Appliance console bottom attachment

Abstract

An appliance console is provided, wherein the console is quickly and easily mounted on the appliance without the use of mounting hardware or tools. The appliance console includes a pair of first and second downwardly extending feet adapted to be received in slots in the top cover of the appliance. In mounting the console to the top cover of the cabinet, the first feet are inserted into the corresponding slots in the top cover of the cabinet and the console is moved laterally such that the first feet are received into a first edge of the slots. When the console is obstructed by the first edge, force is exerted upon the console to create a slight flex. The second feet are inserted into corresponding slots in the top cover and the console released so that the second feet engage a second edge of the corresponding slots.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Household appliances, such as a clothes washing machine or a clothes dryer, normally have a cabinet with a control console mounted on top of the cabinet. Prior art consoles conventionally are mounted to the top of the cabinet with hardware, including screws. For ease of installation, the screws are often times located on the front of the console, and thus are visible to a person using the appliance. Such prior art mounting hardware adds to the cost of the appliance due to the materials and labor required for mounting the console onto the cabinet. The mounting hardware is also unsightly if located on the front of the console.

Prior art consoles may also be mounted without the use of mounting hardware and tools. As seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,510, a console may be mounted by tilting the console forwardly so that front feet extend into the front slots and then rotating the console rearwardly so that rear feet extend into the rear slots. The '510 utilizes forwardly disposed recesses on both the front and rear feet. Such prior art mounting hardware is particularly useful in combination with a console whose base is substantially rectangular but has limited utility for a base that is curved or deviates from the rectangular shape.

Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of a console which is mounted to an appliance without the use of hardware.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a console which is quickly and easily attached to the top of an appliance.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a console which can be mounted to an appliance without the use of tools.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a console having downwardly extending feet adapted to be received in corresponding slots in the top cover of the cabinet such that the console is substantially free from forward and rearward movement relative to the top cover of the cabinet.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a console having downwardly extending feet adapted to be received in corresponding slots in the top cover of the cabinet such that the console is substantially free from left and right movement relative to the top cover of the cabinet.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of a console having a curved front section that may be mounted to an appliance.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of a console that may be mounted to an appliance using lateral sliding movement.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of a console that utilizes first and second feet that have opposite recesses relative each of the feet.

These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The appliance console of the present invention includes at least a pair of first and second downwardly extending feet at opposite ends of the console. The feet are adapted to be received in slots in the top cover of the appliance cabinet so as to mount the console to the top cover of the cabinet without mounting hardware or the use of tools.

In mounting the console to the top cover of the cabinet, the front feet are inserted into the corresponding slots in the top cover of the cabinet. The console is then moved laterally such that feet are received into a first edge of the slots. When the console is obstructed by the first edge, the user continues to exert force upon the console creating a slight buckle. The user can then fit the second feet into corresponding slots in the top cover and release the console so that the second feet can engage a second edge of the corresponding slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an appliance with the console of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the console fully mounted to the cabinet with a back plate secured thereto.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the console in position over the top cover with the bottom surface of the top cover shown.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the top cover with the console attached.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken alone line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7-10 are enlarged views of the feet of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 11-13 are perspective views sequentially showing the console being attached to the top cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in FIG. 1, an appliance, such as a clothes washer 10, generally includes a cabinet 12 with a top cover 14. A console 16 having control indicia for operating the appliance is mounted on the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12. Preferably, the console 16 is manufactured as a unitary body.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate that the console 16 includes a front 18, a back 20, a top 22, a bottom 24, a left side 26, and a right side 28. Extending downwardly from the bottom 24 of the console 16 are a pair of first feet or left feet 30 and a pair of second feet or right feet 32. The first and second feet 30, 32 preferably are located at the opposite ends of the console 16, and are adapted to be received in corresponding slots or holes 34 in the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12.

Front feet 38, 40 are spaced along the bottom 24 of the console 16. As best seen in FIG. 5, the front 18 of the console 16 is curved or arced. A center front foot 38 is located at the top of the curve. Intermediate front feet 40 are located at a position approximately between the left side 26 and the center front foot 38 and the right side 28 and the center front foot 38. The front feet 38, 40 are adapted to be received in corresponding slots 34 in the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12.

The slots 34, as seen in FIG. 4, have a first edge 42 and a second edge 44 illustrated as left and right edges, respectively.

Each of the first feet 30, center foot 38, and intermediate feet 40 include a first recess 46 adapted to engage the first edge 42 of the respective slot 34. The second feet 32 have a second recess 48 adapted to engage the second edge 44.

Enlarged FIGS. 7-10 illustrate the details of the attachment between the console and the top cover as illustrated in FIG. 6. Each of the feet, 30, 38 and 40 have a heel portion 50. The heel portion 50 may be sloped so as to permit the foot 30, 38, 40 to pass into the respective slot 34. The sloped heel portion 50 also facilitates removal of the console 16 from the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12.

Each of the feet, 30, 38 and 40 have a forward portion 52. The forward portion 52 may be ramped so as to assist in movement of the console 16 laterally from the slot 34 until the feet are at a rest position with the foot recess 46 engaging the first edge 42 of the slot 34.

The second feet 32 may have a sloped heel portion 50 and sloped forward portion 52. These sloped portions 50, 52 facilitate the insertion and removal of the second feet 32 from the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12.

The feet 30, 32, 38, 40 may have various features adjusted to facilitate the attachment and removal of the console 16 from the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12. These features include but are not limited to the slope of the heel portion 50, the slope of the forward portion 52, the height of the feet, the placement of the feet relative the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12, and the shape of the feet altered to conform to the shape of the top cover 14.

The slots 34 are typically rectangular but may have the shape altered to facilitate the attachment and removal of the console 16 from the top cover 14 of the cabinet 12.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the sequential attachment of the console 16 to the top cover 14. As in FIG. 11, the bottom 24 of the console 16 is spaced closely to the top cover 14 in alignment with the corresponding slots 34. In this position the console 16 is laterally off-center of the top cover 14. The first feet 30, center front foot 38, and intermediate front feet 40 are then placed into corresponding slots 34. As seen in FIG. 12, once the feet 30, 38, 40 are inside the slots 34, the console 16 may be slid laterally. While being slid, the console 16 moves downward relative the top cover 14 as the forward slope 52 of feet 30, 38, 40 directs the console to a position where the first recess 46 is in connection with the first edge 42 of the slot 34. The first edges 42 of the slots 34 stop the relative movement of the console 16 at the back of first recesses 46. In this position, the console 16 is flexible between the intermediate front 40 adjacent the second feet 32 and it buckles under a user's force slightly upward to provide for fitting of the second feet 32 into the respective slot 34. As seen in FIG. 13, once the second feet 32 are in the slots 34 and the force is removed, the console 16 regains its original or static shape inside the slot 34 with the second feet 32 in connection with the second edges 44. Thus, the console 16 is mounted on the cabinet 12 without the use of hardware, such as screws, and without the use of tools.

A back plate 60 is mounted to the back 20 of the console 16 and the back of the top cover 14 using screws 62. The back 20 of the console 16 includes bosses 64 for receiving the screws 62. The back plate 60 provides additional structural security and integrity to the assembled console 16 and cabinet 12, and seals off the console contents from user access.

If it is necessary to remove the console 16 from the cabinet 12, the top screws 62 are removed and the back plate 60 can remain attached to the top cover 14. Then the second side 28 of console 16 is buckled toward the center of the top cover 14 creating clearance between second feet 32 and the respective slots 34 for disengagement. With clearance created between the second feet 32 and the respective slots 34, the second side 28 of console 16 can be raised up slightly thereby completing the disengagement of feet 32. With the second feet 32 disengaged, the console 16 can be moved laterally in the direction from center toward the second side thereby disengaging the first feet 30, the center front foot 38, and the intermediate front feet 40 from the slots 34 and permitting the console to be removed from the top cover 14.

Whereas the invention has been shown and described in connection with the preferred embodiments-thereof, it will be understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intended broad scope of the following claims. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

Claims

1. A console for an appliance having a cabinet with a top cover, comprising:

a body having a first side surface and a second side surface;

a pair of first feet and a pair of second feet extending downwardly from the body for mounting the console to the top cover;

the first feet being adapted to fit through slots in the top cover of the appliance, such that the first feet fits through the slots, the body moves toward a first edge of the slots, and the body flexes when the first feet are obstructed by the first edge of the slots;

the second feet being adapted to fit through slots in the top cover of the appliance, such that the second feet fits through the slots when the body flexes and the second feet engage a second edge of the slots when the body is static.

2. The console of claim 1 further comprising a front surface between the first side surface and the second side surface, front feet extending downwardly from the front surface, the front feet adapted to fit through slots in the top cover of the appliance, such that the front feet fits through the slots, the body moves toward a first edge of the first slots, and the body flexes when the front feet are obstructed by the first edge of the slots.

3. The console of claim 2 wherein the front surface is an arc.

4. The console of claim 1 wherein the first feet have a first recess adapted to engage the first edge of the slots.

5. The console of claim 1 wherein the second feet have a second recess adapted to engage the second edge of the slots.

6. The console of claim 2 wherein the front feet have a first recess adapted to engage the first edge of the slots.

7. The console of claim 1 wherein the first feet have a sloped heel portion to pass into and out of the slots.

8. The console of claim 1 wherein the first feet have a ramped forward portion to assist in movement of the body laterally toward a first edge of the slots.

9. The console of claim 8 wherein the first feet have first recess at the top end of ramped forward portion.

10. The console of claim 1 wherein the body has a unitary construction.

11. The console of claim 1 wherein the first and second feet are adjacent opposite ends of the body.

12. The console of claim 1 wherein the first and second feet are received in the slots such that the body is substantially free from forward and rearward movement relative to the top cover.

13. The console of claim 1 wherein the first and second feet are received in the slots such that the body is substantially free from lateral movement relative to the top cover.

14. A console for an appliance having a cabinet with a top cover, comprising:

a body having a front surface adapted for a control panel of an appliance, a left surface, and a right surface;

a pair of left feet and a pair of right feet extending downwardly from the body;

the left feet being adapted to fit through left slots in the top cover of the appliance, such that the left feet fits through the left slots, the body moves in a leftward direction toward a first edge of the left slots, and the body flexes when the left feet are obstructed by the first edge of the left slots;

the right feet being adapted to fit through right slots in the top cover of the appliance, such that the right feet fit through the right slots when the body flexes and the right feet engage a second edge of the right slots when the body is static.

15. The console of claim 14 further comprising front feet extending downwardly from the front surface, the front feet adapted to fit through front slots in the top cover of the appliance, such that the front feet fit through the front slots, the body moves in a leftward direction toward a first edge of the front slots, and the body flexes when the front feet are obstructed by the first edge of the front slots.

16. The console of claim 14 wherein the left feet have a left recess adapted to engage the first edge of the left slots.

17. The console of claim 14 wherein the right feet have a right recess adapted to engage the second edge of the right slots.

18. The console of claim 15 wherein the front feet have a left recess adapted to engage the first edge of front slots.

19. A method of attaching a console to a laundry appliance with a top cover, comprising:

providing a body having a first side surface and a second side surface, a pair of first feet and a pair of second feet extending downwardly from the body for mounting the console to the top cover;

providing a top cover of a laundry appliance having slots with first and second opposite edges, the slots corresponding with the pair of first feet and the pair of second feet;

inserting the first feet into the corresponding slots in the top cover, moving the body laterally toward the first edge of the slots, and flexing the body when the first feet are obstructed by the first edge of the slots;

fitting the second feet into corresponding slots in the top cover when the body is flexing and releasing the body so that the second feet engage the second edge of the corresponding slots.

20. The console of claim 19 further comprising:

providing a front surface adapted for a control panel of the appliance between the first side surface and the second side surface, front feet extending downwardly from the front surface;

fitting the front feet through corresponding slots in the top cover, such that the front feet fit through the slots and moving the body laterally toward the first edge of the slots.