INTEGRATED APPLIANCE HANDLING SYSTEMS

Description

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate to systems for integrated appliance handling, with particular embodiments shown for handling large, cylindrical appliances.

Appliances may be large, heavy, and lack adequate structure or opportunity for grabbing and handling the appliance when an appliance must be moved, such as during installation, removal, and/or servicing. Moving appliances therefore may require external devices such as straps, external handles, dollies, or various other external moving devices. Thus, there is a need for integrated systems for appliance handling so that appliances can be moved without requiring external tools and devices.

SUMMARY

The herein-described embodiments address these and other problems associated with the art by providing systems for handling appliances. In various embodiments, the appliance handling system may include an appliance having a top face and a bottom face, one or more cutouts formed in at least one of the top face or the bottom face, each of the one or more cutouts having at least one sidewall, and one or more inserts, each of the one or more inserts having a cavity, wherein: each of the one or more cavities of the one or more inserts are aligned with at least one of the cutouts.

In addition, in some embodiments an appliance handling system may include an appliance having at least one sidewall, a first opening, and a second opening, one or more removable pans, each of the one or more removable pans having one or more cutouts formed therein, each of the one or more cutouts having at least one sidewall, and one or more inserts, each of the one or more inserts having a cavity, wherein: each of the one or more cavities of the one or more inserts are aligned with at least one of the cutouts.

In addition, in some embodiments an appliance handling system may include an appliance having at least one sidewall, a first opening, and a second opening, one or more removable pans, each of the one or more removable pans having a cavity formed therein, each of the one or more removable pans coupled to the appliance and covering at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

These and other advantages and features are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, and of the advantages and objectives attained through its use, reference should be made to the figures, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is described example embodiments of the invention. This summary is merely provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description, and is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in any way to the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side view of an appliance having a plurality of cutouts formed therein, consistent with some embodiments of the appliance handling system.

FIG. 2 is a partial section view of an insert for an appliance taken at Section A-A of FIG. 1, consistent with some embodiments of the appliance handling system.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an appliance and insert, consistent with some embodiments of the appliance handling system.

FIG. 4 is a partial exploded section view of an appliance and insert taken at Section B-B of FIG. 3, consistent with some embodiments of the appliance handling system.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an appliance and top and bottom pans, consistent with some embodiments of the appliance handling system.

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded section view of the top and bottom removable pans of an appliance taken at Section C-C of FIG. 5, consistent with some embodiments of the appliance handling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates an appliance handling system 10 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. The appliance handling system 10 includes an appliance 100. The appliance 100 includes a top face 102, a bottom face 104, and a side face 106.

As illustrated, the appliance 100 is a cylinder, however it should be understood that, in embodiments, the appliance 100 may be any other shape that may be assumed by relatively large, heavy, or unwieldy appliances, including but not limited to, cylindrical, rectangular prismatic, cuboid, irregular, or any other suitable shape. The appliance 100 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, combinations of these, or any other material suitable for appliances.

The appliance 100 may be any suitable type of appliance, including but not limited to a water heater, including storage tank electric or heat pump water heaters, storage tank gas water heaters, refrigerators, washers, dryers, or any other type of appliance. For sake of convenience and ease of understanding, the figures depict a cylindrical water heater embodiment.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment wherein one or more cutouts 110 are formed in the top face 102 and the bottom face 104 of the appliance 100. Each of the one or more cutouts 110 includes at least one sidewall 111. As illustrated, each of the one or more cutouts 110 may be formed having cross sections of rounded rectangles, however it should be understood that, in embodiments, the one or more cutouts 110 may be any suitable shape, including but not limited to a circle, a triangle, an oval, or any other suitable shape.

Each of the one or more cutouts 110 may be shaped and sized to allow a user's hand to grasp or be partially inserted therein. The one or more cutouts 110 may have rounded edges, which may reduce cuts or abrasions to the hand of the operator.

In this embodiment, while one cutout 110 is formed in the top face 102 and one cutout 110 is formed in the bottom face 104, it should be understood that any suitable combinations and numbers of cutouts 110 may be formed in any of the faces of the appliance 100. As a non-limiting example, multiple cutouts 110 may be formed in the top face 102 while no cutouts 110 are formed in the bottom face 104, multiple cutouts 110 are formed in the bottom face 104 while no cutouts 110 are formed in the top face 102, or any other suitable combination. In further embodiments, it is within the scope for one or more cutouts 110 to be formed in the side face 106.

An insert 112 (illustrated in phantom) is placed adjacent to the top face 102 and the bottom face 104 of the appliance 100. The insert 112 may include an upper face 114 and a lower face 116. A cavity 118 is formed in the upper face 114 of the insert 112. The cavity 118 may be shaped and sized to allow a user to insert their hand therein in order to grip the appliance 100.

The insert 112 may be secured in place with any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to interference fit, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, welding, or any other suitable mechanism. The insert 112 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to sheet metal, a polymeric material, ceramic, or any other suitable material.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a partial section view of the insert 112 along the cutting line A-A (FIG. 1) is show consistent with one or more embodiments. The cutout 110 is aligned with the cavity 118, which may allow an operator to place their hand through the cutout 110 in order to access the cavity 118. The cavity 118 may be shaped and sized to allow an operator to grasp the appliance 100 with his/her hand.

While the cavity 118 is shown as having a rounded rectangular trapezoidal shape, it should be understood that, in embodiments, the cavity 118 may have any suitable shape, including but not limited to a semi-cylindrical, cuboid, undercut, or any other suitable shape.

In further embodiments, it is contemplated that the cavity 118 may include additional features, such as a slot, handle, strap, or various other features that may assist an operator in grasping the appliance 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of an appliance handling system 30 is shown. The appliance handling system 30 includes an appliance 300. The appliance 300 includes a side face 308. A top opening 302 and a bottom opening 304 may be formed near the side face 308.

In the illustrated embodiment, the appliance 300 is cylindrical; however, as stated, in other embodiments the appliance 300 may be any other suitable shape, including but not limited to rectangular prismatic, irregular, cuboid, or any other suitable shape. The appliance 300 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, combinations of these, or any other suitable material.

The appliance 300 may be any suitable type of appliance, including but not limited to a water heater, including storage tank electric or heat pump water heaters, storage tank gas water heaters, refrigerators, washers, dryers, or any other type of appliance.

One or a plurality of removable pans 303 are removably coupled to the appliance 300. As illustrated, the appliance handling system 30 includes two removable pans 303, but it should be understood that, in embodiments, the appliance handling system 30 may include any suitable number of removable pans 303.

Each of the plurality of removable pans 303 includes a cutout 310. Each of the cutouts 310 includes at least one sidewall 311. As illustrated, each of the cutouts 310 may be formed having cross sections of rounded rectangles, however it should be understood that, in embodiments, the cutouts 310 may be any suitable shape, including but not limited to a circle, a triangle, an oval, or any other suitable shape.

Each of the cutouts 310 may be shaped and sized to allow a user's hand to grasp or be partially inserted therein. The cutouts 310 may have rounded edges, which may reduce cuts or abrasions to the hand of the operator.

In this embodiment, while one cutout 310 is formed in one of the two removable pans 303 and another cutout 310 is formed in another one of the two removable pans 303, it should be understood that any suitable combinations and numbers of cutouts 310 may be formed in any of the removable pans 303. As a non-limiting example, multiple cutouts 310 may be formed in one or both of the removable pans 303, while no cutouts 310 are formed in one of both of the removable pans 303. In further embodiments, it is within the scope for one or more cutouts 310 to be formed in the side face 308.

Each of the removable pans 303 may include a top face 305 and a bottom face 306. The removable pans 303 may be secured in place with any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to interference fit, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, welding, or any other suitable mechanism.

The removable pans 303 may be made of any suitable type of material, including but not limited to sheet metal, a polymeric material, ceramic, or any other suitable material.

An insert 312 is placed adjacent to the bottom face 306 of each of the removable pans 303. The insert 312 may include an upper face 314 and a lower face 316. A cavity 318 is formed in the upper face 314 of the insert 312. The cavity 318 may be shaped and sized to allow a user to insert their hand therein in order to grip the appliance 300.

The insert 312 may be secured in place with any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to interference fit, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, welding, or any other suitable mechanism.

The insert 312 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to sheet metal, a polymeric material, ceramic, or any other suitable material.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded section view of the removable pan 303 and the insert 312 along cutting line B-B is shown according to embodiments described herein. The cutout 310 is aligned with the cavity 318, which may allow an operator to place their hand through the cutout 310 in order to access the cavity 318. The cavity 318 may be shaped and sized to allow an operator to grasp the appliance 300 with their hand.

While the cavity 318 is shown as having a rectangular shape, it should be understood that, in embodiments, the cavity 318 may have any suitable shape, including but not limited to a semi-circle, a cylinder, or any other suitable shape.

In further embodiments, it is contemplated that the cavity 318 may include additional features, such as a slot, handle, strap, or various other features that may assist an operator in grasping the appliance 300.

In embodiments, various inserts 312 with various sizes and/or shapes of cavities may be exchanged by removing the removable pan 303 from the appliance and then removing the insert 312. This may allow an operator to customize the size and shape of the cavity based on the application or the operator's own preferences.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of an appliance handling system 50 is shown. The appliance handling system 50 includes an appliance 500. The appliance 500 includes a side face 508. A top opening 502 and a bottom opening 504 may be formed by the side face 508.

As illustrated, the appliance 500 is a cylinder, however it should be understood that, in embodiments, the appliance 500 may be any other suitable shape, including but not limited to a rectangular prism or any other suitable shape. The appliance 500 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, or any other suitable material.

The appliance 500 may be any suitable type of appliance, including but not limited to a water heater, including storage tank electric or heat pump water heaters, storage tank gas water heaters, refrigerators, washers, dryers, or any other type of appliance A plurality of removable pans 510 are removably coupled to the appliance 500. As illustrated, the appliance handling system 50 includes two removable pans 510, but it should be understood that, in embodiments, the appliance handling system 50 may include any suitable number of removable pans 510.

Each of the plurality of removable pans 510 includes a cutout 512. Each of the cutouts 512 includes at least one sidewall 511. As illustrated, each of the cutouts 512 may be formed having cross sections of rounded rectangles, however it should be understood that, in embodiments, the cutouts 512 may be any suitable shape, including but not limited to a circle, a triangle, an oval, or any other suitable shape.

Each of the cutouts 512 may be shaped and sized to allow a user's hand to grasp therein. The cutouts 512 may have rounded edges, which may reduce cuts or abrasions to the hand of the operator.

While one cutout 512 is formed in one of the two removable pans 510 and another cutout 512 is formed in another one of the two removable pans 510, it should be understood that any suitable combinations and numbers of cutouts 512 may be formed in any of the removable pans 510. As a non-limiting example, multiple cutouts 512 may be formed in one or both of the removable pans 510, while no cutouts 512 are formed in one of both of the removable pans 510. In further embodiments, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more cutouts 512 to be formed in the side face 508.

Each of the removable pans 510 may include a top face 514 and a bottom face 516. The removable pans 510 may be secured in place with any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to interference fit, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, welding, or any other suitable mechanism.

The removable pans 510 may be made of any suitable type of material, including but not limited to sheet metal, a polymeric material, ceramic, or any other suitable material.

A cavity 518 is formed in the top face 514 of the removable pan 510. The cavity 518 may be shaped and sized to allow a user to insert their hand therein in order to grip the appliance 500.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exploded section view of the removable pan 510 along cutting line C-C is shown according to embodiments described herein.

While the cavity 518 is shown as having a rectangular shape, it should be understood that, in embodiments, the cavity 518 may have any suitable shape, including but not limited to a semi-circle, a cylinder, or any other suitable shape. The cavity 118 may be shaped and sized to allow an operator to grasp the appliance 100 with their hand.

In further embodiments, it is contemplated that the cavity 118 may include additional features, such as a slot, handle, strap, or various other features that may assist an operator in grasping the appliance 100.

While several embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of. ” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

It is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “in communication with,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The foregoing description of several embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.