HOME APPLIANCE HAVING A LOCALLY STORED TEMPERATURE PROBE

Abstract

A home appliance includes a housing and a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, configured to store a temperature probe in a position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a home appliance having localized storage of a temperature probe, and more particularly, to a home appliance having a temperature probe storage system for an integral temperature probe, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly for an integral temperature probe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some conventional home cooking appliances, such as a wall oven or stand-alone range, may be configured to use a plugin temperature probe (commonly referred to as a “Meat Probe”). Such a plugin temperature probe may use a temperature measuring sensor (e.g., one or more sensors internal to the probe), such as an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), thermocouple, thermopile, thermistor, or other method of measuring temperature via contact. In operation, the plugin temperature probe can be inserted into a food item and then plugged into the appliance. This type of plugin temperature probe can provide feedback directly to the appliance as to the internal temperature of the food item as it cooks, which may be relayed to the user in real time, periodically, and may allow for the appliance or user to take action based on the temperature feedback.

In some conventional appliances, instead of a wired temperature probe, a wireless temperature probe may be provided to communicate temperature information directly to the appliance. In other conventional arrangements, a wireless temperature probe may be provided to communicate temperature information to the user, for example, via an application (App) on a mobile device or through a monitored base station.

Some users may use “instant read” thermometers that can be inserted into food periodically to check the temperature or that can be inserted into the food throughout the cooking process to observe or monitor the temperature. The data can be displayed on a device on the exterior of the appliance such that the user can observe the information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes that providing a user feedback with regard to food temperature while cooking may provide advantages in determining when food has reached a targeted doneness, and hence, may improve the quality of cooked foods and user satisfaction with a resulting meal. The present invention further recognizes, however, that a user may only utilize such cooking temperature probes rarely, if ever. That is, while some conventional cooking appliances, such as ranges and ovens, may offer a temperature probe that plugs directly into the cooking appliance to allow for capabilities such as automatic shutoff when a target temperature is reached, the use of such probes is uncommon, even in instances in which such a probe is supplied to the user (e.g., the cooking appliance comes with the cooking probe) and in which the user is aware of the benefits to utilizing such a probe.

The present invention further recognizes that, in many instances in which temperature probes are used in connection with conventional appliances, the temperature probe typically is stored by the user somewhere other than directly with or on the appliance. Most commonly, thermometers and probes are often-times stored in a drawer or cabinet somewhere in the kitchen. As a result, the probe typically is placed out of sight, and out of mind, for the user. Additionally, by storing the probe in a drawer, cabinet, etc. with other kitchen items, the probe (or a part thereof) may be more susceptible or more likely to become damaged, difficult to find, and/or lost.

Even in instances in which a user may wish to utilize such a temperature probe that is supplied with a conventional appliance, and even in instances in which the probe and/or appliance has a built-in connection, the user may struggle to understand how or where the probe needs to be connected to the appliance, or when to use the probe, thereby resulting in a user rarely utilizing such cooking temperature probes, if ever.

These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of which comprises a home appliance comprising a housing, and a temperature probe storage system configured to store a temperature probe in a position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance. In some examples, the temperature probe storage system can include a deployable storage compartment assembly configured to store and at least partially enclose a temperature probe, wherein a part of the deployable storage compartment assembly is moveable from a first position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view by a user operating the home appliance and a second position in which the temperature probe is visible and accessible to the user.

In this way, the present invention can provide improved accessibility, user experience, and convenience for a user of a cooking appliance when utilizing a cooking temperature probe. By providing a home cooking appliance, according to the present invention, having localized storage of a temperature probe, along with a more intuitive access and use of the probe, the present invention recognizes that a user of a home cooking appliance may be more likely to utilize food temperature measurement information provided by such a probe to achieve more satisfactory cooking results.

In an example, a home cooking appliance according to the present invention can include localized storage, and more particularly, a localized storage assembly, such as a localized temperature probe storage system, and more particularly, a deployable storage compartment assembly, of a temperature probe for detecting the internal temperature of food while cooking in the home cooking appliance, such as an oven. The present invention is not limited to an oven having such localized storage of a temperature probe, and can include other home cooking appliances or devices, such as a stand-alone range, microwave, countertop oven, non-conventional oven, cooktop, and range top, etc. In other examples, the present invention can include other appliances used in, or for use in, combination with a home cooking appliance, such as a ventilation appliance (e.g., a wall-mounted or overhead vent hood, downdraft vent, etc.) having such localized storage of a temperature probe.

The present invention is not limited to any particular type, style, or function of a temperature probe. In some examples, the temperature probe may be single point or multipoint sensing. The temperature probe may be hard wired into the appliance or removable from the appliance via a connection to appliance. The temperature probe may be configured to use wireless communication to communicate temperature information, for example, directly to a home cooking appliance or to the user, for example, via an application (App) on a mobile device or through a monitored base station, etc. The temperature probe storage system, including for example a deployable storage compartment assembly, can be configured to accommodate one or more types of temperature probes.

In some examples, the appliance can be configured to store the probe in an area in which a part of the temperature probe storage system, such as an access cover or outer panel of a storage compartment assembly, is visible to a user at all times, while in other examples, the probe can be stored in an area in which the part of the temperature probe storage system is visible to the user when being accessed (e.g., only when being accessed).

In some examples, the appliance can include a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, embedded or recessed into a part of the housing or other component of the appliance. For example, in the case of a home cooking appliance having a door for accessing a cooking compartment, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, can be embedded or recessed in a front frame of the appliance, such as behind the door when the door is in a closed position. When the door is in the open position, the deployable storage compartment assembly can be readily visible to a user, and readily accessible to the user. For example, the appliance can include a deployable storage compartment assembly, such as a small door or drawer compartment, in a front frame assembly of the appliance. In other examples, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, can be embedded or recessed into a part of the door of the home appliance, such as in an upper edge of the door such that the deployable storage compartment assembly is accessible to the user when the door is one of in an open state and a partially open state. In other examples, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, can be embedded or recessed into a part of a door handle of the door of the home appliance, such as in an end of a hollow extrusion of the door handle. In other examples, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, can be embedded or recessed into a part of a control panel or another surface of the home appliance. In other examples, such as in the case of a ventilation appliance, for example a wall mounted or over-island vent hood or range hood, downdraft vent hood or range hood, etc., a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, can be embedded or recessed into a part of the housing of the ventilation appliance.

In the examples, a home cooking appliance can include a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, behind a hidden access panel on the appliance. For example, the appliance can be configured such that a wired or wireless temperature probe can be stored behind an access cover or panel at a location on the appliance. In the examples, the access cover can be disposed such that it is substantially flush with a surface of the part of the appliance having, for example, a deployable storage compartment assembly when it is in a closed position. More particularly, when the storage compartment assembly is in a closed position, the access cover can be disposed such that it is substantially co-planar or flush with a surface of the part of the appliance having the deployable storage compartment assembly, such as the housing, front frame, control panel, door edge, etc., or co-planar or flush with a front support frame or face of the storage compartment assembly, which is adjacent to the surface of the part of the appliance. In some examples, the access cover can be formed from a material similar to, or the same as, the surface of the part of the appliance (e.g., stainless steel, glass, etc.). In this way, the access cover according to the examples of the invention can be integrated into the surface of the part of the appliance, blended in with the adjacent surfaces, and/or keep the probe storage location hidden from view when a user is not accessing the probe or not using the appliance, thereby providing a “clean” look to the appliance, which may be desirable to many users, while at the same time enabling the deployable storage compartment assembly to be easily recognizable and apparent to the user as the location of the temperature probe.

In some appliances, such as a ventilation appliance, stand-alone range, this hidden panel may be behind a control panel of the appliance, or in another location, normally visible to the user, but able to open to access this storage.

In some examples, a light element, such as an access lighting element, can be provided to identify a location of a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly. Such a light element can be located adjacent to a front of the temperature probe storage system, such as adjacent to an access cover, integrally formed with a part of the temperature probe storage system, or surrounding a portion or all of a perimeter of a front of the temperature probe storage system, such as the access cover.

In some examples, when a user selects, for example via a user input, a cooking operation or cycle that uses the probe (for example, as a result of prompting by the appliance or without prompting from the appliance), the control panel can be configured to actuate (e.g., automatically actuate) a deployment of a part of a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, for example through a motorized or mechanized actuation, to reveal the probe and/or other items. In other examples, the actuation can be provided through manual actuation in which a user manipulates the access cover or panel of the storage compartment assembly, for example by pressing the access cover to actuate a push-push device, etc., and to thereby deploy a part of the storage compartment assembly and provide access to the stored probe. In some examples, a part of the storage compartment assembly can be configured to move (e.g., slide) in and out of the recessed position, or to articulate up (or down), to pivot or swing out, etc. to provide partial or full access to a space within the storage compartment assembly in which the probe is stored.

In an example, an appliance, such as a wall oven, can include a dedicated space, drawer or compartment, behind an oven control panel. When a user selects that they intend to use the probe (for example, as a result of prompting by the appliance or without prompting from the appliance), the control panel can be configured to articulate (e.g., automatically articulate), for example through a motorized or mechanized actuation, to reveal the storage location of the probe and/or other items. In other examples, the articulation of the control panel can be provided through manual actuation in which a user manipulates the control panel, access cover or panel, a user interface, etc. to gain access to the storage location of the probe (for example, as a result of prompting by the appliance or without prompting from the appliance). In some examples, the control panel can be configured to articulate up (or down) and/or to pivot or swing out, to provide partial or full access to a space behind the control panel in which the probe is stored.

By providing a home cooking appliance, according to the examples of the present invention, having localized storage of a temperature probe, along with a more intuitive access and use of the probe, the present invention can provide improved accessibility, user experience, and convenience for a user of a cooking appliance when utilizing a cooking temperature probe. A temperature probe storage system according to the example embodiments, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly, and particularly the access cover thereof, can be integrated into the surface of the part of the appliance, and have a blended appearance with the adjacent surfaces, thereby keeping the probe storage location hidden from view when a user is not accessing the probe or not using the appliance and providing a “clean” look to the appliance, while at the same time enabling the deployable storage compartment assembly to be easily recognizable and apparent, as well as serving as a reminder, to the user as to the location of the temperature probe, particularly when the appliance is in use, such as when a door of the appliance is being opened or is in open state, when the control panel is being used, etc. By providing such a psychological “nudge” of noticing or being reminded or encouraged to use a temperature probe, the present invention recognizes that a user of a home cooking appliance may be more likely to utilize such a temperature probe, gain confidence and knowledge associated with the use of such a temperature probe, and to utilize the food temperature measurement information provided by such a probe to achieve a better cooking experience and more satisfactory cooking results.

In some other examples, the appliance can be configured to store the probe in other positions in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance. For example, the appliance can include a retainer, such as a clip, for receiving and retaining the probe and/or a connection cable of the probe. The retainer or clip can be on (e.g., coupled to, mounted on, or integrally formed with) a part of a frame of the cooking appliance housing surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment, the frame being concealed by a part of the door when the door is in a closed position. In an example in which the probe is a wired probe, the retainer can be configured to hold the probe in such a way as to keep the connection cable taught and organized and positioned in a way that minimizes or prevents the connection cable from getting in the way of the user or interfering with a use of the appliance.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 1 with the door in an open state;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cut-away side view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is another partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a schematic partial cut-away side view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is another schematic partial cut-away side view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a schematic partial cut-away side view of a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is another schematic partial cut-away side view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view of a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7B is another partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a partial perspective view of a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is another partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a partial perspective view of a home cooking appliance, according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a partial perspective view of a home cooking appliance, according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view of a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10B is another partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is another partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a part of a deployable storage compartment assembly for a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is another perspective view of the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is side view of the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a home cooking appliance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13B is another partial perspective view of the home cooking appliance of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of home appliances, according to other exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a home cooking appliance, according to other exemplary embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 16A is a schematic view of a wired-connection temperature probe and FIG. 16B is a schematic view of a wireless temperature probe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of a home cooking appliance having a temperature probe storage system for an integral temperature probe will now be described.

A home cooking appliance according to the invention can include, for example, a standalone appliance, wall mounted appliance, such as a stand-alone oven, wall mounted oven, double oven, combination oven, countertop oven, microwave oven, air fryer, a freestanding range having one or more gas or electric cooking or warming devices, such as an oven, steam oven, convection oven, and/or warming drawer, a wall mounted or over-island vent hood or range hood, downdraft vent hood or range hood, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an example of a home cooking appliance 100 can include, for example, a housing 102 having a cooking cavity or compartment 104 (e.g., an oven cavity) accessible through an opening, a door 200 covering the opening and moveable about one or more hinges 206 between an open state and a closed state, and a control panel 106 having a user input device for controlling operation of one or more gas or electric burners or heating elements, circulating fans, etc. in the cooking cavity 104 for performing a preheat operation, cooking operation, warming operation, etc. The control panel 106 can include, for example, one or more controllers and memory devices, etc., and a user input device such as one or more control knobs, touch sensitive input devices, etc. for controlling operation of the appliance 100. One or more oven racks (not shown) or other support devices can be provided within the cooking cavity 104. The door 200 can include one or more door handles 202 and door glass 204 for viewing into the cooking cavity 104. One of ordinary skill will recognize that other configurations are possible.

As shown in the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the appliance 100 can include a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly 300, configured to store a temperature probe in a position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance. In some examples, the temperature probe storage system can at least partially enclose the temperature probe.

The invention is not limited to any particular type of temperature probe. For example, the temperature probe can include a temperature probe (commonly referred to as a “Meat Probe”). Such a temperature probe may use a temperature measuring sensor (e.g., one or more sensors internal to the probe), such as an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), thermocouple, thermopile, thermistor, or other method of measuring temperature via contact. In operation, the plugin temperature probe can be configured to be inserted into a food item and then plugged into the appliance. This type of temperature probe can provide feedback directly to the appliance as to the internal temperature of the food item as it cooks, which may be relayed to the user in real time, periodically, and may allow for the appliance or user to take action based off the temperature feedback. In some examples, the temperature probe can be a so-called hard-wired temperature probe having a fixed electrical connection to the appliance. In other examples, the temperature probe can be a removably connectable temperature probe, such as a temperature probe having an electrical connection that can be connected and disconnected (e.g., manually connected and disconnected by hand) from a corresponding power and/or communications connection on the appliance, such as within or adjacent to a cooking cavity of the appliance. In some conventional appliances, a wireless temperature probe may be provided to communicate temperature information directly to the appliance. In other examples, a wireless temperature probe may be provided to communicate temperature information to the user, for example, via an application (App) on a mobile device or through a monitored base station or via the control panel of the appliance. In other examples, the probe can be an “instant read” thermometer that can be inserted into food periodically to check the temperature, or that can be inserted into the food throughout the cooking process. The data from the probe can be displayed on a device on the exterior of the appliance such that the user can observe the information, another device (e.g., a smart phone), or on the probe itself. FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate examples of a wired and wireless temperature probe 400. In FIG. 16A, an example of a wired probe includes a probe end 402, a body or handle 404, a connector 406, and a connecting cable 408. In FIG. 16B, an example of a wireless probe includes a probe end 402, a body or handle 404, and a wireless communication device 410.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be recessed into a part of the appliance 100, such as recessed into a part of a frame 108 of the housing 102 surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment 104. The frame 108 and the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 are concealed by a part of the door 200 when the door 200 is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. The frame 108 and the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 are visible and accessible to a user when the door 200 is in an open position, as shown in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-6B, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be moveable from a first position in which a temperature probe 400 is concealed from view by a user operating the home appliance (FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A) and a second position in which the temperature probe is visible and accessible to the user (FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B). The storage compartment assembly 300 can be configured to store and at least partially enclose the temperature probe 400. In the illustrated example, the storage compartment assembly 300 includes a front support frame or face 302 abutted against, or recessed into, a surface of the frame 108. The storage compartment assembly 300 includes an access cover or panel 304 that conceals the temperature probe 400 from a user's view when the storage compartment assembly 300 is in the first position. The access cover 304 can be flush with a front surface of the front support frame or face 302 or the front surface of the frame 108 (e.g., substantially flush with the frame 108) of the housing 102 when the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 is in a closed position.

The storage compartment assembly 300 includes a body 306 capable of receiving the temperature probe 400 therein. For example, the body 306 can form a drawer, compartment, or the like, at least a portion of which is moveable (e.g., deployable or retractable) into and out of an interior area of the housing 102 behind the frame 108. The access cover 304 can be integrally formed with the body 306 or can be a separate drawer front coupled to the body 306, for example, such that the access cover 304 can be formed from a material similar to or the same as the front face of the frame 108. The storage compartment assembly 300 can be moveably supported within the recess, for example, by a support frame 308, such as one or more drawer slides or the like. The storage compartment assembly 300 optionally can include a casing 310 including, for example, a bottom panel, top panel, and/or side panels to isolate the temperature probe 400 from other parts of the appliance.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, in another example, the storage compartment assembly 300 includes a bottom panel 340 and a top cover 342. The body 306 can include one or more pairs of rollers 344 moveably supporting the body 306 on the bottom panel 340 such that a portion of the body 306 is moveable (e.g., deployable or retractable) into and out of an interior area of the housing 102 behind the frame 108 (i.e., within the recess). A portion of the bottom panel 340 and a portion of the top cover 342 can cooperate to form guide paths to control and guide movement of the rollers 344, and correspondingly, the body 306.

In the illustrated examples, a part of the storage compartment assembly 300 can be configured to move (e.g., slide) in and out of the recessed position. In other examples, a part of the storage compartment assembly 300 can be configured to move in different ways, such as to articulate up (or down), to pivot or swing out, etc. to provide partial or full access to a space within the storage compartment assembly 300 in which the probe is stored, such as a space within the body 306.

In the examples of FIGS. 4A-6B, the body 306 is oriented such that a longitudinal length of the probe 400 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the front face of the housing. In other examples, the body 306 can be oriented such that a longitudinal length of the probe 400 can extend in a direction parallel to the front face of the housing.

In some examples, a light element 309, such as an access lighting element, can be provided to identify a location of the temperature probe storage system, such as the storage compartment assembly 300. Such a light element can be located adjacent to the front support frame 302 and access cover 304, integrally formed within one of the front support frame 302 and access cover 304, or surrounding a portion or all of a perimeter of the front support frame and/or face 302 and access cover 304. In some examples, the appliance can include a controller arranged in communication with light element 309 and configured, based on a user input to the control panel 106, such as a user selection of a particular cooking operation, cycle, etc. in which a temperature probe 400 may be beneficial for the cooking operation, to send a signal to the light element 309 to illuminate in order to notify a user of the location of the temperature probe 400 and/or to prompt or encourage a user to initiate use of the temperature probe 400.

In some examples, the appliance 100, and more particularly the temperature probe storage system, such as the storage compartment assembly 300, can include a thermal break, such as an insulation element or layer, to insulate the storage compartment assembly 300 from heat transfer from other components of the appliance. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a portion (e.g., sleeve) 302a of the front support frame 302 can extend through the front frame 108 and can have insulating properties to minimize or prevent heat transfer from the front frame 108 to the components of the storage compartment assembly 300. In some examples, one or more insulation layers (e.g., 402) can be provided on or adjacent to the body 306 and/or the panels 310 of the storage compartment assembly 300. For example, an insulation layer 402 can be provided between the body 306 and/or the support frame 308 of the storage compartment assembly 300 and the cooking compartment 104.

In some examples, the support frame 308 can be a push-push device (e.g., a push-to-open and/or push-to-close device), a soft-close device, etc., such as a push-to-open, push-to-close, and/or soft-close drawer slide. In this way, the access cover 304 can be flush with the surrounding front support frame 302 and/or front frame 108 when the storage compartment assembly 300 is in the closed position. In other examples, one or more biasing mechanisms, such as a spring, can be provided to bias the storage compartment assembly 300 in the open and/or closed position. In other examples, the access cover 304 can include a pull tab, handle, or other element to facilitate manual deploying or retracting of the storage compartment assembly 300.

In some examples, an actuating device 320 (schematically shown by dashed lines) can be configured to control a movement of the storage compartment assembly 300, for example, to impart motion on a part of the storage compartment assembly 300, such as a part of the body 306, support frame 308 such as one or more drawer slides or the like, one or more rollers 344, etc. The actuating device 320 can be mechanically or electrically actuated. The actuating device 320 can initiate the motion, for example, by applying a force to a part of the storage compartment assembly 300, or by releasing or freeing a part of the storage compartment assembly 300 from a retained state such that the part of the storage compartment assembly 300 moves owing to a biasing force, such as a biasing force applied by a linear spring, spring-loaded plunger device, torsion spring, etc. Such an actuating device 320 can be disposed or oriented in various positions, such as alongside the body 306, between the body 306 and a rear wall of the panel 310, or integrally formed with other components, such as the support frame 308 (e.g., draw slide), rollers 344, etc.

A temperature probe storage system, such as the deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can include one or more charging devices, such as a direct contact charging device 330 and/or a wireless charging device 332, for charging the temperature probe 400 when the probe is stored in the storage compartment assembly 300.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other arrangements of a temperature probe storage system are possible and contemplated by the present invention.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a temperature probe storage system, such as the deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be recessed into a control panel 106 of the appliance 100. The storage compartment assembly 300 can include a front support frame or face 302 abutted against, or recessed into, a surface of the control panel 106. The storage compartment assembly 300 can include an access cover or panel 304 that conceals the temperature probe 400 from a user's view when the storage compartment assembly 300 is in the first position. The access cover 304 can be flush with a front surface of the front support frame or face 302 or the control panel 106 (e.g., substantially flush with the control panel 106) when the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 is in a closed position. The access cover 304 can be integrally formed with the body 306 or can be a separate drawer front coupled to the body 306, for example, such that the access cover 304 can be formed from a material similar to, or the same as, the front face of the control panel 106 (e.g., stainless steel, glass, etc.).

As shown in the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, a temperature probe storage system, such as the deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be disposed or recessed into a part of the housing 102 behind the control panel 106, such as a dedicated space, drawer, compartment, or the like, behind the control panel 106. The control panel 106 can be an articulatable control panel 106 such that the control panel is movable between a first position in which the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 is concealed from view and a second position in which the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 is visible and accessible to the user. The articulatable control panel 106 can be configured, for example, to translate, pivot, or swing into a second position to provide at least partial or full access to the space behind the control panel 106, and thus, partial or full access to the deployable storage compartment assembly 300. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the control panel 106 can articulate about one or more hinges or linkages 502 such that the control panel 106 moves up and away from its original position to expose (or partially expose) the deployable storage compartment assembly 300. Other arrangements are possible, such as a tilt and slide arrangement, etc. In some examples, an actuating device 504 can be configured to control a movement of the articulatable control panel 106, for example, to impart motion on the articulatable control panel 106. The actuating device 504 can be mechanically or electrically actuated. The actuating device 504 can initiate the motion, for example, by applying a force to a part of the articulatable control panel 106, or by releasing or freeing a part of the articulatable control panel 106 from a retained state such that the part of the articulatable control panel 106 moves owing to a biasing force, such as a biasing force applied by a spring.

In some examples, the storage compartment assembly 300 can be moveable from the first position to the second position only when the articulatable control panel 106 is in the second position. For example, the control panel 106 can physically or mechanically restrict deployment of the storage compartment assembly 300 when the control panel 106 is in the first position (i.e., retracted position).

In some examples, the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 can be automatically deployed from the first position to the second position when the articulatable control panel 106 is moved into the second position. For example, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 8B, the control panel 106 can include a user input device 110 for controlling one or more operations of the home appliance 100, such as one or more cooking operations, cycles, etc. The control panel 106 can include a controller 112 and a memory 114. The controller 112 can include a communications device, such as a wireless communications device, configured to communicate with one or more temperature probes or other devices, such as a smart phone or an App on a smart phone or computer. The controller 112 can be arranged in communication with the actuating device 504 of the control panel 106 and/or the actuating device (e.g., 320 in FIG. 5B) of the storage compartment assembly 300 and configured, based on a user input to the control panel 106, such as a user selection of a particular cooking operation, cycle, etc. in which a temperature probe 400 may be beneficial for the cooking operation, to send a signal to the actuating device 504 and/or the actuating device 320 to initiate a movement of the control panel 106 and/or the storage compartment assembly 300. For example, in operation, the controller 112 can instruct the actuating device 504 to initiate a movement of the control panel 106 to provide access to the storage compartment assembly 300 and then instruct the actuating device 320 to subsequently initiate a movement of the storage compartment assembly 300 to provide access to the stored temperature probe 400. In other examples, the movement of the control panel 106 and/or the storage compartment assembly 300 can be manually actuated by the user, for example, by pushing a face of the control panel 106 and/or the storage compartment assembly 300, for example, in the case of a mechanical push-push device (e.g., a push-to-open and/or push to-close device) or by actuating an input device, such as a touch sensitive mechanism, etc., in the case of, for example, an electrically controlled actuation device.

With reference to FIG. 9A, in other examples, a temperature probe storage system can include one or more pop-out probes 400 provided behind the articulatable control panel 106. A casing or housing 350 can be configured to store all or a part of the pop-out probe 400 therein. In this example, a longitudinal length of the probe 400 can extend in a direction toward an interior of the housing, such as substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing, and the probe 400 can be concealed by the articulatable control panel 106 and/or by a portion of the probes 400 themselves. The probes 400 can be deployable from a stored position within the casing or housing 350, for example, using a push-push arrangement, etc. A push-push mechanism can be coupled to, or integrally provided with, the casing or housing 350. In other examples, a longitudinal length of the probe 400 can extend in a direction along the front face of the housing, such as a direction substantially parallel to the front face of the housing. The probes 400 can be deployable from a stored position, for example, using a push-push arrangement, etc., such that the pop-out probes 400 deploy sideways (i.e., in a direction transverse to a longitudinal length of the probe 400). In the example of FIG. 9A, the probe 400 can be concealed by the articulatable control panel 106. However, in other examples, such as an example without an articulatable control panel 106, all or a portion of the probe 400 can be concealed from view in a first instance, such as when an appliance door is closed, and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance, such as when an appliance door is open, etc. In some examples, a controller 112 can be arranged in communication with one or more light elements 309, such as a light emitting diode or the like, and configured, based on a user input to the control panel 106, such as a user selection of a particular cooking operation, cycle, etc. in which a temperature probe 400 may be beneficial for the cooking operation, to send a signal to the light element 309 to illuminate in order to notify a user of the location of the temperature probe 400 and/or to prompt or encourage a user to initiate use of the temperature probe 400. Such a light element 309 can be located adjacent to the pop-out probe 400, integrally formed within one of the front support frame 302 or pop-out probe 400, or surrounding a portion or all of a perimeter of the pop-out probe 400.

With reference to FIG. 9B, in other examples, a temperature probe storage system can include one or more probes 400 provided behind and concealed by the articulatable control panel 106, wherein the one or more probes 400 can be deployable from a stored position, for example, a clipped-in-place position. The temperature probe storage system can include one or more retainers or retainer elements 360, such as one or more clips configured to secure the probe 400 in a fixed position behind the articulatable control panel 106. In other examples, such as an example without an the articulatable control panel 106, all or a portion of the probe 400 can be concealed from view in a first instance, such as when an appliance door is closed, and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance, such as when an appliance door is open, etc.

In other examples, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be disposed or recessed into a part of a handle 202 of a door 200 of the appliance 100. In this example, a storage compartment assembly 300 can be moveable from a first position in which a temperature probe 400 is concealed from view by a user operating the home appliance (FIGS. 10A, 10B) and a second position in which the temperature probe is visible and accessible to the user (FIG. 10C). FIG. 10B is a cut-away view showing a position of the body 306 of the storage compartment assembly 300 and the temperature probe 400 when the storage compartment assembly 300 is in a retracted position within the door handle 202. The outer surface of the door handle 202 is shown with dashed lines.

In the illustrated example, the storage compartment assembly 300 includes an access cover 304 that conceals the temperature probe 400 from a user's view when the storage compartment assembly 300 is in the first (i.e., retracted or stowed) position. The storage compartment assembly 300 includes a body 306 capable of receiving the temperature probe 400 therein. As shown in the example of FIGS. 11A-11C, the body 306 can have a corresponding profile to the door handle 202 (e.g., the hollow extrusion profile of the door handle) with a hollow space or compartment configured to hold a wired or wireless temperature probe 400. The access cover 304 can be integrally formed with the body 306 or can be a separate drawer front coupled to the body 306, for example, such that the access cover 304 can be formed from a material similar to, or the same as, the door handle 202. The body 306 can include an end cap 308 to secure the temperature probe 400 within the storage compartment assembly and/or to form an abutment surface for a spring mechanism, push-push mechanism, or the like.

The storage compartment assembly 300 can be moveably supported within the door handle 202, for example, by the door handle itself, by a sliding telescopic arrangement, or the like. In some examples, a push-push device (e.g., a push-to-open and/or push-to-close device), a soft-close device, etc., can be provided within the door handle 202 to control movement of the storage compartment assembly 300. In other examples, one or more biasing mechanisms, such as a spring, can be provided to bias the storage compartment assembly 300 in the open and/or closed position. In other examples, the access cover 304 can include a pull tab or other element to facilitate manual deploying or retracting of the storage compartment assembly 300 from the door handle 202. In some examples, an actuating device (e.g., similar to 320) can be configured to control a movement of the storage compartment assembly 300, for example, to impart motion on a part of the storage compartment assembly 300, such as the body 306. The actuating device 320 can be mechanically or electrically actuated. The actuating device 320 can initiate the motion, for example, by applying a force to a part of the storage compartment assembly 300, or by releasing or freeing a part of the storage compartment assembly 300 from a retained state such that the part of the storage compartment assembly 300 moves owing to a biasing force, such as a biasing force applied by a spring. In some examples, a light element can be provided to identify a location of the storage compartment assembly 300 in the door handle 202, such as integrally formed within the handle 202 or access cover 304, or surrounding a portion or all of a perimeter of the access cover 304. In some examples, the light element 309 can be illuminated (e.g., automatically illuminated) in order to notify a user of the location of the temperature probe 400 and/or to prompt or encourage a user to initiate use of the temperature probe 400.

In other examples, as shown in FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be disposed or recessed into a part of a door 200 of the appliance 100. In this example, the storage compartment assembly 300 can be moveable from a first position in which a temperature probe 400 is concealed from view by a user operating the home appliance (FIG. 13A) and a second position in which the temperature probe is visible and accessible to the user (FIG. 13B). For example, the deployable storage compartment assembly 300 can be disposed or recessed into an upper edge 208 of the door 200 such that the storage compartment assembly 300 is accessible to the user when the door is in a partially open state and/or a fully open state. In this example, the storage compartment assembly 300 can include similar features and be configured in a similar manner as the examples described above. The door 200 can include a thermal break, such as an insulation element or layer, to insulate the storage compartment assembly 300 from heat transfer from other components of the door 200, which may be exposed to heat from a cooking compartment of the appliance. In some examples, the body 306 of the storage compartment assembly 300 can include one or more retainers or retainer elements 360, such as one or more clips configured to secure the probe 400, and components of the probe such as the probe end, body or handle, connecting cable, and/or connector, in a fixed position within the body 306 irrespective of a position of the door 200. In this way, a position of the probe 400 can be maintained in the body 306 even when the storage compartment assembly 300 is deployed in an angled position resulting from an angled position of the door 200. In some examples, a light element can be provided to identify a location of the storage compartment assembly 300 in the door 200, such as integrally formed within the door 200, edge 208 of the door, or access cover 304, or surrounding a portion or all of a perimeter of the access cover 304. In some examples, the light element 309 can be illuminated (e.g., automatically illuminated) in order to notify a user of the location of the temperature probe 400 and/or to prompt or encourage a user to initiate use of the temperature probe 400.

In other examples, as shown in FIG. 14, a temperature probe storage system, such as a deployable storage compartment assembly 300, can be disposed or recessed into a part of a housing of a vent hood 100a or a stand-alone range 100b. In this example, a vent hood 100a can include a control panel 106a in communication with one or more of a storage compartment assembly 300 (or an actuator of a storage compartment assembly 300), a controller of another appliance, such as a controller of a cooking appliance, an App on a smartphone or computer, etc. The storage compartment assembly 300 can include similar features and be configured in a similar manner as the examples described above. The appliance can include a thermal break, such as an insulation element or layer, to insulate the storage compartment assembly 300 from heat transfer from other components of the appliance, which may be exposed to heat from a cooking compartment and/or a cooking operation.

The temperature probe storage system is not limited to a deployable storage compartment assembly and can include other arrangements configured to store a probe 400 in a position in which the temperature probe 400 is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance such that a user may be prompted or encouraged to initiate use of the temperature probe 400 during a cooking operation.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a temperature probe storage system can include one or more pop-out probes 400 provided in a position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance, such as on a part of the frame 108 of the cooking appliance housing 102 surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment 104, the frame 108 being concealed by a part of the door 200 when the door 200 is in a closed position. A casing or housing 350 can be configured to store all or a part of the pop-out probe 400 therein. In this example, a longitudinal length of the probe 400 can extend in a direction toward an interior of the housing, such as substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing, and the probe 400 can be concealed by the articulatable control panel 106 and/or by a portion of the probes 400 themselves. The probes 400 can be deployable from a stored position within the casing or housing 350, for example, using a push-push arrangement, etc. A push-push mechanism can be coupled to, or integrally provided with, the casing or housing 350. In other examples, a longitudinal length of the probe 400 can extend in a direction along the front face of the frame 108 of the housing, such as a direction substantially parallel to the front face. The probes 400 can be deployable from a stored position, for example, using a push-push arrangement, etc., such that the pop-out probes 400 deploy sideways (i.e., in a direction transverse to a longitudinal length of the probe 400).

In some examples, a controller of the appliance can be arranged in communication with one or more light elements 309, such as a light emitting diode or the like, and configured, based on a user input to the control panel 106, such as a user selection of a particular cooking operation, cycle, etc. in which a temperature probe 400 may be beneficial for the cooking operation, to send a signal to the light element 309 to illuminate in order to notify a user of the location of the temperature probe 400 and/or to prompt or encourage a user to initiate use of the temperature probe 400, for example, when the door 200 is in a partial or fully open position. Such a light element 309 can be located adjacent to the pop-out probe 400, integrally formed within one of the front support frame 302 or pop-out probe 400, or surrounding a portion, or all, of a perimeter of the pop-out probe 400.

With reference again to FIG. 15, in other examples, a temperature probe storage system can include one or more retainers 360, such as a clip, for receiving and retaining one or more parts of the probe 400, such as the probe end 402, handle 404, connector 406, and/or a connection cable 408, provided in a position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance, such as on a part of the frame 108 of the cooking appliance housing 102 surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment 104, the frame 108 being concealed by a part of the door 200 when the door 200 is in a closed position.

In an example in which the probe 400 is a wired probe, the retainer 360 can be configured to hold the probe 400 in such a way as to keep the connection cable 408 taught and organized, and positioned in a way that minimizes or prevents the connection cable 408 from getting in the way of the user or interfering with a use of the appliance 100. The retainers 360 can be coupled to a part of a frame 108 of the housing 102 surrounding an opening of a cooking compartment 104 and covered by a part of the door 200 when the door 200 is closed, or set within a cavity recessed into the part of the frame 108.

In the examples of FIG. 15, the probe 400 can be concealed from view in a first instance, such as by a part of the door 200 when the door 200 is in a closed position, and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance, such as on a part of the frame 108 of the cooking appliance housing 102 surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment 104 that is visible to a user when the door 200 is in an open position.

The present invention is not limited to any particular example, or exemplary features, or any particular combination of such features illustrated in the examples. Various combinations of a plurality of the exemplary features of one or more examples are possible and are contemplated by the invention.

The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the scope of the several claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A home appliance comprising:

a housing; and

a temperature probe storage system configured to store a temperature probe in a position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view in a first instance and visible and accessible to a user in a second instance.

2. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe storage system comprises:

a deployable storage compartment assembly configured to store and at least partially enclose the temperature probe,

wherein a part of the deployable storage compartment assembly is moveable from a first position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view and a second position in which the temperature probe is visible and accessible to the user.

3. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly is recessed into a part of the housing.

4. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the housing is a cooking appliance housing having a cooking compartment and a door providing access to the cooking compartment, and

wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly is recessed into a part of a frame of the cooking appliance housing surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment, the frame being concealed by a part of the door when the door is in a closed position.

5. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the housing is a cooking appliance housing having a cooking compartment and a door providing access to the cooking compartment, and

wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly is recessed into a part of the door of the home appliance.

6. The home appliance of claim 5, wherein the part of the door is an upper edge of the door such that the deployable storage compartment assembly is accessible to the user when the door is one of in an open state and a partially open state.

7. The home appliance of claim 5, wherein the part of the door is a door handle of the door.

8. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly is recessed into a part of a control panel of the home appliance.

9. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the housing is a housing of a ventilation appliance, and the deployable storage compartment assembly is recessed into a part of the housing of the ventilation appliance.

10. The home appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

an articulatable control panel,

wherein the temperature probe storage system is recessed into a part of the housing behind the articulatable control panel, and

wherein the articulatable control panel is movable between a first position in which the temperature probe storage system is concealed from view by the articulatable control panel and a second position in which the temperature probe storage system is visible and accessible to the user.

11. The home appliance of claim 10, wherein the temperature probe storage system comprises:

a deployable storage compartment assembly configured to store and at least partially enclose the temperature probe,

wherein a part of the deployable storage compartment assembly is moveable from a first position in which the temperature probe is concealed from view and a second position in which the temperature probe is visible and accessible to the user, and

wherein the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly is automatically deployed from the first position to the second position when the articulatable control panel is moved into the second position.

12. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly includes an actuating device that controls a movement of the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly.

13. The home appliance of claim 2, further comprising:

a control panel having a user input device for controlling an operation of the home appliance; and

an actuating device that controls movement of the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly from the first position to the second position, the actuating device being in communication with the control panel,

wherein the actuating device selectively moves the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly from the first position to the second position based on a user input to the control panel.

14. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly includes an access cover that is substantially flush with a surrounding surface of a part of the appliance when the deployable storage compartment assembly is in a closed position.

15. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the deployable storage compartment assembly comprises:

a body configured to receive the temperature probe, the body forming the part of the deployable storage compartment assembly moveable from the first position to the second position;

a support frame moveably supporting the body; and

an access cover that is one of adjacent to and substantially flush with a surrounding surface of a part of the appliance when the deployable storage compartment assembly is in the first position.

16. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe storage system includes at least one insulation element to restrict heat transfer from other components of the home appliance to components of the temperature probe storage system.

17. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe storage system includes a wireless charging device configured to charge the temperature probe.

18. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe storage system includes a direct contact charging device configured to charge the temperature probe.

19. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is a cooking appliance housing having a cooking compartment and a door providing access to the cooking compartment, and

wherein the temperature probe storage system comprises: a casing recessed into a part of a frame of the cooking appliance housing surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment, the frame being concealed by a part of the door when the door is in a closed position; and a pop-out temperature probe stored in the casing and moveable from a first position in which a part of the temperature probe is concealed from view by the casing and a second position in which the temperature probe is accessible to be removed from the casing by the user.

20. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is a cooking appliance housing having a cooking compartment and a door providing access to the cooking compartment, and

wherein the temperature probe storage system comprises: one or more retainers on a part of a frame of the cooking appliance housing surrounding an opening of the cooking compartment, the frame being concealed by a part of the door when the door is in a closed position, wherein the one or more retainers are configured to removably secure the temperature probe in a fixed position.