Appliance

Abstract

An appliance with a simple mechanism for mounting a decorative panel to an exterior surface. The mechanism simplifies the installation process associated with mounting the panel by removing the need for precise tolerances. The mechanism includes a plurality of adjustable mounting brackets and corresponding channel portions which permit an installer to adjust the panel with three degrees of freedom to align it relative to the surroundings, and subsequently secure the panel in place. The mechanism allows translation in substantially horizontal and vertical directions as well as rotation in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment the mechanism also is also capable of supporting the panel while the adjustments are being performed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This application claims the domestic priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 039,490, filed on Mar. 26, 2008, and entitled “An Appliance”. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 039,490 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention broadly relates to appliances with decorative panels mounted to the exterior.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]In general, the exterior of an appliance is finished in such a manner to attract potential customers and to be aesthetically pleasing. As a result, it is common for appliance manufacturers to produce products with a variety of different external finishes to provide for alternate tastes. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the visual effect appliances have on their surrounding environment. This is evidenced by the increasing number of appliances incorporating high cost finishing materials such as stainless steel or a wi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]An object of the present invention is to provide an appliance with an improved mechanism for mounting a decorative panel or at least provide the public a useful choice. Another object is to provide an improved method for mounting a decorative panel to an appliance or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Problems solved by technology

However, despite the vast range of consumer tastes, there are still only a small number of readily available appliance finishes.

The required connection between refrigerator and cabinet is complicated, however, as both doors move relative to each other during use.

This method of customization is simpler than that disclosed in Gross, however installation of the decorative panel requires precise alignment and accordingly is time consuming.

However the mechanism described to perform this function is complicated, employs a large number of parts and requires substantial modification of the appliance door.

Images