BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR A COOKTOP

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to cooktops, and more particularly, to bracket assemblies of cooktops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional cooking appliances that have a cooktop have one or more user input devices, such as knobs, for example. These user input devices allow a user to activate one or more burners on the cooktop. These user input devices may need at least two motions in order to activate a burner of the cooktop. For example, some knob must be pushed in and rotated to activate a burner of a gas stove, an electric stove, or an induction stove.

Certain conventional cooktop appliances may use grommets to connect the user input devices with the cooktop. Accordingly, these user input devices may come out of alignment or generally malfunction if the cooktop is not assembled precisely.

For example, a knob may move down when pressed but fail to move up because it catches a side of a grommet.

Thus, it would be useful to avoid the costs and unnecessary repairs associated with fixing a user input device that malfunctions due to imprecise assembly of the cooktop. It would also be of additional benefit if the cooktop were assembled with relative ease compared to current cooktops in order to save time and effort during an assembly process of the cooktop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a cooktop defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The cooktop includes a cooking surface and a frame coupled with the cooking surface. The frame defines at least one recess. The frame includes a tab. The cooktop includes a bracket operably coupled with the frame. The bracket defines a first aperture configured to receive the tab. The bracket comprises at least one flange operably received by the at least one recess. The cooktop includes a user input device disposed within a path defined at least in part by the cooking surface, the frame, and the bracket.

In another exemplary embodiment, a bracket assembly is for a cooktop, the cooktop includes a cooking surface and a user input device. The bracket assembly includes a frame coupled with the cooking surface. The frame includes a tab. The frame defines a plurality of recesses and a first fastener aperture. The bracket assembly includes a bracket coupled with the frame. The bracket includes a plurality of flanges configured to be received by the plurality of recesses, respectively. The bracket defines a first aperture configured to receive the tab and a second fastener aperture operably aligned with the first fastener aperture. The bracket assembly includes a fastener disposed within the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture. The frame, the bracket, and the cooking surface of the cooktop each define a user input device aperture that each align to define a path for the user input device.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an appliance having a cooktop according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 1 according to the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 provides a bottom perspective view of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 1 according to the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a zoomed in view of area A of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a rear perspective view of area A of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 provides a bottom perspective of a frame of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 provides a zoomed in view of area C of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 provides a zoomed in view of area E of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 provides a bottom perspective of a bracket of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 provides a zoomed in view of area F of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 provides a zoomed in view of area H of the exemplary cooktop of FIG. 9.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. Further the term “marginally” may refer to being less than 10 percent. For example, one dimension that is marginally greater than a second dimension means the first dimension is less than 10 percent greater than the second dimension. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an appliance 100 that includes a cooktop 200, e.g., a gas cooktop, an electric cooktop, or an induction cooktop, of the present disclosure. Cooktop 200 may be fitted integrally within a surface of a kitchen counter, may be configured as a slide-in cooktop unit, may be a part of a free-standing range cooking appliance, etc. Cooktop 200 may generally define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. References to the horizontal direction or plane may refer generally to the plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T.

Cooktop 200 includes a cooking surface 202, or cooking panel, that may include one or more heating sources (not shown), such as heating elements for use in, e.g., heating or cooking. Cooking surface 202, as used herein, refers to any upper surface of cooktop 200 over which utensils 136 may be heated and therefore food cooked. In general, cooking surface 202 may be constructed of any suitably rigid and heat resistant material capable of supporting heating elements, cooking utensils, and/or other components of cooktop 200. By way of example, cooking surface 202 may be constructed of enameled steel, stainless steel, glass, ceramics, and combinations thereof.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the heating elements of cooktop 200 are electric burners, so cooktop 200 may be referred to herein as “electric cooktop.” However, the cooktop 200 may include gas burners or induction coils, so the cooktop 200 may also be referred to as a gas cooktop or an induction cooktop. The cooking utensil 136 may be placed on the cooking surface 202 during the cooking process. Heating elements are positioned underneath the cooking surface 202 such that heating elements provide thermal energy to cooking utensils above cooking surface 202.

In some embodiments, the heating elements of cooktop 200 may include a plurality of gas or electric burners that are positioned on and/or within cooking surface 202 and have various sizes, as shown in FIG. 2, so as to provide for the transfer of heat to cooking utensils 136 (i.e., pots, pans, etc.) of various sizes and configurations.

According to the illustrated example embodiment, a user interface panel or control panel 160 is located within convenient reach of a user of cooktop 200. For this example embodiment, control panel 160 includes user input devices 164 that are each associated with one of heating elements. User input devices 164 allow the user to activate a respective heating element and regulate the amount of heat input each heating element provides to a cooking utensil 136 located thereon. Although cooktop 200 is illustrated as including user input devices 164 for controlling heating elements, it will be understood that user input devices 164 and the configuration of cooktop 200 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only. More specifically, control panel 160 may include various user input devices 164, such as one or more of a variety of touch-type controls, electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads.

According to the illustrated embodiment, user input devices 164 are located within control panel 160 of cooktop 200. However, it should be appreciated that this location is used only for the purpose of explanation, and that other locations and configurations of control panel 160 and user input devices 164 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. Indeed, according to alternative embodiments, user input devices 164 may instead be located directly on cooking surface 202, the user input devices 164, as described herein, may be placed closer to a front side 112, a right side 108, a left side 110, a rear 114, or elsewhere on cooktop 200, e.g., on a backsplash, front bezel, or any other suitable surface of cooktop 200. Control panel 160 may also be provided with one or more graphical display devices (not shown), such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cooktop 200 may further include an interactive display, e.g., such a touch screen display for facilitating user interaction, providing user notifications, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 1, operation of the cooktop 200 may be regulated by a controller 162 that is operably coupled to (i.e., in operative communication with) the user inputs (e.g., user input devices 164) and/or heating elements. In this regard, control panel 160, user input devices 164, interactive display, and other suitable inputs/outputs may be in communication with controller 162 such that controller 162 may regulate operation of cooktop 200. For example, signals generated by controller 162 may operate cooktop 200, including any or all system components, subsystems, or interconnected devices, in response to the position of user input devices 164 and other control commands. Control panel 160 and other components of cooktop 200 may be in communication with controller 162 via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. In this manner, Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 162 and various operational components of cooktop 200.

As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 162 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND/OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 162 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information and/or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and/or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.

For example, controller 162 may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of cooktop 200. In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controller 162 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller 162.

The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller 162. The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller 162) in one or more databases and/or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controller 162 through any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller 162 may further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of cooktop 200, controller 162, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol. The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

With reference to FIG. 2, the cooktop 200, or cooktop assembly, includes the cooking surface 202. The cooktop 200 further includes a frame 204 coupled with the cooking surface 202. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the frame 204 maybe vertically underneath the cooking surface 202. Further, the cooktop 200 includes a bracket 206 coupled with the frame 204. As illustrated, the bracket 206 maybe placed vertically underneath the frame 204. The frame 204 may be coupled with the bracket 206 via a fastener 232. Additionally, or alternatively, the cooktop 200 may include a plurality of fasteners 232 that couple the frame 204 with the bracket 206. The fastener 232 may comprise, for example, a screw, an anchor, a nut, and/or etc. The cooktop 200 further includes the user input device 164. The cooktop 200 includes a switch 168 coupled with the user input device 164 via a stem 166. The cooktop 200 further includes at least one grommet 238 positioned between the switch 168 and the user input device 164. As illustrated, the grommet 238 may engage with at least one of the frame 204 and the bracket 206.

With further reference to FIG. 2, bracket assembly may comprise the frame 204, the bracket 206, and the fastener 232 that couples the frame 204 with the bracket 206. The cooking surface 202, the frame 204, the bracket 206, and the grommet 238 each define a user input device aperture 244. Each of the user input device apertures 244 align to define a path 246. The stem 166 is disposed along the path 246. For example, during an assembly process of the cooktop 200 the stem 166 may be inserted into a user input device aperture 244 of the bracket 206, a user input device aperture 244 of the frame, a user input device aperture 244 of a grommet 236, wherein the collective user input device apertures 244 define the path 246 for the stem 166.

With reference to FIGS. 3 through 11, the bracket 206 includes a bracket base 218. The bracket 206 includes a bracket sidewall 220, 222 coupled with and extending from the bracket base 218. The bracket sidewall 220, 222 may include, for example, a transverse bracket sidewall 220 and a lateral bracket sidewall 222. Even further, the bracket 206 may include a pair of transverse bracket sidewall 220 and a pair of lateral bracket sidewalls 222. FIG. 3 includes an area A and an area B that are further described below.

Area B illustrates that the frame includes a tab 208. The tab 208 extends away from the frame 204 and into a first aperture 210 defined by the bracket 206. Additionally, or alternatively, the first aperture 210 may be specifically defined by the bracket base 218. The tab 208 has a first width W1. The first aperture 210 has a second width W2 that may be substantially equal to the first width W1. Additionally, or alternatively, the second width W2 may be marginally greater than the first width W1.

With further reference to area B of FIG. 3, the tab 208 may further include a narrowed tip 248. The narrowed tip 248 of the tab 208 allows for the tab 208 to be inserted into the first aperture 210 with relative ease compared to the tab 208 without a narrowed tip 248. For example, during an assembly process, the narrowed tip 248 may engage the bracket base 218 at the first aperture 210 without having the first width W1 aligned with the second width W2, and the narrowed tip 248 may allow the first width W1 to become aligned with the second width W2 by sliding the bracket 206 past the narrowed tip 248.

With reference to area A of FIG. 4, the frame 204 may include a frame sidewall 228, 226. The frame sidewall 228, 226 may include a transverse frame sidewall 226 and a lateral frame sidewall 228. Additionally, or alternatively, the frame 204 may include a pair of lateral frame sidewalls 228 and a pair of transverse frame sidewalls 226. As illustrated, the lateral frame sidewall defines a first recess 212. Additionally, or alternatively, the transverse frame sidewall 226 may define the first recess 214. The bracket 206 includes a first flange 212 that is operably received by the first recess 214. In other words, the first recess 214 is configured to receive the first flange 212.

The first flange 212 may have third width W3. The first recess 214 may have a fourth width W4 that is substantially equal to the third width W3. Additionally, or alternatively, the fourth width W4 maybe marginally greater than the third width W3. The first recess 214 may have a first depth D1. The frame sidewall 228, 226 may define a sloped edge 250 that leads into the first recess 214. As illustrated, the lateral frame sidewall 228 defines the sloped edge 250.

With further reference to area A of FIG. 4, the frame defines a first fastener aperture 216. Additionally, or alternatively, the frame sidewall 228, 226 may define the first fastener aperture 216. Furthermore, the lateral frame sidewall 228 made define the first fastener aperture 216. The bracket 206 defines a second fastener aperture 217 operably aligned with the first fastener aperture 216.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of area A of FIG. 4. With reference to area a of FIG. 5, the bracket 206 includes a bracket sidewall 220, 222. The bracket sidewall 220, 222 may include a lateral bracket sidewall 222 and a transverse bracket sidewall 220. The bracket sidewall 220, 222 may specifically define the second fastener aperture 217. Additionally, or alternatively, the lateral bracket sidewall 222 may specifically define the second fastener aperture 217. The bracket sidewall 220, 222 may specifically include the first flange 212. Additionally, or alternatively, the lateral bracket sidewall 222 may comprise the first flange 212. Additionally, or alternatively, the first flange 212 may be unitarily formed with the lateral bracket sidewall 222. Additionally, or alternatively, the first flange 212 may outwardly extend from the bracket sidewall 220, 222. Additionally or alternatively, the first flange 212 maybe generally parallel with the bracket base 218. Additionally, or alternatively the first flange 212 may be generally orthogonal with the bracket sidewall 220, 222.

With further reference to area A of FIG. 5, the bracket 206 may include a bracket embossed portion 242 coupled with and extending from the bracket base 218. Additionally, or alternatively, the bracket embossed portion 242 may extend vertically downward away from the bracket base 218. The frame 204 includes a frame embossed portion 240 coupled with an extending from the frame base 224. The bracket embossed portion 242 operability engages the frame embossed portion 240 such that the bracket base 218 is spaced from the frame base 224 by a distance S1. Further, the frame sidewall 226, 228 at the first recess 214 has a height H1 that may be substantially equal, or similar, to the distance S1 (FIG. 4).

The grommet 236 may be disposed between the bracket base 218 and the frame base 224. The grommet 236 may define a grommet aperture 238 that may also be referred to as a user input device aperture 244. The grommet 236 may be made from a polymeric material that is more deformable compared to metallic materials. Therefore, the grommet 236 of the present cooktop 200 is not deformed by trying to insert the user input device 164 into a user input device aperture 244 that is misaligned.

With reference to FIG. 6 through 11, the bracket 206 may include a second flange 234 that has a fifth width W5. FIG. 6 includes area C, area D, and area E which are discussed in more detail below. With reference to area D of FIG. 6, the tab 208 may be unitarily formed with the frame base 224. Additionally, or alternatively, the tab may be substantially parallel with the transverse frame sidewall 226. FIG. 7 illustrates a zoomed-in, rear perspective view of area C of FIG. 6. With reference to area C of FIG. 7, the transverse frame sidewall 226 may be separate and spaced from the lateral frame sidewall 228. FIG. 8 illustrates a zoomed-in side perspective view of area E of FIG. 6. With reference to area E of FIG. 8, the frame sidewall 226, 228 may define a second recess 230. The second recess may have a sixth width W6 that is substantially equal to the fifth width W5. Additionally, or alternatively, the sixth width W6 may be marginally greater than the 5th with W5.

Advantageously, the cooktop described herein allows for easier assembly compared to conventional cooktops. The cooktop described herein ensures that a fastener aperture of the frame is aligned with a fastener aperture of the bracket thus saving time and effort that would otherwise be spent readjusting the bracket relative to the frame until the respective fastener apertures are aligned. Further, the cooktop described herein ensures that a path for the user input device is straight by aligned respective user input device apertures of the cooking surface, the frame, the bracket, and a grommet. Thus, time and effort are saved. Further, ensuring the path is straight prevents any plastic, or otherwise deformable, pieces that define the path from being ruined by trying to insert the user input device and intersecting the deformable piece.

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