SPRING LOADED SHELF FOR AN OVEN APPLIANCE

Abstract

A shelf assembly is provided with a spring-assisted shelf for an oven appliance. A spring is placed into tension as the oven door is closed and the oven shelf is slid towards the rear of the oven cavity. As the door is opened, the spring retracts so as to cause the oven shelf to slide forward at least partially out of the oven cavity. The shelf assembly is vertically adjustable and can be removed from the oven cavity for repositioning at another height therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a shelf or rack for an oven appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oven appliances typically include one or more shelves or racks for the support of food items and cooking utensils having food items. For example, oven appliances conventionally include one or more shelves or racks whereby multiple food items can be placed into the oven for cooking operations. In order to access a food item or utensil placed on the shelf, the user opens the door and reaches into the oven. The user may also desire to slide the shelf out of the oven cavity to improve access to the food item. For example, the user may want to cut or measure the temperature of a food item at the rear of the oven shelf, which can require sliding the shelf forward.

A problem with accessing the rear of the shelf can be exacerbated with smaller oven cavities. For example, an oven may be provided with a cavity having a relatively short height for use in cooking flatter foods such as pizza, breads, or others. Reaching the back of the shelf may not be possible unless the shelf slides forward.

For certain conventional ovens, sliding a shelf out of the oven can be difficult. For example, the shelf may be constructed from a rack made of elongated rods that must slide on metal features protruding from the walls of the oven cavity. The friction between these parts may not be conducive to sliding the shelf.

In order to accommodate food items and cooking utensils of different sizes, a typical construction includes horizontal protrusions formed directly into the side walls of the oven cavity on which the shelves rest and from which the shelves can be can be removed. The shelves and protrusions are designed so that the user can remove the shelf from the protrusions at one vertical level and reinstall the shelf at a different vertical level, which the user may select based on e.g., the height of the food items and utensils, the number of items being cooked, the type of food being cooked, and/or other factors.

Accordingly, a shelf assembly that can be more readily slid out of an oven cavity while still supporting the food item would be useful. A shelf that automatically slides at least partially out of the oven cavity as the door is opened would be particularly beneficial. Such a shelf assembly that can be readily removed for vertical adjustability within the oven cavity would also be very useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a shelf assembly with a spring-assisted shelf for an oven appliance. A spring is placed into tension as the oven door is closed and the oven shelf is slid towards the rear of the oven cavity. As the door is opened, the spring retracts so as to cause the oven shelf to slide forward at least partially out of the oven cavity. The shelf assembly is vertically adjustable and can be readily removed from the oven cavity (e.g., without tools or deconstruction) for repositioning at another height therein. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance. The oven appliance includes a door for access to a cavity having a pair of opposing side walls. The oven defines vertical, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to each other. The removable shelf support assembly includes a shelf having a pair of opposing sides for positioning near the opposing side walls and a pair of slide assemblies. At least one of the slide assemblies includes a base assembly that is removably supported on one of the opposing side walls of the oven appliance, the base assembly removable from the oven appliance by sliding along the transverse direction. A slide is supported by the base assembly and is attached to one of the opposing sides of the shelf. The slide is movable along the transverse direction relative to the base assembly whereby the shelf can be selectively moved along the transverse direction in and out of the appliance. A tension spring has a first end connected with the shelf and a second end connected with the base assembly. The first and second end are positioned so that the spring is in tension when the door is shut and causes the shelf to slide at least partially out of the oven cavity as the door is opening.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an oven appliance defining vertical, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to each other. The oven appliance includes an oven body defining an oven cavity for the receipt of food items for cooking operations, the cavity having a pair of opposing side walls, the cavity having an opening positioned near a front of the oven body. A door provides for selectively closing the opening to the cavity of the oven body. A removable shelf is provided having a pair of opposing sides that are separated along the lateral direction. The shelf is slidable in and out of the cavity.

The oven appliance includes a pair of slide assemblies. Each slide assembly includes a base assembly that is removably supported on one of the opposing side walls. The base assembly is removable from the appliance by sliding along the transverse direction. A slide is supported by the base assembly and is attached to one of the opposing sides of the shelf. The slide is movable along the transverse direction relative to the base assembly whereby the shelf can be selectively moved along the transverse direction in and out of the appliance. A tension spring is provided having a first end connected with the shelf and a second end connected with the base assembly. The first and second ends are positioned so that the spring is stretched as the door is closed and retracts as the door is opened so as to cause the shelf to contact the door and slide at least partially out of the oven cavity.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an oven appliance of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 with a door shown in a partially opened state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the exemplary shelf support assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary shelf support assembly shown in FIG. 3 with a shelf shown in the closed position.

FIG. 6 is another side view of the exemplary shelf support assembly shown in FIG. 3 with a shelf shown in the open of extended position.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the front and bottom of the exemplary shelf support assembly shown in FIG. 3

FIG. 8 is a close up and partial perspective view of the front and bottom of a portion of the exemplary shelf support assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a close up and partial perspective view of a portion of the exemplary shelf support assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a shelf support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 11 provides a partial top view of the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of an oven 100 according to the present invention is shown. FIG. 1 provides a front view of oven 100 while FIG. 2 provides a side view. Oven 100 includes an oven body 102 defining an oven cavity 104 for the receipt of food items and utensils for cooking operations. A vertically adjustable and removable shelf support assembly 200 is shown positioned in oven cavity 104.

Shelf support assembly 200 includes a rack or shelf 202. As used herein, “shelf” and “rack” are not limited to an assembly of elongated wire or rods 208 (e.g., FIG. 3) and includes shelves constructed from other materials such as expanded metal and others. Accordingly, “rack” and “shelf” (and the plural forms thereof) are used interchangeably herein. Also, as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein, oven 100 with cooktop 124 is provided by way of example only. The shelf support assembly 200 of the present invention may be used in other types of oven appliances with different configurations such as e.g., wall ovens, double ovens, and others.

Oven 100 includes a door 108 with handle 110 that provides for opening and closing access to oven cavity 104 through an opening 106 at the front of cavity 104. A user of the appliance 100 can place a variety of different items to be cooked (including utensils) in oven cavity 104 and onto shelf 202, which has a pair of opposing sides 204 that are positioned near opposing side walls 112. Cavity 104 is defined by a pair of opposing side walls 112, bottom wall 114, top wall 116, and rear wall 118 that extends laterally (lateral direction L) between opposing side walls 112. Multiple shelf assemblies 200 can be positioned within cavity 104 (only one assembly 200 is shown). Shelf assembly 200 is supported on a pair of protrusions 136 formed integrally with opposing side walls 112. Multiple pairs of protrusions 136 are shown at different heights along vertical direction V for support of one or more shelf assemblies 200 at different vertical locations. As such, shelf assembly 200 is readily removable from oven cavity 104 for repositioning and cleaning without having to use special tools or damaging oven cavity 104. For purposes of reference in further describing the invention, it will be understood that oven appliance 100 defines vertical directions V, lateral directions L, and transverse directions T that are orthogonal to each other.

One or more heating elements 120 can be positioned e.g., at the top 116 of chamber or cavity 104 to provide heat for cooking and cleaning. Such heating element(s) can be e.g., gas, electric, microwave, or a combination thereof. Other heating elements can be located at the bottom 114 of chamber 104 as well. A window 122 on door 108 allows the user to view e.g., food items during the cooking process. For purposes of cooling, oven 100 may equipped with an inlet that allows for an inflow of ambient air into a ventilation system and a vent that allows for the outflow of such air after it has been heated by oven 100.

Oven 100 includes a user interface 128 having a display 130 positioned on top panel 132 with a variety of controls 134. Interface 128 allows the user to select various options for the operation of oven 100 including e.g., temperature, time, and/or various cooking and cleaning cycles. Operation of oven appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller (not shown) that is operatively coupled i.e., in communication with, user interface panel 128, heating element(s), and other components of oven 100 as will be further described.

For example, in response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 128, the controller can operate one or more heating element(s). The controller can receive measurements from a temperature sensor (not shown) placed in oven cavity 104 to e.g., provide a temperature indication to the user with display 130. By way of example, the controller may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

The controller may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller may be located under or next to the user interface 128 or otherwise within top panel 132. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals are routed between the controller and various operational components of appliance 100 such as heating element(s), controls 134, display 130, sensor(s), alarms, and/or other components as may be provided. In one embodiment, the user interface panel 182 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block.

Although shown with touch type controls on interface 128 and knobs for controls 134, it should be understood that such are provided by way of example only. More specifically, user interface 128 and/or top panel 132 may include various input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 128 may include other display components, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 128 may be in communication with the controller via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exemplary oven appliance of FIG. 1 into which an exemplary embodiment of the removable shelf support assembly 200 has been incorporated. During the opening of door 100, the user pulls handle 110 which causes door 100 to rotate about a pivot point P where door 100 is connected by a hinge or similar device to oven body 102. As door 100 opens (arrow O) to allow access to cavity 104 through opening 106, shelf support assembly 200 causes shelf 202 to slide along the transverse direction T (arrow R) so that shelf 202 moves at least partially out of the oven cavity 104 as door 108 is opened. In one exemplary embodiment, shelf 202 actually contacts door 108 for a predetermined distance of travel along the transverse direction T as door 108 is opening. The movement of shelf 202 against door 108 is provided by at least one tension spring 214 (shown in e.g., FIG. 4 and discussed again below) that retracts so as to reduce its tension as door 108 is opened.

As door 100 is closed (arrow C) to cover opening 106 in oven body 102, shelf 202 is contacted by door 100 and caused to slide along transverse direction T (arrow S). This movement continues until door 100 is fully closed. The movement of door 100 stretches at least one tension spring 214—thereby loading tension spring 214 or placing it in tension so that tension spring 214 can again cause shelf 202 to extend when door 100 is reopened.

For this exemplary embodiment, shelf support assembly 200 includes a pair of slide assemblies 206. Each slide assembly 206 is positioned along one of the opposing sides 204 of shelf 202. Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 through 6, each slide assembly 206 includes a base assembly 210 that is removably supported by one of the opposing side walls 112 of oven 100. More particularly, base assemblies 210 are connected with support frame 240 that removably rests on protrusions 136 formed in opposing side walls 112. Shelf support assembly 200 is removable from the respective sidewall 112 of the oven cavity 104 by sliding along transverse direction T.

Each slide assembly 206 also includes a slide 212 that is supported by a respective base assembly 210. Each slide 212 is attached to one of the opposing sides 204 of shelf 202. Slide 212 is movable along transverse direction T relative to base assembly 210 so that shelf 202 can be selectively moved or slid in and out of cavity 104. More particularly, the position of each base assembly 210 (and, therefore, shelf support assembly 200) is selectively fixed in cavity 104 by a releasable lock 242 that holds the entire shelf support assembly 200 in place as slide 212 moves in and out of cavity 104 along transverse direction T. In one embodiment, ball bearings (not shown) are positioned between slide 212 and base assembly 210 to facilitate the movement of slide 212 relative to base assembly 210.

In this exemplary embodiment, each slide assembly 206 includes a tension spring 212. As used herein, “tension spring” mean that when extended or pulled so as to lengthen the spring, the tension spring will act in tension to provide a restorative force that attempts to pull the spring back to its original, shorter length. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, tension spring 212 has a first end 216 and a second end 218. First end 216 and second end 218 are positioned on slide assembly 206 so that the tension spring 212 is in tension or is stretched when door 108 is closed. Accordingly, first end 216 and second end 218 are spaced apart along transverse direction T and are configured with slide assembly 206 so as to move away from each other along transverse direction T when door 108 is closed. Conversely, when door 108 is opened, tension spring 212 retracts and reduces tension by causing shelf 202 to slide at least partially out of cavity 104. By way of comparison, FIG. 5 is a side view of shelf support assembly 200 in a closed positioned (i.e. when door 108 is closed) and FIG. 6 is a side view of shelf support assembly 200 in an open position (i.e. when door 108 is opened).

Turning now to FIGS. 4, 7, 8, and 9 each base assembly 210 defines a front 224 positioned near the door of the oven appliance and a back 226 spaced apart along transverse direction T from door 108 and front 224. For this exemplary embodiment, second end 218 of tension spring 214 is connected to base assembly 210 at a position near the front 224.

More specifically, each base assembly 210 includes a base element 228 and a bracket 230. Each base element 228 is attached to a respective slide 212 while each bracket 230 is attached to one of the bases element 228. Each bracket 230 defines a tab 220 that extends vertically upward and is positioned under the base element 228. The second end 218 of tension spring 214 is attached to tab 220, which is located near a front portion 236 of bracket 230 as shown. Notches 252 (FIG. 8) or other features on tab 220 help secure second 218 of tension spring 214.

The first end 216 of tension spring 214 is connected to a part of shelf 202. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, shelf 202 includes a laterally extending rod 250 having a pair of hook-shaped stops 234 positioned at each of the opposing sides 204 of shelf 202. In addition to providing a point of attachment for tension spring 214, stops 234 limit the amount of forward movement of shelf 202 acting under the force of the pair of springs 214. Referring to FIG. 9, when shelf 202 moves out of cavity 104 (arrow R) along transverse direction T as door 108 is opened, stops 234 contact the rear portions 238 of the pair of brackets 230. As shelf 202 moves into cavity 104 (arrow O) along transverse direction T as door 108 is closed, stops 234 move away from brackets 230 as tension springs 214 are stretched or placed into increased tension.

In one exemplary embodiment, shelf 202 is provided with a features to prevent a cooking utensil 50 from sliding off shelf 202 as door 108 is opened. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, shelf 202 is equipped with a utensil stop 254. For this exemplary embodiment, stop 254 is formed from loops 256 placed at the end of transversely oriented, elongated rods 208 forming shelf 202. Loops 256 are provided by way of example only—other constructions forming stop 254 may be used as well.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of slide assemblies 206 shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 with tension springs 214 located below bracket assemblies 210. Other configurations may be used where tension springs 214 are located in different positions relative to shelf 202 and connected differently to shelf 202 and slide assemblies 206. For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another exemplary embodiment in which each base assembly 210 defines a flange 232 that is positioned laterally inside a respective slide 212. Each flange 232 projects upwardly along vertical direction V and extends longitudinally along transverse direction T. Tension springs 248 are connected on each side of shelf 202 with a first end 216 connected to shelf 202 and a second end 218 connected to a tab 220 positioned on a front portion 258 of flange 232. Other constructions may be used as well.

For the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the use of a pair of tension springs on each side of shelf 202 has been described. Using the teachings disclosed herein, it will be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, more than two tension springs may be used. In addition, single or multiple tension springs along one side of shelf 202 may be used as well. Accordingly, for example, the shelf support assembly may include only one slide assembly configured as described above.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance, the oven appliance including a door for access to a cavity having a pair of opposing side walls, the oven defining vertical, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to each other, the removable shelf support assembly comprising:

a shelf having a pair of opposing sides for positioning near the opposing side walls;

a pair of slide assemblies, at least one slide assembly comprising a base assembly that is removably supported on one of the opposing side walls of the oven appliance, the base assembly removable from the oven appliance by sliding along the transverse direction; a slide that is supported by the base assembly and is attached to one of the opposing sides of the shelf, the slide movable along the transverse direction relative to the base assembly whereby the shelf can be selectively moved along the transverse direction in and out of the appliance; and a tension spring having a first end connected with the shelf and a second end connected with the base assembly, the first and second end positioned so that the spring is in tension when the door is shut and causes the shelf to slide at least partially out of the oven cavity as the door is opening.

2. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein the base assembly further comprises a tab to which the second end of the tension spring is attached.

3. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the tension spring are spaced apart along the transverse direction and are configured move away from each other along the transverse direction as the shelf is pushed into the oven cavity.

4. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 3, wherein the base assembly defines a front near the door of the oven appliance and a back spaced apart along the transverse direction from the door, and wherein the second end of the spring is connected to the base assembly at a position near the front and the first end is connected to the shelf at a position near the back when the door is closed.

5. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein the base assembly further comprises

a base element to which the slide is attached;

a bracket to which the base element is attached, the bracket defining a tab to which the second end of the tension spring is attached.

6. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 5, wherein the bracket is configured such that the tab is positioned under the base element.

7. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 5, wherein the shelf defines a pair of stops, each stop positioned on one of the opposing sides of the shelf, at least one stop configured to contact the bracket to limit the movement of the shelf along the transverse direction when the door is opened.

8. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 7, wherein the tab is positioned near a front portion of the bracket, and wherein the stop is configured to contact a rear portion of the bracket.

9. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein the base assembly defines a flange positioned laterally inside the slide and extending along the vertical direction, the base assembly further comprising a tab extending from the flange and to which the second end of the tension spring is attached.

10. The removable shelf support assembly for an oven appliance as in claim 1, further comprising:

a support frame extending along the transverse direction between the opposing side walls of the cavity, the support frame removably positioned upon the opposing side walls; and

wherein the slide assemblies are mounted upon the support frame.

11. An oven appliance defining vertical, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to each other, the oven appliance comprising:

an oven body defining an oven cavity for the receipt of food items for cooking operations, the cavity having a pair of opposing side walls, the cavity having an opening positioned near a front of the oven body;

a door for selectively closing the opening to the cavity of the oven body;

a removable shelf having a pair of opposing sides that are separated along the lateral direction, the shelf slidable in and out of the cavity;

a pair of slide assemblies, each slide assembly comprising a base assembly that is removably supported on one of the opposing side walls, the base assembly removable from the appliance by sliding along the transverse direction; a slide that is supported by the base assembly and is attached to one of the opposing sides of the shelf, the slide movable along the transverse direction relative to the base assembly whereby the shelf can be selectively moved along the transverse direction in and out of the appliance; and a tension spring having a first end connected with the shelf and a second end connected with the base assembly, the first and second ends positioned so that the spring is stretched as the door is closed and retracts as the door is opened so as to cause the shelf to contact the door and slide at least partially out of the oven cavity.

12. The oven appliance of claim 11, wherein each base assembly further comprises a tab to which the second end of the tension spring is attached.

13. The oven appliance of claim 12, wherein the first end and the second end of the tension spring are spaced apart along the transverse direction and are configured move away from each other along the transverse direction as the shelf is pushed into the oven cavity.

14. The oven appliance of claim 13, wherein the base assembly defines a front near the door of the oven appliance and a back spaced apart along the transverse direction from the door, and wherein the second end of the spring is connected to the base assembly at a position near the front and the first end is connected to the shelf at a position near the back when the door is closed.

15. The oven appliance of claim 11, wherein each base assembly further comprises

a base element to which the slide is attached;

a bracket to which the base element is attached, the bracket defining a tab to which the second end of the tension spring is attached.

16. The oven appliance of claim 15, wherein for each base assembly the bracket is configured such that the tab is positioned under the base element.

17. The oven appliance of claim 15, wherein the shelf defines a pair of stops, each stop positioned on one of the opposing sides of the shelf, each stop configured to contact the bracket to limit the movement of the shelf along the transverse direction when the door is opened.

18. The oven appliance of claim 17, wherein the tab is positioned near a front portion of the bracket, and wherein the stop is configured to contact a rear portion of the bracket.

19. The oven appliance of claim 11, wherein each base assembly defines a flange positioned laterally inside the slide and extending along the vertical direction, each base assembly further comprising a tab extending from the flange and to which the second end of the tension spring is attached.

20. The oven appliance of claim 11, further comprising:

a support frame extending along the transverse direction between the opposing side walls of the cavity, the support frame removably positioned upon the opposing side walls; and

wherein the slide assemblies are mounted upon the support frame.