along the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30. In such examples, the snap feature 36 can be defined along an entirety or a portion of the outer edge 38. For example, the outer edge 38 may define a first section with a first thickness and a second region with a second, lesser thickness, and where the snap feature 36 is defined along the first section and the second section is part of the door handle 110. Additionally, or alternatively, it is generally contemplated that the snap feature 36 may be defined at various locations within the door assembly 10, as provided herein.

The snap feature 36 includes a plurality of tab receivers 210 defined along the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each tab receiver 212 of the plurality of tab receivers 210 is inward of the outer section 190 of the second door panel 30 and extends from the rear section 32 and towards the first door panel 28. According to various aspects, each tab receiver 212 includes a receiver base 214 extending perpendicular from the interior surface 196, and a receiver end section 216 extending from the receiver base 214. A space between the receiver base 214 and the receiver end section 216 defines a tab aperture 218 that operably receives a tab 220 from a plurality of tabs 222 for the trim element 40. Each tab aperture 218 defines a shape that coincides with the shape of each tab 220. For example, the tab aperture 218 may define a quadrilateral shape that coincides with the quadrilateral shape of each tab 220. In various aspects, the receiver end section 216 may include a chamfered portion 224. The chamfered portion 224 provides a gradual surface that permits gradual engagement with each tab 220. This chamfered portion 224 allows the second door panel 30 and the trim element 40 to be pressed toward one another such that the chamfered portion 224 will bias the tabs 220 outward. This biasing motion produces between the chamfered portion 224 and the tabs 220 allows the tabs 220 to bypass the receiver end section 216. The tabs 220 can then deflect inward to settle within the tab aperture 218 when the proper position of the trim element 40 is achieved. Additionally, or alternatively, it is generally contemplated that the snap feature 36 may include various forms of coupling features and may include one or more structural or material properties that assist in coupling the plurality of tabs 222 to the plurality of snap features 36.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the door assembly 10 includes the trim element 40. The trim element 40 is operably disposed along the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30 such that a front segment 230 of the trim element 40 abuts the abutment edge 198, the interior surface 196, and/or the receiver base 214. The abutment between the front segment 230 and the abutment edge 198, the interior surface 196, and/or the receiver base 214 is configured to provide a retaining force that secures the trim element 40 to the second door panel 30, as described herein.

Referring further to FIGS. 5 and 7, the trim element 40 includes the plurality of tabs 222. The plurality of tabs 222 can be coupled to, or integrally formed with an inner surface 240 of the trim element 40 and be disposed along an inner periphery 242 of the trim element 40. In some examples, each tab 220 of the plurality of tabs 222 defines a triangular shape that extends from the inner surface 240. In such examples, the triangular shape of each tab 220 may include one surface of a greater length (i.e., the hypotenuse) that permits, in cooperation with the chamfered portion 224, gradual insertion of each tab 220 into each tab receiver 212. In various aspects, the tab 220 may have a shape and size that coincides with the shape and size of each tab receiver 212. In other examples, the tab 220 can have a shape, size, material property, and/or structural property that provides a friction fit or force fit between each tab 220 and each tab receiver 212. For example, the tab 220 can be press-fit into the tab receiver 212 such that a retaining force is generated that assists in keeping the trim element 40 coupled to the second door panel 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the trim element 40 includes the rear segment 42 that extends around the outer periphery 46 of the first door panel 28, and the lip 44 extending from the rear segment 42. The lip 44 includes a proximal segment 250 extending rearward from the rear segment 42, and a distal segment 252 extending from the proximal segment 250. According to various aspects, the trim element 40, when coupled to the second door panel 30, is positioned such that inner surface 240 along the distal segment 252 abuts the abutment surface 152 of the annular channel 142 and the end surface 164 of the distal segment 252 is oblique or parallel with the second portion outer surface 162. This abutment between the inner surface 240 along the distal segment 252 and the abutment surface 152 provides a secure interface between the first door panel 28 and the trim element 40. In some examples, this secure interface may be at least partially defined by other sealing and/or retaining features. For example, the inner surface 240 and/or the second portion outer surface 162 can include a textured surface of a sealing feature, such as a gasket, that assists in defining the secure interface.

It is also generally contemplated that the engagement between the distal segment 252 of the lip 44 and the annular channel 142 may be such that a retaining force, such as a compressive force, is generated that assists in keeping various components of the door assembly 10 coupled to one another. For example, the lip 44 may be engaged with the annular channel 142 and the plurality of tabs 222 with the plurality of tab receivers 210 such that an inward-directed compressive force is applied to bias the first door panel 28 and the second door panel 30 toward one another. It is further generally contemplated that the lip 44 may be made of a material or structure, such that a material property of a structural property assists in engaging the lip 44 with the annular channel 142. For example, the lip 44 may be integrally formed from a plastic having a high yield strength and elasticity such that a retaining, spring tension is provided when the lip 44 is engaged with the annular channel 142.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the door assembly 10 can include a screen 260 proximate to the front section 172 of the second door panel 30. In some examples, the screen 260 includes a mesh region 262 and an outer region 264 extending along an outer periphery of the mesh region 262. According to various aspects, the mesh region 262 can be made from a mesh material that permits a user to view objects rearward of the mesh region 262 (e.g., the porthole window 134). The outer region 264 may be comprised of various materials, such as metal or plastic, and can generally define a shape and size that coincides with the second door panel 30. For example, the outer region 264 may be constructed such that the screen 260 defines a circular or oval shape.

According to various aspects, the screen 260 can be coupled to the trim element 40. In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, the screen 260 is shown coupled to the trim element 40, and the trim element 40 is shown extending along an outer perimeter of the outer region 264 of the screen 260. In such examples, the screen 260 can include a screen rim 270 extending outward from the outer region 264. In various aspects, the trim element 40 is disposed along the screen 260 such that the front segment 230 of the trim element 40 abuts the screen rim 270. This abutment between the screen rim 270 and the trim element 40 is such that a retaining force is provided that at least partially secures the trim element 40 to the screen 260. Through this engagement, the second door panel 30 is secured to the first door panel 28. Stated another way, the engagement between the screen 260 and the first door panel 28, via the trim element 40, biases the second door panel 30 toward the first door panel 28.

The screen 260 can be coupled to the trim element 40 via engagement with the snap feature 36. For example, the outer perimeter of the outer region 264 of the screen 260 can include a plurality of screen tabs that are configured to engage with the plurality of tab receivers 210. In other examples, the screen 260 is coupled to the trim element 40 by at least partially defining the snap feature 36. In such examples, the snap feature 36 is at least partially defined along an entirety or a portion of the outer region 264 of the screen 260. The plurality of tab receivers 210 may then extend from the outer region 264 and towards the first door panel 28.

In various examples where the screen 260 at least partially defines the snap feature 36, the plurality of tab receivers 210 can include a screen receiver base 272 extending perpendicular from the outer region 264, a screen receiver end section 274 extending from the screen receiver base 272, a screen receiver end section 274, and a screen receiver aperture 276 configured to receive each tab 220 from the plurality of tabs 222. In such examples, the screen 260 may have a size such that the snap feature 36 defined on the screen 260 extends over the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30, and the second door panel 30 includes a stepped, support feature 290 that extends from the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30 and abuts the first portion 150 of the annular channel 142. The screen receiver end section 274 can also include the chamfered portion 224 that, as described herein, assists in inserting the tabs 220 into the respective screen receiver aperture 276.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the present disclosure provides for a variety of advantages. For example, the use of the trim element 40 and the snap feature 36 provides for a door assembly 10 that can be quickly assembled with minimal components. Additionally, the use of the trim element 40 with the lip 44 and the engagement between the lip 44 and the annular channel 142 advantageously provides for a secure interface between the first door panel 28 and the trim element 40. Similarly, the use of the plurality of tab receivers 210, the abutment edge 198, the screen rim 270, the plurality of tabs 222, and/or the lip 44 and annular channel 142 secure interface, provides one or more retaining or compressive forces that provide a secured door assembly 10 with minimal components.

Furthermore, the use of the trim element 40, the lip 44, and the snap feature 36, permits the manufacture of various embodiments of the door assembly 10 with minimal variation in the manufacturing process. For example, the door assembly 10 can be constructed such that the snap feature 36 is either defined along the outer edge 38 of the second door panel 30 or the outer region 264 of the screen 260, or a combination thereof. The trim element 40 can then be coupled to the snap feature 36, regardless of whether the snap feature 36 is defined on the second door panel 30 or the screen 260, and the lip 44 can still engage the annular channel 142 of the first door panel 28. Additional benefits or advantages of using this door assembly 10 may be realized and/or achieved.

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

According to another aspect, a first door panel defines an annular channel that extends along the outer periphery of the first door panel, and a lip engages the annular channel to provide a secure interface between a trim element and the first door panel. According to another aspect, an annular channel includes a first portion and a second portion offset from the first portion, and a lip engages the first portion to define a secure interface.

According to another aspect, a trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and a snap feature comprises a plurality of tab receivers defined along an outer edge of a second door panel, and the plurality of tab receivers operably engage with a plurality of tabs to secure the trim element to the second door panel.

According to another aspect, a second door panel includes an outer section and a second door panel abutment edge defined on the outer section, and the abutment edge abuts a front segment of the trim element and at least partially secures the trim element relative to the second door panel.

According to another aspect, a screen is proximate a front section of a second door panel, and the screen defines a snap feature.

According to another aspect, a screen includes an outer region and a screen rim defined along the outer region, and the screen rim abuts a front segment of a trim element and at least partially secures the trim element to the screen.

According to another aspect, a trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and a screen forms a snap feature along an outer edge of the second door panel, and the snap feature operably engages with a plurality of tabs to secure the second door panel between the screen and the first door panel via the trim element.

According to another aspect, a snap feature extends towards a first door panel and encircles an outer edge of a second door panel.

According to another aspect, a first door panel defines a first aperture and a second door panel defines a second aperture, and the first aperture aligns with the second aperture, and a porthole window is disposed proximate the first aperture and the second aperture, and the porthole window is recessed through the first aperture and towards the interior processing chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a cabinet with an interior processing chamber. A door assembly is operable relative to the cabinet between open and closed positions. The door assembly includes a first door panel with a front portion. A second door panel with a rear section is coupled to the front portion of the first door panel. A trim element that includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment. The lip extends along an outer periphery of the first door panel and engages a rear portion of the first door panel. A screen is proximate a front section of the second door panel. The screen includes an outer region and a screen rim extending along the outer region that receives the trim element. The screen rim abuts a front segment of the trim element. The second panel is secured between the screen and the first door panel via the trim element.

According to another aspect, a trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and a screen includes a snap feature that is positioned along an outer edge of a second door panel, and the snap feature operably engages with the plurality of tabs to secure the trim element to the screen.

According to another aspect, a snap feature extends towards a first door panel and encircles an outer edge of a second door panel.

According to another aspect, a first door panel defines a first aperture and a second door panel defines a second aperture, and the first aperture aligns with the second aperture, and a porthole window is proximate the first aperture and the second aperture, and the porthole window is recessed towards an interior processing chamber and through the first aperture.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an appliance includes a first door panel with a front portion and a rear portion opposing the front portion. An annular channel is defined on the rear portion and extends along the outer periphery of the first door panel. A first aperture extends from the front portion to the rear portion. A second door panel has a front section and a rear section that is coupled to the front portion of the first door panel. A second aperture extends from the front section to the rear section and aligns with the first aperture. A porthole window is proximate the first aperture and the second aperture. A snap feature is positioned along an outer edge of the second door panel. A trim element is coupled to the snap feature. The trim element includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment. The lip extends along an outer periphery of the first door panel and engages the annular channel of the first door panel to provide a secure interface between the trim element and the first door panel. The engagement of the snap feature and the trim element secures the second door panel to the first door panel.

According to another aspect, a screen is proximate a front section of a second door panel, and the screen includes a snap feature defined along an outer perimeter of the screen, and the trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and the plurality of tabs operably engage with the snap feature to secure the trim element to the screen.

According to another aspect, a snap feature is defined within an outer edge of the second door panel and extends towards a first door panel.

According to another aspect, an annular channel includes a first portion and a second portion offset from the first portion, and a lip engages the first portion.

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.

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.

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. An appliance, comprising: a cabinet having an interior processing chamber; anda door assembly operable relative to the cabinet between open and closed positions, the door assembly comprising: a first door panel having a front portion;a second door panel having a rear section coupled to the front portion of the first door panel;a snap feature positioned along an outer edge of the second door panel; anda trim element coupled to the snap feature, wherein the trim element includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment, and wherein the lip is positioned along and engages an outer periphery of the first door to secure the trim element to the outer periphery of the first door panel.
2. The appliance of claim 1, the first door panel defines an annular channel that extends along the outer periphery of the first door panel, and wherein the lip engages the annular channel to provide a secure interface between the trim element and the first door panel.
3. The appliance of claim 2, wherein the annular channel includes a first portion and a second portion offset from the first portion, and wherein the lip engages the first portion to define the secure interface.
4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and wherein the snap feature comprises a plurality of tab receivers defined along the outer edge of the second door panel, and wherein the plurality of tab receivers operably engage with the plurality of tabs to secure the trim element to the second door panel.
5. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the second door panel includes an outer section and an abutment edge defined on the outer section, the abutment edge abutting a front segment of the trim element and at least partially securing the trim element relative to the second door panel.
6. The appliance of claim 1, further comprising a screen proximate a front section of the second door panel, wherein the screen defines the snap feature.
7. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the screen includes an outer region and a screen rim defined along the outer region, the screen rim abutting a front segment of the trim element and at least partially securing the trim element to the screen.
8. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and wherein the screen forms the snap feature along the outer edge of the second door panel, and wherein the snap feature operably engages with the plurality of tabs to secure the second door panel between the screen and the first door panel via the trim element.
9. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the snap feature extends towards the first door panel and encircles the outer edge of the second door panel.
10. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the first door panel defines a first aperture and the second door panel defines a second aperture, and wherein the first aperture aligns with the second aperture, and wherein a porthole window is disposed proximate the first aperture and the second aperture, the porthole window being recessed through the first aperture and towards the interior processing chamber.
11. An appliance, comprising: a cabinet having an interior processing chamber; anda door assembly operable relative to the cabinet between open and closed positions, the door assembly comprising: a first door panel having a front portion;a second door panel having a rear section coupled to the front portion of the first door panel;a trim element that includes a rear portion with a lip defined on the rear portion, and wherein the lip extends along an outer periphery of the first door panel and engages a rear portion of the first door panel; anda screen proximate a front section of the second door panel, wherein the screen includes an outer region and a screen rim extending along the outer region that receives the trim element, the screen rim abutting a front segment of the trim element, wherein the second panel is secured between the screen and the first door panel via the trim element.
12. The appliance of claim 11, wherein the trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and wherein the screen includes a snap feature that is positioned along an outer edge of the second door panel, and wherein the snap feature operably engages with the plurality of tabs to secure the trim element to the screen.
13. The appliance of claim 12, wherein the snap feature extends towards the first door panel and encircles the outer edge of the second door panel.
14. The appliance of claim 11, the first door panel defines an annular channel that extends along the outer periphery of the first door panel, and wherein the lip engages the annular channel to provide a secure interface between the trim element and the first door panel.
15. The appliance of claim 14, wherein the annular channel includes a first portion and a second portion offset from the first portion, and wherein the lip engages the first portion to define the secure interface.
16. The appliance of claim 11, wherein the first door panel defines a first aperture and the second door panel defines a second aperture, and wherein the first aperture aligns with the second aperture, and wherein a porthole window is proximate the first aperture and the second aperture, the porthole window being recessed towards the interior processing chamber and through the first aperture.
17. A door assembly for an appliance, comprising: a first door panel having a front portion and a rear portion opposing the front portion, wherein an annular channel is defined on the rear portion and extends along an outer periphery of the first door panel, and wherein a first aperture extends from the front portion to the rear portion;a second door panel having a front section and a rear section coupled to the front portion of the first door panel, wherein a second aperture extends from the front section to the rear section, and wherein the second aperture aligns with the first aperture;a porthole window proximate the first aperture and the second aperture;a snap feature positioned along an outer edge of the second door panel; anda trim element coupled to the snap feature, wherein the trim element includes a rear segment with a lip defined on the rear segment, and wherein the lip extends along the outer periphery of the first door panel and engages the annular channel of the first door panel to provide a secure interface between the trim element and the first door panel, and wherein engagement of the snap feature and the trim element secures the second door panel to the first door panel.
18. The door assembly of claim 17, comprising a screen proximate a front section of the second door panel, wherein the screen includes the snap feature, that is defined along an outer perimeter of the screen, and wherein the trim element includes a plurality of tabs extending outward from an inner surface of the trim element, and wherein the plurality of tabs operably engage with the snap feature to secure the trim element to the screen.
19. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the snap feature is defined within an outer edge of the second door panel and extends towards the first door panel.
20. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the annular channel includes a first portion and a second portion offset from the first portion, and wherein the lip engages the first portion.

DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN APPLIANCE

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