HMI BRACKET SPRING MECHANISM

Abstract

A user interface mounting system for a cooktop includes a bracket assembly having a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and a second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end. A pin extends between a first pin end coupled to the longitudinal body to a second pin end. The user interface module is coupled to the second pin end. At least one of the longitudinal body and the user interface module defines a through hole that is slidably engaged by the pin. At least one spring is proximate the pin and biases the user interface module away from the longitudinal body.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a user interface mounting system for a cooktop that includes a bracket assembly that biases a user interface module against a bottom surface of a cooktop panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Cooking appliances that include cooktops typically have one or more burners that employ a variety of heating technologies. Some of these cooktop architectures include a cooktop panel over the burners. For example, cooktops that employ induction or other electric types of heating generally include a cooktop panel that is made of a glass or a glass-ceramic material. In use, cookware such as pots and pans are positioned on the cooktop panel. Therefore, the heat generated by the burners is transferred through the cooktop panel. Cooktops employing cooktop panels sometimes employ a user interface located on or under the cooktop panel. More particularly, the user interface may include, for example, touch buttons located under the cooktop panel. In order to reliably transfer signals to the touch buttons, the spacing between the cooktop panel and the user interface is particularly important. More particularly, when the spacing is too large between the user interface and the cooktop panel the signal is attenuated from a user before reaching the touch buttons and, as a result, the functionality of the user interface becomes degraded.

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a user interface mounting system for a cooktop that includes a bracket assembly that biases a user interface module against a bottom surface of a cooktop panel.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface mounting system for a cooktop includes a bracket assembly and a user interface module. The bracket assembly includes a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction and a second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction. At least one pin extends in the first vertical direction between a first pin end coupled to the longitudinal body to a second pin end. The user interface module is coupled to the second pin end. At least one of the longitudinal body and the user interface module defines a through hole that is slidably engaged by the at least one pin. At least one spring is proximate the at least one pin and biases the user interface module away from the longitudinal body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bracket assembly is configured to hold a user interface module against a top panel of a cooktop. The bracket assembly includes a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction to a first foot extending in a first horizontal direction. A second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction to a second foot extending in a second horizontal direction that is opposite the first horizontal direction.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface mounting system for a cooktop includes a bracket assembly and a user interface module. The bracket assembly includes a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction and a second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction. At least one post extends from the top body surface in the first vertical direction to a post end. The user interface module defines a bottom module surface facing the top body surface. At least one sleeve extends from the bottom module surface and defines a post receiving hole for accommodating the post end to orient the user interface module relative to the bracket assembly.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a cooktop appliance, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a bracket assembly for retaining a user interface module against a top panel of a cooktop, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a bracket assembly retaining a user interface module against a top panel of a cooktop, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic connection between a bracket assembly and a user interface module, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a post and sleeve that orients a bracket assembly relative to a user interface module, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a touch interface assembly and a printed circuit board connection fastener and collar, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in a user interface mounting system for a cooktop that includes a bracket assembly that biases a user interface module against a bottom surface of a cooktop panel and a cooktop incorporating the user interface mounting system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 2B. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer and/or user, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer and/or user. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . .” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-2B, reference numeral 10 generally designates a cooktop that includes a user interface mounting system 12. The user interface mounting system 12 includes a bracket assembly 14 and a user interface module 16. The bracket assembly 14 includes a longitudinal body 18 extending between a first end 20 and a second end 22. The longitudinal body 18 includes a top body surface 24 configured to face a first vertical direction V1 towards a top panel 26 of the cooktop 10 and a bottom body surface 28 facing a second vertical direction V2 opposite the first vertical direction V1. A first leg 30 is coupled to the longitudinal body 18 proximate the first end 20 and extends past the bottom body surface 28 in the second vertical direction V2 and a second leg 32 is coupled to the longitudinal body 18 proximate the second end 22 and extends past the bottom body surface 28 in the second vertical direction V2. At least one pin 34 extends in the first vertical direction V1 between a first pin end 36 coupled to the longitudinal body 18 to a second pin end 38. The user interface module 16 is coupled to the second pin end 38. At least one of the longitudinal body 18 and the user interface module 16 defines through hole 40 that is slidably engaged by the at least one pin 34. At least one spring 42 is proximate the at least one pin 34 and biases the user interface module 16 away from the longitudinal body 18.

In operation, the at least one spring 42 and bracket assembly 14 biases the user interface module 16 into the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. The bracket assembly 14 may include a bridge-type construction extending between the first leg 30 and the second leg 32. Components of the bracket assembly 14 and the user interface module 16 are beneficial to prevent and/or reduce signal attenuation that can develop as a result of spacing between the user interface module 16 and the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. More particularly, the components of the bracket assembly 14 and/or the user interface module 16 may provide one or more benefits which may include the elimination of spacing between the user interface module 16 and the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10, correctly orienting the user interface module 16 during installation and use, easy to serviceability, and sturdy coupling.

With reference now to FIG. 1, the cooktop 10 may include at least one burner 44. The at least one burner 44 may employ induction heating or a variety of other heating technologies. For example, the cooktop 10 may employ electric heating, gas heating, and/or heating that employs all fuel types. The at least one burner 44 may be located under the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. In some embodiments, the cooktop 10 may include a plurality of burners 44 and each burner 44 may be in communication with the user interface module 16. In some embodiments, the cooktop 10 may include a cooking chamber that can be accessed via a door (not shown). The cooking chamber may employ any of the above-referenced technologies. However, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the cooktop 10 may be a portable countertop assembly with the at least one burner 44. The top panel 26 of the cooktop 10 may be formed of a glass, a glass-ceramic, a granite, or other types of material tops and includes an upper panel surface 46 and a lower panel surface 48. As will appreciated, the user interface mounting system 12 facilitates holding the user interface module 16 to maintain maximum surface contact with the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10 (e.g., the lower panel surface 48). It should be appreciated that while the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10 is depicted as being raised from a countertop and located centrally on the countertop, the upper panel surface 46 may be flush with the countertop and the top panel 26 and cooktop 10 may extend to an edge of the countertop.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A through 3, the cooktop 10 may include an internal cooktop surface 50 located under the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. The user interface mounting system 12 may be located in a gap 52 between the internal cooktop surface 50 and the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. The at least one pin 34 may be statically or semi-statically (e.g., provide a nominal amount of movement) to one of the bracket assembly 14 or the user interface module 16 and slidably connected to the other one of the bracket assembly 14 or the user interface module 16. In this manner, at least one of the bracket assembly 14 or the user interface module 16 effectively floats on the at least one pin 34. The bracket assembly 14 and the user interface module 16 may be biased away from one another via the at least one spring 42. In the depicted arrangement, the longitudinal body 18 defines the through hole 40 defined by a through hole boundary. The longitudinal body 18 may extend along a length “L” between the first end 20 and the second end 22 and a width “W” between a pair of side edges 54 defined by the longitudinal body (FIG. 2A). In some implementations, the through hole 40 may be located centrally along the width W.

The at least one spring 42 may be configured as a helical spring 42 extending about the at least one pin 34. However, it should be appreciated that the spring 42 may be configured as an elastic body (e.g., rubber or plastic), a torsion spring, and/or other types of elastic biasing members. More particularly, the at least one pin 34 may define a stepped surface 56 located between the first pin end 36 and the second pin end 38. The at least one spring 42 may include a top spring surface 58 engaged with the stepped surface 56 and a bottom spring surface 60 engaged with the longitudinal body 18, for example, the top body surface 24. The at least one spring 42 therefore biases the pin 34 and, by extension, the user interface module 16 in the first vertical direction V1 (e.g., upwardly into engagement with the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10). The at least one spring 42 may be wrapped in a generally conical pattern, where the top spring surface 58 is smaller than the bottom spring surface 60. More particularly, the spring 42 may have a height (in an undeformed state) of between about 5mm and about 15mm, for example, between about 7 and 10mm or about 8.5mm. The bottom spring surface 60 may have a diameter between about 25mm and 50mm, for example, between about 30mm or 40mm, or about 34.5mm. In some embodiments, the top spring surface 58 may be adhered to the at least one pin 34 and/or the bottom spring surface 60 may be adhered to the longitudinal body 18 via adhesives, welds, clips, and/or other means. In the depicted arrangement, the at least one pin 34 includes a groove 62 proximate the stepped surface 56 for accommodating and retaining at least one winding of the helical spring. In some implementations, the groove 62 may be circular and/or helical to permit twisting or threaded connection between the groove 62 and the spring 42.

The at least one pin 34 may include an upper pin segment 64 located between the first pin end 36 and the stepped surface 56 and a lower pin segment 66 located between the second pin end 38 and the stepped surface 56. The upper pin segment 64 and the lower pin segment 66 may be about equal in length. The total length of the at least one pin 34 may be between about 20mm to 30mm in length, for example, about 25.5mm. The upper pin segment 64 may include a generally circular cross section. The lower pin segment 66 may include a cross or “X” shaped profile that extends to the second pin end 38. The second pin end 38 may include at least one retaining member 68 that extends outwardly from the at least one pin 34 past the through hole boundary. The at least one retaining member 68 is configured to engage the bottom body surface 28 and retain the pin 34 in the through hole 40. In some implementations, the at least one retainer member 68 includes a pair of flexible wings. The flexible wings may extend from the second pin end 38 at least partially towards the first vertical direction V1. More particularly, the flexible wings may generally follow an arrowhead shape to ease insertion of the second pin end 38 into the through hole 40 in the second vertical direction V2 while making it difficult to remove the second pin end 38 from the through hole 40 in the first vertical direction V1. In some implementations, the top body surface 24 surrounding the through hole 40 may define an angled surface 67 extending downwardly towards the through hole 40 in the second vertical direction V2.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2B and 3, the user interface module 16 may include a retaining aperture 70 and the first pin end 36 may be configured to engage the retaining aperture 70 in a snap-fit engagement. More particularly, the first pin end 36 may include at least two tines 72 (e.g., two, three, four, or more tines 72) and each tine 72 may define a bulbous midsection 74. During connection, the tines 72 are pressed into the retaining aperture 70, causing the tines 72 to constrict inwardly until the bulbous midsection 74 passes through the retaining aperture 70 where the tines 72 expand back outwardly. In this manner, the tines 72 and retainer member 68 may have elastic memory.

In the depicted arrangement, the at least one pin 34 includes a plurality of pins 34 and, more particularly, at least four pins 34 (e.g., at least six pins 34, at least eight pins 34) distributed along the length L of the longitudinal body 18. However, it should be appreciated that more or less pins 34 may be utilized (e.g., one pin 34, two or more pins 34). Generally speaking, the plurality of pins 34 may be substantially equally distributed along the length L of the longitudinal body 18. In some implementations, the pins 34 and through holes 40 may be staggard along the width W of longitudinal body 18 in a zig-zag pattern between the side edges 54. For example, starting from the first end 20 and moving towards the second end 22, one pin 34 may be located proximate one of the side edges 54 and another pin 34 (e.g., the next sequential pin 34 may be located proximate a different one of the side edges 54. With reference now particularly to FIG. 2A, in the depicted implementation, at least some of the through holes 40 may be located on projections 71 (e.g., semi-circular projections) extending from the width W of the longitudinal body 18. The projections 71 may include a first pair of projections 71 proximate the first body end 20 extending from opposite side edges 54 and aligned along the length L. The projections 71 may further include a second pair of projections 71 proximate the second body end 22 extending from opposite side edges 54 and aligned along the length L. In some implementations, the projections 71 may further include a third pair of projections 71 extending from the same side edge 54 and aligned proximate to and on opposite sides of a central region of the length L. A holding platform 73 may extend on a side edge 54 opposite the third pair of projections 71 and define at least one additional through hole 40. In some implementations, the holding platform 73 may be larger in the length L and width W directions than any of the projections 71 and define two or more through holes 40. In this manner, the pins 34 may permit movement in the vertical directions V1, V2, while preventing and/or limiting transverse movement. The at least one spring 42, through holes 40, and the retaining apertures 70 may be equal in number and have the same distribution (e.g., alignment) as the number of pins 34.

With reference now to FIGS. 2B and 4, in addition to the pins 34, at least one post 76 may be utilized for orienting the user interface module 16 and the bracket assembly 14 during assembly and operation. More particularly, the user interface module 16 defines a bottom module surface 78 facing the top body surface 24. The at least one post 76 may be statically connected to and extend from one of the bottom module surface 78 or the top body surface 24 while the other of the bottom module surface 78 and the top body surface 24 defines a sleeve 80. The sleeve 80 may define a post receiving hole 82 and the post 76 extends to a post end 84 that can be seated within and accommodated by the post receiving hole 82. In the depicted arrangement, the at least one post 76 extends from the bracket assembly 14, for example, the at least one post 76 may extend from the top body surface 24 of the longitudinal body 18. A depression 85 may be defined in the top body surface 24 around the at least one post 76. The depression 85 may be annularly shaped and configured to accommodate a terminal end of the sleeve 80. The at least one post 76 may include one, two, at least two, or more posts 76. In the depicted implementation, the at least one post 76 includes two posts 76 distributed along the length L of the longitudinal body 18. The number of depressions 85 and sleeves 80 may be in equal number to the number of posts 76.

With reference now to FIGS. 2B and 5, the user interface module 16 may include an interface assembly 86 (e.g., a touch interface assembly), which may include one, two, or more touch modules that can receive signals through the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. The interface assembly 86 may further include one or more display modules for generating graphics and interface menus. The user interface module 16 may further include a printed circuit board 88 (“PCB”) that may be located between the interface assembly 86 and the longitudinal body 18. The PCB 88 may define a plurality of openings 90 configured to receive the pins 34, the posts 76, and/or the sleeve 80. In this manner, the openings 90 may be sized to allow the pins 34, the posts 76, and the sleeve 80 to effectively float within the openings 90. As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations the upper pin segment 64 may define a notch 92 that at least partially overlaps the PCB 88. The notch 92 may be sized to allow the PCB 88 to move within the notch in the vertical directions V1, V2.

The interface assembly 86 and the PCB 88 may be coupled to one another with one or more fastening features. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 5, the interface assembly 86 may be coupled to an interface assembly frame 94 that includes at least one fastener collar 96 that extends towards the PCB 88. The PCB 88 may include fastener apertures 98 that receive a fastener 100 that are in threaded engagement with the fastener collar 96. The fastener 100 may include a fastener head that is larger than the fastener apertures 98 to engage a bottom surface of the PCB 88. A second PCB 101 may be located between the PCB 88 and the interface assembly frame 94. In some implementations, the second PCB 101 at least partially defines the retaining aperture 70.

In addition to the first and second legs 30, 32, other features of the bracket assembly 14 may be utilized to securely position the user interface module 16 under the top panel 26 of the cooktop 10. More particularly, the first leg 30 may extend past the bottom body surface 28 in the second vertical direction V2 to a first foot 102 that extends in a first horizontal direction H1. The second leg 32 may extend past the bottom body surface 28 in the second vertical direction V2 to a second foot 104 extending in a second horizontal direction H2. The first horizontal direction H1 may be opposite to the first horizontal direction H2 (e.g., extending outwardly along the length L of the longitudinal body). At least one of the first foot 102 and the second foot 104 may include a connection body 106 configured to retain the longitudinal body 18 of a bracket assembly 14 against the cooktop 10. The connection body 106 may include at least one of fasteners, fastener receiving apertures, adhesives, welds, and/or clips. The bracket assembly 14 may further include a plurality of pillars 108 extending from the bottom body surface 28 in the second vertical direction V2. The plurality of pillars 108 may be located along the length of the longitudinal body 18 between the first leg 30 and the second leg 32. The pillars 108 add rigidity to the bracket assembly 14 such that the permitted movement of the user interface module 16 is substantially based entirely on the springs 42 to ensure consistency during assembly. In this manner, the plurality pillars 108 may extend in the second vertical direction V2 a length that is substantially equal to the first leg 30 and the second leg 32 (e.g., and the first and second feet 102, 104). The bracket assembly 14 may be substantially integrally formed. More particularly, the longitudinal body 18, the pillars 108, the first leg 30 and the second leg 32 (e.g., and the first and second feet 102, 104), and the posts 76 may be configured as a singular integral piece to limit variations and simplify assembly.

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

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface mounting system for a cooktop includes a bracket assembly and a user interface module. The bracket assembly includes a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction and a second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction. At least one pin extends in the first vertical direction between a first pin end coupled to the longitudinal body to a second pin end. The user interface module is coupled to the second pin end. At least one of the longitudinal body and the user interface module defines a through hole that is slidably engaged by the at least one pin. At least one spring is proximate the at least one pin and biases the user interface module away from the longitudinal body.

According to another aspect, the longitudinal body defines the through hole.

According to yet another aspect, at least one spring is a helical spring extending about the at least one pin.

According to still yet another aspect, at least one pin defines a stepped surface between a first pin end and a second pin end, and at least one spring includes a top spring surface engaged with the stepped surface and a bottom spring surface engaged with a top body surface biasing the at least one pin in the first vertical direction.

According to another aspect, a second pin end includes at least one retaining member that extends outwardly from at least one pin past a through hole boundary and is configured to engage a bottom body surface and retain the at least one pin in the through hole.

According to yet another aspect, at least one retainer member includes a pair of flexible wings.

According to still yet another aspect, a pair of flexible wings extend from a second pin end at least partially towards a first vertical direction.

According to another aspect, a user interface module includes a retaining aperture and the pin end is configured to engage the retaining aperture in a snap-fit engagement.

According to yet another aspect, a first pin end includes at least two tines each defining a bulbous midsection.

According to still yet another aspect, a user interface module includes a touch interface assembly and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) located between the touch interface assembly and a longitudinal body of a bracket assembly. The PCB defines an opening configured to receive at least one pin.

According to another aspect, at least one pin includes two or more pins distributed along a length of a longitudinal body.

According to yet another aspect, at least one spring includes an equal number of springs as two or more pins.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bracket assembly is configured to hold a user interface module against a top panel of a cooktop. The bracket assembly includes a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction to a first foot extending in a first horizontal direction. A second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction to a second foot extending in a second horizontal direction that is opposite the first horizontal direction.

According to another aspect, a first foot and a second foot includes at least one of fastener apertures or clips configured to retain a longitudinal body of a bracket assembly against a provided cooktop.

According to yet another aspect, a plurality of pillars extend from a bottom body surface in a second vertical direction, the plurality of pillars are located along a longitudinal body of a bracket assembly between a first leg and a second leg.

According to yet another aspect, a plurality of posts extend from a top body surface of a bracket assembly and are configured for slidable engagement with a provided user interface module.

According to another aspect, a first leg and a second leg are integrally formed with a longitudinal body of a bracket assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface mounting system for a cooktop includes a bracket assembly and a user interface module. The bracket assembly includes a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal body includes a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction. A first leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction and a second leg is coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extends past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction. At least one post extends from the top body surface in the first vertical direction to a post end. The user interface module defines a bottom module surface facing the top body surface. At least one sleeve extends from the bottom module surface and defines a post receiving hole for accommodating the post end to orient the user interface module relative to the bracket assembly.

According to another aspect, at least one post includes at least two posts spaced along a length of a longitudinal body and at least one sleeve includes at least two sleeves spaced for alignment with the at least two posts.

According to yet another aspect, at least two posts are integrally formed with a longitudinal body.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A user interface mounting system for a cooktop, comprising:

a bracket assembly including a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end, the longitudinal body including a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction;

a first leg coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extending past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction and a second leg coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extending past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction;

at least one pin extending in the first vertical direction between a first pin end coupled to the longitudinal body to a second pin end;

a user interface module coupled to the second pin end, wherein at least one of the longitudinal body and the user interface module defines a through hole that is slidably engaged by the at least one pin; and

at least one spring proximate the at least one pin and biasing the user interface module away from the longitudinal body.

2. The user interface mounting system of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal body defines the through hole.

3. The user interface mounting system of claim 2, wherein the at least one spring is a helical spring extending about the at least one pin.

4. The user interface mounting system of claim 3, wherein the at least one pin defines a stepped surface between the first pin end and the second pin end, and the at least one spring includes a top spring surface engaged with the stepped surface and a bottom spring surface engaged with the top body surface biasing the at least one pin in the first vertical direction.

5. The user interface mounting system of claim 2, wherein the second pin end includes at least one retaining member that extends outwardly from the at least one pin past a through hole boundary and is configured to engage the bottom body surface and retain the at least one pin in the through hole.

6. The user interface mounting system of claim 5, wherein the at least one retainer member includes a pair of flexible wings.

7. The user interface mounting system of claim 6, wherein the pair of flexible wings extend from the second pin end at least partially towards the first vertical direction.

8. The user interface mounting system of claim 2, wherein the user interface module includes a retaining aperture and the first pin end is configured to engage the retaining aperture in a snap-fit engagement.

9. The user interface mounting system of claim 8, wherein the first pin end includes at least two tines each defining a bulbous midsection.

10. The user interface mounting system of claim 1, wherein the user interface module includes a touch interface assembly and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) located between the touch interface assembly and the longitudinal body, the PCB defining an opening configured to receive the at least one pin.

11. The user interface mounting system of claim 10, wherein the at least one pin includes two or more pins distributed along a length of the longitudinal body.

12. The user interface mounting system of claim 11, wherein the at least one spring includes an equal number of springs as the two or more pins.

13. A bracket assembly for holding a user interface module against a top panel of a cooktop, the bracket assembly comprising:

a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end, the longitudinal body including a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction;

a first leg coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extending past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction to a first foot extending in a first horizontal direction; and

a second leg coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extending past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction to a second foot extending in a second horizontal direction that is opposite the first horizontal direction.

14. The bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the first foot and the second foot includes at least one of fastener apertures or clips configured to retain the longitudinal body against a provided cooktop.

15. The bracket assembly of claim 13, further including a plurality of pillars extending from the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction, the plurality of pillars located along the longitudinal body between the first leg and the second leg.

16. The bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein a plurality of posts extend from the top body surface configured for slidable engagement with a provided user interface module.

17. The bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the first leg and the second leg are integrally formed with the longitudinal body.

18. A user interface mounting system for a cooktop, comprising:

a bracket assembly including a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end, the longitudinal body including a top body surface configured to face a first vertical direction towards a top panel of a cooktop and a bottom body surface facing a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction;

a first leg coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the first end and extending past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction and a second leg coupled to the longitudinal body proximate the second end and extending past the bottom body surface in the second vertical direction;

at least one post extending from the top body surface in the first vertical direction to a post end;

a user interface module defining a bottom module surface facing the top body surface; and

at least one sleeve extending from the bottom module surface defining a post receiving hole accommodating the post end to orient the user interface module relative to the bracket assembly.

19. The user interface mounting system of claim 18, wherein the at least one post includes at least two posts spaced along a length of the longitudinal body and the at least one sleeve includes at least two sleeves spaced for alignment with the at least two posts.

20. The user interface mounting system of claim 19, wherein the at least two posts are integrally formed with the longitudinal body.