US20080203870A1 - Kitchen Appliance Configured to Allow Variation of Aesthetic Appearance Thereof - Google Patents
Kitchen Appliance Configured to Allow Variation of Aesthetic Appearance Thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080203870A1 US20080203870A1 US11/908,014 US90801406A US2008203870A1 US 20080203870 A1 US20080203870 A1 US 20080203870A1 US 90801406 A US90801406 A US 90801406A US 2008203870 A1 US2008203870 A1 US 2008203870A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel assembly
- front panel
- housing
- front portion
- substantially transparent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
- A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
- A47J37/08—Bread-toasters
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a kitchen appliance having the capability for changing the aesthetic appearance thereof.
- Kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, etc. typically come in a variety of colors. Consumers typically buy an appliance that has a color that matches or corresponds to the color scheme of the consumer's kitchen. However, if the consumer changes the color scheme of his or her kitchen, the color of the kitchen appliance may no longer match or correspond to the new color scheme of the kitchen. Similarly, if the consumer changes the design and/or decor of his or her kitchen, the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance may no longer be compatible with the design and/or decor of the kitchen.
- the present invention is directed to, in one aspect, a kitchen appliance that is configured to allow a user to vary the color scheme or the aesthetic appearance of that kitchen appliance so that the color scheme or aesthetic appearance matches the color or design scheme of the user's kitchen or other surroundings. Additional advantages of the invention are that it allows the user to vary the color scheme or the general aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance so that it conforms to current design trends and/or the user's personal design choices.
- the present invention is directed to a kitchen appliance comprising a front portion, and a front panel assembly removably attached to the front portion of the appliance.
- the front panel assembly comprises a substantially transparent panel removably attached to the front portion and a colored member positioned between the front portion and the substantially transparent panel such that the colored member is visible through the substantially transparent panel.
- the appliance includes means for removably attaching the front panel assembly to the front portion of the appliance.
- the present invention is directed to an appliance having a front portion, and a front panel assembly removably attached to the front portion of the appliance.
- the front panel assembly comprises a substantially transparent panel removably attached to the front portion and a pre-selected decorative item positioned between the front portion and the substantially transparent panel such that the pre-selected decorative item is visible through the substantially transparent panel.
- the pre-selected decorative item can be a photograph, drawing, post card, a piece of fabric, a piece or leather, a piece of suede, wallpaper, wrapping paper, holiday season decor or any other suitable decorative item that is sized to fit between the substantially transparent panel and the front portion of the appliance.
- the kitchen appliance comprises a front portion, and a front panel assembly removably attached to the front portion of the appliance.
- the front panel assembly comprises a colored, front panel that is removably attached to the front portion.
- the colored, front panel has a predetermined color. The consumer may change the color scheme of the kitchen appliance by removing the colored, front panel and replacing it with an interchangeable colored, front panel having a different color.
- FIG. 1 is a partial, exploded view of a coffee maker and front panel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of a transparent panel of the front panel assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the coffee maker of FIG. 1 without the front panel assembly attached thereto;
- FIG. 4A is a rear elevational view of the front panel assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4B and 4C are partial, perspective views showing how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the front portion of the coffee maker;
- FIG. 4D is a view of the underside of an overhang portion of the coffee maker, the view also partially showing the underside of the front portion of the coffee maker of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4E and 4F are exploded views, in perspective, illustrating how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the coffee maker;
- FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view showing the front panel assembly removably attached to the coffee maker
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the entire coffee maker of FIG. 5 wherein the front panel assembly is removably attached thereto;
- FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a toaster in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6A is an exploded view, in perspective, showing how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the toaster of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a toaster oven in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7A is an exploded view, in perspective, illustrating how the front panel assembly is removably attached to a toaster oven in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the toaster oven of FIG. 7A wherein the front panel assembly is removably attached thereto;
- FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a coffee grinder and front panel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are exploded views, in perspective, illustrating how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the coffee grinder;
- FIG. 8C is a perspective view showing the front panel assembly removably attached to the coffee grinder
- FIG. 9A is a partial, perspective view of a front corner of a coffee maker with a front panel assembly removably attached thereto in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the view being seen from outside the coffee maker;
- FIG. 9B is a partial, perspective view of the opposite front corner of the coffee maker of FIG. 9A , the view being seen from inside the coffee maker;
- FIG. 9C is a partial, plan view of the underside of a front portion of a coffee maker of FIGS. 9A and 9B ;
- FIG. 10 is partial, perspective view of a coffee maker and front panel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11A is an exploded view, in perspective, of a front panel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11B is a top view of a front panel shown in FIG. 11A ;
- FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a template used to trim or crop a photograph that is used with the front panel assembly of FIG. 11A .
- FIG. 1 there is shown coffee maker 20 and front panel assembly, indicated by reference numeral 22 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- the portion of coffee maker 20 that is shown in FIG. 1 is the top portion of the housing of coffee maker 20 and is indicated by reference number 24 .
- Top portion 24 of coffee maker 20 has interior frame 25 which has exterior overhang 25 A. Overhang 25 A has underside 25 B.
- Coffee maker 20 also includes front portion 26 which has a bottom portion 26 A (see FIG. 4D ).
- Front panel assembly 22 comprises substantially transparent panel 30 and colored member 32 .
- Colored member 32 may be configured as a color panel or a piece of colored fabric. Colored member 32 is discussed in detail in the ensuing description.
- front panel assembly 22 is removably attached to front portion 26 so as to provide the coffee maker 20 with a particular color scheme and appearance.
- a coffee carafe known in the art, is positioned below front portion 26 (see FIG. 3 ).
- Coffee maker 20 also includes sidewalls 140 and 142 .
- Panel 30 may be fabricated from plastic or any other suitable material provided that such material is substantially transparent. Panel 30 is curved so that it conforms to the shape of front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 . Panel 30 has exterior side 40 (see FIG. 1 ), interior side 42 , flanged end 44 and flanged end 46 . Panel 30 includes bottom end portion 48 which is also flanged so as to support colored member 32 . Thus, the flanged configuration of bottom end portion 48 functions as a seat for colored member 32 . Panel 30 has top end portion 49 which defines lip 49 A. Panel 30 further includes tabs 50 that extend from the bottom end portion 48 . The purpose of tabs 50 is discussed in the ensuing description.
- colored member 32 comprises a relatively flat, thin, flexible sheet.
- Colored member 32 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, e.g. plastic, PVC, paper, cardboard, etc. The thinness and flexibility of colored member 32 allows it to conform to the shape of panel 30 .
- colored member 32 has flanged ends, one of which being shown as end 58 .
- Colored member 32 is positioned on interior side 42 of panel 30 as shown in FIG. 4A .
- colored member 32 may be fabricated from a fabric. Such fabrics include nylon, polyester, Dacron, cotton, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, colored member 32 is fabricated from suede. In a further embodiment, colored member 32 is fabricated from PU micro-fiber. An important benefit of using a fabric to fabricate colored member 32 is that the fabric may offer a textured look or appearance. If colored member 32 is a fabric, it will naturally conform to the shape of front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 and panel 30 . In addition to the materials listed above, colored member 32 can be fabricated from leather or synthetic leather. Thus, colored member 32 can be any decorative member that exhibits the desired color, texture, design or other aesthetic qualities.
- colored member 32 does not have flanged ends.
- front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 is configured to have slots 60 and 62 and channels 70 and 72 .
- Each slot 60 and 62 is configured to receive a corresponding tab 50 of panel 30 .
- Channel 70 is sized to receive flanged end 44 of panel 30 (see FIG. 2 ).
- channel 72 is sized to receive flanged end 46 of panel 30 (see FIG. 2 ).
- FIG. 4D there is shown a view of the underside 26 A of front portion 26 , and underside 25 B of overhang 25 A. As shown in FIG.
- underside 25 B has channel 90 formed therein that is sized to receive lip 49 A of top end 49 of panel 30 .
- FIGS. 4B , 4 C, 4 D, 4 E and 4 F in order to attach front panel assembly 22 to front portion 26 , the user positions front panel assembly 22 so that lip 49 A of transparent panel 30 is positioned under overhang 25 A and adjacent to underside 25 B. The user then moves front panel assembly 22 upward so that lip 49 A is inserted into the channel 90 in underside 25 B. Next, the user pushes front panel assembly 22 forward, as indicated by arrow 80 (see FIG. 4B ) and arrow 81 (see FIG. 4F ), so that tabs 50 are inserted into slots 60 and 62 .
- FIGS. 5 and 5A show front panel assembly 22 completely attached to front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 .
- a portion of transparent panel 30 is cut away to show colored member 32 .
- Colored member 32 is visible through transparent panel 30 .
- Colored member 32 is positioned between interior side 42 of transparent panel 30 and front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 and remains positioned that way when front panel assembly 22 is completely attached to front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 .
- Colored member 32 is also supported by bottom flanged end portion 48 of panel 30 so that colored member 32 does not slip downward (see FIG. 4A ).
- a user may use his or her finger tips to grasp the bottom portion of panel 30 , adjacent bottom end 48 , and pull panel 30 outward in a direction opposite to that indicated by arrow 81 in FIG. 4F .
- the user can then remove colored member 32 and insert another colored member having a different color. For example, if the current colored member 32 is colored yellow, the user can replace it with another colored member 32 that is colored green.
- interior frame 25 is configured so that it can be raised, with respect to front portion 26 and sidewalls 140 and 142 , thereby freeing lip 49 A of panel 30 from channel 90 .
- the user can then grasp the upper portion of panel 30 , adjacent top end 49 , and then pull panel 30 outward so that panel 30 can swing outward. The user can then maneuver panel 30 so that tabs 50 are removed from slots 60 and 62 .
- a plurality of interchangeable, colored members 32 are provided, each with a different color.
- the plurality of colored members 32 may include colored members fabricated with fabrics.
- the interchangeable colored members are provided with the kitchen appliance at the time of purchase.
- panel 30 is sized and configured to allow a user to conveniently store several unused colored members 32 between panel 30 and front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 .
- the outer most colored member has the desired or selected color and is visible through transparent panel 30 and the remaining colored members are stored between the outer most colored member and front portion 26 .
- colored member 32 is replaced by a photograph.
- the photograph is visible through transparent panel 30 .
- transparent panel 30 can be configured to have the design of a picture frame. This embodiment is further described in the ensuing description.
- colored member 32 can be configured as any one of a variety of decorative items, e.g. drawing, picture, post card, wallpaper, cloth, fabric, holiday season decor, or other personalized item.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B there is shown front panel assembly 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- This embodiment provides a different way to removably attach the front panel assembly to a front portion of a coffee maker.
- FIGS. 9A , 9 B and 9 C show portions of coffee maker 20 ′ which has overhang 25 A′. Overhang 25 A′ is part of a control panel (not shown) and has underside 25 B′ (see FIG. 9C ).
- Coffee maker 20 ′ further includes front portion 26 ′ and sidewalls 140 ′ and 142 ′. Front portion 26 ′ has underside 26 A′.
- FIG. 9C shows underside 25 B′ and underside 26 A′.
- Underside 25 B′ has channel 98 formed therein which performs the same function as channel 90 shown in FIG. 4D .
- Front portion 26 ′ and sidewalls 140 ′ and 142 ′ are generally similar to front portion 26 and sidewalls 140 and 142 , respectively, of coffee maker 20 described in the foregoing description, except for some additional structural, features which are described in the ensuing description.
- FIG. 9A is a view of the exterior side of front panel assembly 100 .
- FIG. 9A is a view of a corner portion of coffee maker 20 ′ and front panel assembly 100 .
- the view of FIG. 9A is a view seen from the outside of coffee maker 20 ′.
- FIG. 9B is view of the interior side of front panel assembly 100 and shows the opposite corner of front panel assembly 100 .
- the view of FIG. 9B is a view seen from inside coffee maker 20 ′.
- Front panel assembly 100 comprises substantially transparent front panel 102 .
- Panel 102 has exterior side 104 , a pair of flanged ends 106 and 107 , a top end (not shown), and bottom, flanged end 108 .
- the top end of panel 102 is substantially the same as top end 49 of panel 30 (see FIG. 1 ) and also has a lip which is not shown but is similar to lip 49 A (see FIG. 1 ).
- Front panel assembly 100 includes colored member 110 . A portion of panel 102 is cut away in order to show colored member 110 , and portions of panel 102 and colored member 110 are cut away in order to show front portion 26 ′ and bottom, flanged end 108 .
- Bottom, flanged end 108 includes resilient members 120 and 122 . Only a portion of each member 120 and 122 is contiguous with bottom end 108 so as to provide each member 120 and 122 with a degree of resiliency.
- Member 120 has a protrusion 124 .
- member 122 has a protrusion 126 .
- underside 26 A′ has recesses or cavities 127 and 128 that are sized to receive protrusions 124 and 126 , respectively.
- Flanged ends 106 and 107 have notches 130 and 132 , respectively.
- Sidewall 140 ′ defines stepped portion 150 which is sized to fit into notch 130 .
- sidewall 142 ′ has a stepped portion 152 that is sized to fit into notch 132 .
- the user positions front panel assembly 100 in the same manner as done for front panel assembly 22 as described in the foregoing description and shown in FIGS.
- the user positions panel 102 so that the lip on its top edge (not shown) is positioned under the exterior overhang 25 A′ and adjacent to underside 25 B′. (see FIG. 9C ).
- the user moves front panel assembly 100 upward so that the lip (not shown) on the upper end of panel 102 is inserted into channel 98 .
- the user then pushes panel assembly 100 forward so that protrusions 124 and 126 are inserted into corresponding recesses or cavities 127 and 128 , respectively, and the stepped portions 150 and 152 are inserted into notches 130 and 132 , respectively, of panel 102 .
- front panel assembly 100 In order to remove front panel assembly 100 from the front portion 26 ′, the user may use his or her fingers to pry members 120 and 122 downward so as to remove protrusions 124 and 126 , respectively, from the recesses 127 and 128 , respectively. The user then pulls front panel assembly 100 outward and then moves panel assembly 100 downward as so to remove the lip (not shown) from channel 98 .
- notches 130 , 132 and stepped portions 150 and 152 are not used.
- coffee maker 20 ′ is configured to have a vertical channel (not shown) between front portion 26 ′ and sidewall 140 ′, and another vertical channel (not shown) between front portion 26 ′ and sidewall 142 ′.
- flanged end 106 is inserted into the corresponding vertical channel between front portion 26 ′ and sidewall 140 ′
- flanged end 107 is inserted into the corresponding vertical channel between front portion 26 ′ and sidewall 142 ′.
- Toaster 200 has front panel assembly 220 which comprises colored member 222 and clear panel 224 .
- front panel assembly 220 which comprises colored member 222 and clear panel 224 .
- clear panel 224 For purposes of understanding this embodiment of the invention, a portion of clear panel 224 is cut away to show colored member 222 .
- Toaster 200 is configured to have corresponding slots and channels, similar to slots 60 , 62 and vertical channels 70 , 72 , respectively, of coffee maker 20 , to allow front panel assembly 220 to be removably attached to toaster 200 .
- FIG. 6A illustrates another embodiment.
- a toaster is indicated by reference number 250 and the front panel assembly is indicated by reference number 252 .
- Toaster 250 has a front portion 254 .
- Front portion 254 includes slots 256 that are on the upper, peripheral portion of front portion 254 .
- Front panel assembly 252 comprises transparent panel 258 and a colored member (not shown), but similar to colored member 32 described in the foregoing description.
- Transparent panel 258 has an upper end 259 and protruding tabs 260 that extend from upper end 259 .
- Transparent panel 258 has bottom end 261 and flanged sides 262 and 264 .
- Toaster 250 includes vertical frame members 266 and 268 that are on the periphery of front portion 254 .
- Transparent panel 258 is sized so as to frictional fit between vertical frame members 266 and 268 such that flanged side 262 abuts the inner portion of frame member 266 and flanged side 264 abuts the inner portion of frame member 268 .
- the user maneuvers panel 252 so that protruding tabs 260 are inserted into slots 256 .
- the user then pivots panel assembly 252 toward front portion 254 of toaster 250 .
- flanged sides 262 and 264 frictionally slide against the inner portions of vertical frame members 266 and 268 , respectively.
- panel assembly 252 In order to remove panel assembly 252 from toaster 250 , the user can use his or her finger tip or finger nail to pry bottom end 261 outward. Once this is done, the user can then maneuver panel assembly 252 so that protruding tabs 260 are withdrawn from slots 256 .
- Toaster oven 300 has front panel assembly 320 which comprises colored member 322 and clear panel 324 .
- front panel assembly 320 which comprises colored member 322 and clear panel 324 .
- a portion of clear panel 324 is cut away to show colored member 322 .
- Toaster oven 300 is configured to have corresponding slots and channels, similar to slots 60 , 62 and channels 70 , 72 , respectively, of coffee maker 20 , to allow front panel assembly 320 to be removably attached to toaster oven 300 .
- Toaster oven 350 has a recessed or sunken front portion 352 which surrounds a control panel 354 .
- Toaster oven 350 has door 356 which is not pertinent to the invention and therefore, is not discussed in detail.
- Front panel assembly 360 comprises transparent panel 362 and colored member 364 that is located behind transparent member 362 . Both transparent panel 362 and colored member 364 are configured to have an opening to receive control panel 354 .
- Transparent panel 362 has a top end 368 and a bottom end 369 .
- Transparent panel 362 further includes resilient, rearwardly extending members 372 . As shown in FIG.
- front portion 352 is surrounded by wall 374 .
- Wall 374 has upper portion 375 which has a pair of cavities or indentations (not shown). Each of these aforesaid cavities or indentations is sized to receive a corresponding protruding tab 370 .
- Front portion 352 has a pair of slots (not shown). Each of these slots is located on a respective side of control panel 354 . Each of these aforesaid slots is sized for receiving a corresponding one of rearwardly extending members 372 , and is located at a predetermined location so as to create a frictional relationship between the perimetrical edge of each slot and the corresponding rearwardly, extending member 372 .
- front panel assembly 360 In order to attach front panel assembly 360 to toaster oven 350 , the user first maneuvers front panel assembly 360 so that protruding tabs 370 are inserted into the corresponding cavities (not shown) in upper portion 375 of wall 374 . Next, the user then pivots front panel assembly 360 toward-toaster oven 350 , as indicated by arrow 380 , so that rearwardly extending members 372 are inserted into corresponding slots (not shown) in front portion 352 and front panel assembly 360 is completely disposed within the recessed front portion 352 . In order to remove front panel assembly 360 from front portion 352 , the user can use his or her finger tip to pry bottom end 369 of transparent panel 362 outward.
- Coffee grinder 400 has front panel assembly 420 which comprises colored member 422 and clear panel 424 .
- front panel assembly 420 which comprises colored member 422 and clear panel 424 .
- clear panel 424 For purposes of understanding this embodiment of the invention, a portion of clear panel 424 is cut away to show colored member 422 .
- Coffee grinder 400 is configured to have corresponding slots and channels, similar to slots 60 , 62 and channels 70 , 72 , respectively, of coffee maker 20 , to allow front panel assembly 420 to be removably attached to coffee grinder 400 .
- FIGS. 8A , 8 B and 8 C illustrate one particular embodiment of a coffee grinder and front panel assembly in accordance with the invention.
- Coffee grinder 450 includes bowl 451 for holding coffee beans. However, bowl 451 is known in the art and is not pertinent to the invention and therefore, is not discussed in detail.
- Coffee grinder 450 further includes control panel 452 which has overhanging portion 453 .
- Overhanging portion 453 has a bottom side (not shown) that has a channel (not shown) formed therein. The channel is similar to channel 90 shown in FIG. 4D . The purpose of this channel in the bottom side of overhang 453 is described in the ensuing description.
- Coffee grinder 450 has sidewall 454 that has extending portion 454 A.
- Coffee grinder 450 includes opposite sidewall 455 that has extending portion 455 A. Coffee grinder 450 further comprises front portion 456 between extending portions 454 A and 455 A. Front portion 456 has a generally convex curvature. Front panel assembly 460 comprises transparent panel 462 and flexible colored member 464 . Transparent panel 462 has a curvature that conforms to the curvature of front portion 456 of coffee grinder 450 . Transparent panel 462 has top end 466 , bottom end 468 and flanged sides 470 and 472 . Top end 466 defines lip 474 that extends for the substantially the entire length of top end 466 . Transparent panel 462 has exterior side 476 and an opposite, interior side (not shown).
- Flanged side 470 has protruding portion 480 .
- Flanged side 472 also has a protruding portion (not shown). The purpose of these protruding portions (e.g. portion 480 ) is discussed in the ensuing description.
- Colored member 464 is positioned against the interior side of transparent panel 462 and is positioned between flanged sides 470 and 472 . Due to its flexibility, colored member 464 conforms to the contour of transparent panel 462 .
- Coffee grinder 450 includes a pair of slots formed in front portion 456 . One of these slots is shown as slot 490 which is adjacent wall portion 455 A (see FIGS. 8A and 8B ). The other slot (not shown) is adjacent to wall portion 454 A. As shown in FIGS.
- the user in order to attach front panel assembly 460 to coffee grinder 450 , the user first maneuvers panel assembly 460 so that lip 474 is inserted into the channel (not shown) formed in the underside of overhang 453 . The user then pivots the panel assembly 460 toward coffee grinder 450 , as indicated by arrow 491 (see FIG. 8B ), so that the rearwardly extending portions of sidewalls 470 and 472 (e.g. portion 480 ) are inserted into the slots formed in front portion 456 (e.g. slot 490 ) and front panel assembly 460 completely covers front portion 456 of coffee grinder 450 .
- sidewalls 470 and 472 e.g. portion 480
- front panel assembly 460 When front panel assembly 460 is completely attached to front portion 456 , flanged sides 470 and 472 of transparent panel 462 confront sidewall portions 454 A and 455 A, respectively.
- transparent panel 462 is sized so that flanged sides 470 and 472 frictionally contact sidewall portions 454 A and 455 A, respectively.
- the user can use his or her finger tip to pry bottom end 468 of transparent panel 462 outward and away from front portion 456 . Once this is done, the user can then maneuver front panel assembly 460 so that lip 474 is withdrawn from the channel (not shown) in the underside of overhang 453 .
- the front panel assembly (e.g. front panel assembly 22 ) is configured to be comprised only of a single, colored panel that can be removably attached to the front portion of the kitchen appliance.
- a single, colored panel replaces the separate transparent panel and the colored member described in the embodiments above.
- the aforesaid single, colored panel has the same structure as panel 30 so as to allow the single, color panel to be removable attached to the front portion of the appliance.
- the single, colored panel is molded plastic.
- the single, colored panel is configured to have a pattern or design thereon that can be formed by any suitable method, e.g. printing, heat transfer, etc.
- the front panel assembly comprises a backing member that has the same structure as panel 30 (see FIG. 1 ) and a piece of leather that is rigidly attached to the backing member.
- the backing member can be removably attached to the front portion of a kitchen appliance in the same manner that panel 30 is removably attached to the front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 (see FIGS. 1-4F ).
- FIG. 10 there is shown an upper portion of a coffee maker 500 and front panel assembly 502 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
- Coffee maker 500 is similar to coffee maker 20 described in the foregoing description.
- front panel assembly 502 comprises a support panel 504 and a fabric 506 that is permanently attached to the support panel 504 .
- a portion of fabric 506 is cut away in order to show support panel 504 .
- Support panel 504 is permanently attached to the front portion of coffee maker 500 . Therefore, in this embodiment, a clear panel, such as clear panel 30 described in the foregoing description, is not used.
- fabric 506 has the color desired by the user.
- Support panel 504 may be permanently attached to the front portion of coffee maker 500 by any suitable technique, e.g. adhesive, rivets, laminations, etc.
- Support panel 504 can be made from any suitable material, e.g. plastic, PVC.
- a fabric 506 is not used, but rather, leather or synthetic leather is attached to support panel 504 .
- support panel 504 is not used and fabric 506 is attached directly to the front portion of the coffee maker 500 .
- Front panel assembly 600 comprises substantially transparent panel 602 which is configured to function as a photo frame.
- panel 602 has front side 604 and rear side 605 .
- Rear side 605 faces the front portion of the kitchen appliance (e.g. front portion 26 coffee maker 20 shown in FIG. 1 ).
- Panel 602 also includes sides 606 and 608 .
- Side 606 has rib 610 that extends vertically for substantially the entire height of panel 602 .
- side 608 has rib 612 that extends vertically for substantially the entire height of panel 602 .
- Panel 602 has a flanged, bottom end 614 and members 616 that extend from flanged bottom end 614 .
- Panel 602 is configured to be removably attached to a front portion of a kitchen appliance in the same manner as front panel 30 , which was described in the foregoing description, is removably attached to front portion 26 of coffee maker 20 (see FIGS. 1-4F ).
- sides 606 and 608 are frictionally inserted into vertical channels on either side of a front portion of a kitchen appliance (similar to vertical channels 70 and 72 shown in FIG. 3 ), and members 616 are frictionally inserted into slots in the front portion of a kitchen appliance (similar to the manner in which tabs 50 are inserted into slots 60 and 62 shown in FIGS.
- template 630 is configured and shaped to allow a user to trim or crop a desired photograph 632 to a predetermined size that allows the user to insert the edges of photograph 632 behind ribs 610 and 612 so that the photograph 632 confronts interior wall 605 of panel 602 .
- Bottom flanged end 614 supports photograph 632 and ribs 610 and 612 retain the photograph 632 in place.
- template 630 can be used to trim or crop any suitable decorative item, e.g. drawing, wallpaper, fabric, etc., so that such decorative item has a size commensurate with panel 602 and the edges or peripheral portions of the decorative item can be inserted behind ribs 610 and 612 .
- template 630 is provided with the kitchen appliance.
- panel 602 does not have ribs 610 and 612 but rather, is configured to have a transparent front wall and a rear wall and a space between the front and rear walls. The user can then insert the photograph or decorative item in the space between the front and rear walls so that the photograph or decorative item is visible through the transparent front wall.
- the kitchen appliance of the invention is provided with a kit that comprises the front panel assemblies, color members and templates (e.g. template 630 ) to allow the user to change the color and/or aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance.
- a kit that comprises the front panel assemblies, color members and templates (e.g. template 630 ) to allow the user to change the color and/or aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of the filing date of copending and commonly owned U.S. provisional application No. 60/664,807, filed Mar. 24, 2005. The entire disclosure of provisional application No. 60/664,807 is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to a kitchen appliance having the capability for changing the aesthetic appearance thereof.
- Kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, etc. typically come in a variety of colors. Consumers typically buy an appliance that has a color that matches or corresponds to the color scheme of the consumer's kitchen. However, if the consumer changes the color scheme of his or her kitchen, the color of the kitchen appliance may no longer match or correspond to the new color scheme of the kitchen. Similarly, if the consumer changes the design and/or decor of his or her kitchen, the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance may no longer be compatible with the design and/or decor of the kitchen.
- What is needed is a simple and inexpensive way to change the color scheme and/or the aesthetic appearance of a kitchen appliance to suit the consumer's needs.
- The present invention is directed to, in one aspect, a kitchen appliance that is configured to allow a user to vary the color scheme or the aesthetic appearance of that kitchen appliance so that the color scheme or aesthetic appearance matches the color or design scheme of the user's kitchen or other surroundings. Additional advantages of the invention are that it allows the user to vary the color scheme or the general aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance so that it conforms to current design trends and/or the user's personal design choices.
- Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a kitchen appliance comprising a front portion, and a front panel assembly removably attached to the front portion of the appliance. The front panel assembly comprises a substantially transparent panel removably attached to the front portion and a colored member positioned between the front portion and the substantially transparent panel such that the colored member is visible through the substantially transparent panel. The appliance includes means for removably attaching the front panel assembly to the front portion of the appliance.
- In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an appliance having a front portion, and a front panel assembly removably attached to the front portion of the appliance. The front panel assembly comprises a substantially transparent panel removably attached to the front portion and a pre-selected decorative item positioned between the front portion and the substantially transparent panel such that the pre-selected decorative item is visible through the substantially transparent panel. The pre-selected decorative item can be a photograph, drawing, post card, a piece of fabric, a piece or leather, a piece of suede, wallpaper, wrapping paper, holiday season decor or any other suitable decorative item that is sized to fit between the substantially transparent panel and the front portion of the appliance.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the kitchen appliance comprises a front portion, and a front panel assembly removably attached to the front portion of the appliance. The front panel assembly comprises a colored, front panel that is removably attached to the front portion. The colored, front panel has a predetermined color. The consumer may change the color scheme of the kitchen appliance by removing the colored, front panel and replacing it with an interchangeable colored, front panel having a different color.
- The features of the invention are believed to be novel. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a partial, exploded view of a coffee maker and front panel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of a transparent panel of the front panel assembly shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the coffee maker ofFIG. 1 without the front panel assembly attached thereto; -
FIG. 4A is a rear elevational view of the front panel assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4B and 4C are partial, perspective views showing how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the front portion of the coffee maker; -
FIG. 4D is a view of the underside of an overhang portion of the coffee maker, the view also partially showing the underside of the front portion of the coffee maker ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4E and 4F are exploded views, in perspective, illustrating how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the coffee maker; -
FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view showing the front panel assembly removably attached to the coffee maker; -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the entire coffee maker ofFIG. 5 wherein the front panel assembly is removably attached thereto; -
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a toaster in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6A is an exploded view, in perspective, showing how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the toaster ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a toaster oven in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7A is an exploded view, in perspective, illustrating how the front panel assembly is removably attached to a toaster oven in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the toaster oven ofFIG. 7A wherein the front panel assembly is removably attached thereto; -
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a coffee grinder and front panel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are exploded views, in perspective, illustrating how the front panel assembly is removably attached to the coffee grinder; -
FIG. 8C is a perspective view showing the front panel assembly removably attached to the coffee grinder; -
FIG. 9A is a partial, perspective view of a front corner of a coffee maker with a front panel assembly removably attached thereto in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the view being seen from outside the coffee maker; -
FIG. 9B is a partial, perspective view of the opposite front corner of the coffee maker ofFIG. 9A , the view being seen from inside the coffee maker; -
FIG. 9C is a partial, plan view of the underside of a front portion of a coffee maker ofFIGS. 9A and 9B ; -
FIG. 10 is partial, perspective view of a coffee maker and front panel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11A is an exploded view, in perspective, of a front panel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11B is a top view of a front panel shown inFIG. 11A ; and -
FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a template used to trim or crop a photograph that is used with the front panel assembly ofFIG. 11A . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , there is showncoffee maker 20 and front panel assembly, indicated byreference numeral 22, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The portion ofcoffee maker 20 that is shown inFIG. 1 is the top portion of the housing ofcoffee maker 20 and is indicated byreference number 24.Top portion 24 ofcoffee maker 20 hasinterior frame 25 which hasexterior overhang 25A.Overhang 25A hasunderside 25B.Coffee maker 20 also includesfront portion 26 which has abottom portion 26A (seeFIG. 4D ).Front panel assembly 22 comprises substantiallytransparent panel 30 andcolored member 32.Colored member 32 may be configured as a color panel or a piece of colored fabric.Colored member 32 is discussed in detail in the ensuing description. In accordance with the invention,front panel assembly 22 is removably attached tofront portion 26 so as to provide thecoffee maker 20 with a particular color scheme and appearance. A coffee carafe, known in the art, is positioned below front portion 26 (seeFIG. 3 ).Coffee maker 20 also includessidewalls - Referring to
FIG. 2 , there is showntransparent panel 30.Panel 30 may be fabricated from plastic or any other suitable material provided that such material is substantially transparent.Panel 30 is curved so that it conforms to the shape offront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20.Panel 30 has exterior side 40 (seeFIG. 1 ),interior side 42,flanged end 44 andflanged end 46.Panel 30 includesbottom end portion 48 which is also flanged so as to supportcolored member 32. Thus, the flanged configuration ofbottom end portion 48 functions as a seat forcolored member 32.Panel 30 hastop end portion 49 which defineslip 49A.Panel 30 further includestabs 50 that extend from thebottom end portion 48. The purpose oftabs 50 is discussed in the ensuing description. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 4A ,colored member 32 comprises a relatively flat, thin, flexible sheet.Colored member 32 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, e.g. plastic, PVC, paper, cardboard, etc. The thinness and flexibility ofcolored member 32 allows it to conform to the shape ofpanel 30. As shown inFIG. 1 ,colored member 32 has flanged ends, one of which being shown asend 58.Colored member 32 is positioned oninterior side 42 ofpanel 30 as shown inFIG. 4A . - In an alternate embodiment,
colored member 32 may be fabricated from a fabric. Such fabrics include nylon, polyester, Dacron, cotton, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment,colored member 32 is fabricated from suede. In a further embodiment,colored member 32 is fabricated from PU micro-fiber. An important benefit of using a fabric to fabricatecolored member 32 is that the fabric may offer a textured look or appearance. If coloredmember 32 is a fabric, it will naturally conform to the shape offront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20 andpanel 30. In addition to the materials listed above,colored member 32 can be fabricated from leather or synthetic leather. Thus,colored member 32 can be any decorative member that exhibits the desired color, texture, design or other aesthetic qualities. - In an alternate embodiment,
colored member 32 does not have flanged ends. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F,front portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20 is configured to haveslots channels slot corresponding tab 50 ofpanel 30.Channel 70 is sized to receiveflanged end 44 of panel 30 (seeFIG. 2 ). Similarly,channel 72 is sized to receiveflanged end 46 of panel 30 (seeFIG. 2 ). Referring toFIG. 4D , there is shown a view of theunderside 26A offront portion 26, andunderside 25B ofoverhang 25A. As shown inFIG. 4D ,underside 25B haschannel 90 formed therein that is sized to receivelip 49A oftop end 49 ofpanel 30. As shown inFIGS. 4B , 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F, in order to attachfront panel assembly 22 tofront portion 26, the user positionsfront panel assembly 22 so thatlip 49A oftransparent panel 30 is positioned underoverhang 25A and adjacent tounderside 25B. The user then movesfront panel assembly 22 upward so thatlip 49A is inserted into thechannel 90 inunderside 25B. Next, the user pushesfront panel assembly 22 forward, as indicated by arrow 80 (seeFIG. 4B ) and arrow 81 (seeFIG. 4F ), so thattabs 50 are inserted intoslots Tabs 50 are slightly angulated with respect tointerior side 42 ofpanel 30 so that whentabs 50 are inserted intoslots tabs 50 and the perimetrical edges ofslots transparent panel 30 from becoming loose and falling off offront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20.FIGS. 5 and 5A showfront panel assembly 22 completely attached tofront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20. For purposes of understanding the invention, inFIG. 5 , a portion oftransparent panel 30 is cut away to showcolored member 32. -
Colored member 32 is visible throughtransparent panel 30.Colored member 32 is positioned betweeninterior side 42 oftransparent panel 30 andfront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20 and remains positioned that way whenfront panel assembly 22 is completely attached tofront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20.Colored member 32 is also supported by bottomflanged end portion 48 ofpanel 30 so thatcolored member 32 does not slip downward (seeFIG. 4A ). - In order to remove
front panel assembly 22 fromfront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20, a user may use his or her finger tips to grasp the bottom portion ofpanel 30, adjacentbottom end 48, and pullpanel 30 outward in a direction opposite to that indicated byarrow 81 inFIG. 4F . The user can then removecolored member 32 and insert another colored member having a different color. For example, if the currentcolored member 32 is colored yellow, the user can replace it with anothercolored member 32 that is colored green. - In an alternate embodiment,
interior frame 25 is configured so that it can be raised, with respect tofront portion 26 andsidewalls lip 49A ofpanel 30 fromchannel 90. In such a configuration, the user can then grasp the upper portion ofpanel 30, adjacenttop end 49, and then pullpanel 30 outward so thatpanel 30 can swing outward. The user can then maneuverpanel 30 so thattabs 50 are removed fromslots - In accordance with the invention, a plurality of interchangeable,
colored members 32 are provided, each with a different color. The plurality ofcolored members 32 may include colored members fabricated with fabrics. Preferably, the interchangeable colored members are provided with the kitchen appliance at the time of purchase. - In one embodiment,
panel 30 is sized and configured to allow a user to conveniently store several unusedcolored members 32 betweenpanel 30 andfront portion 26 ofcoffee maker 20. In this way, the outer most colored member has the desired or selected color and is visible throughtransparent panel 30 and the remaining colored members are stored between the outer most colored member andfront portion 26. - In a further embodiment,
colored member 32 is replaced by a photograph. The photograph is visible throughtransparent panel 30. Alternately,transparent panel 30 can be configured to have the design of a picture frame. This embodiment is further described in the ensuing description. Thus, it is to be understood thatcolored member 32 can be configured as any one of a variety of decorative items, e.g. drawing, picture, post card, wallpaper, cloth, fabric, holiday season decor, or other personalized item. - Referring to
FIGS. 9A and 9B , there is shownfront panel assembly 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides a different way to removably attach the front panel assembly to a front portion of a coffee maker.FIGS. 9A , 9B and 9C show portions ofcoffee maker 20′ which hasoverhang 25A′.Overhang 25A′ is part of a control panel (not shown) and hasunderside 25B′ (seeFIG. 9C ).Coffee maker 20′ further includesfront portion 26′ andsidewalls 140′ and 142′.Front portion 26′ hasunderside 26A′.FIG. 9C showsunderside 25B′ andunderside 26A′.Underside 25B′ haschannel 98 formed therein which performs the same function aschannel 90 shown inFIG. 4D .Front portion 26′ andsidewalls 140′ and 142′ are generally similar tofront portion 26 andsidewalls coffee maker 20 described in the foregoing description, except for some additional structural, features which are described in the ensuing description. -
FIG. 9A is a view of the exterior side offront panel assembly 100. Specifically,FIG. 9A is a view of a corner portion ofcoffee maker 20′ andfront panel assembly 100. The view ofFIG. 9A is a view seen from the outside ofcoffee maker 20′.FIG. 9B is view of the interior side offront panel assembly 100 and shows the opposite corner offront panel assembly 100. The view ofFIG. 9B is a view seen frominside coffee maker 20′.Front panel assembly 100 comprises substantially transparentfront panel 102.Panel 102 hasexterior side 104, a pair of flanged ends 106 and 107, a top end (not shown), and bottom,flanged end 108. The top end ofpanel 102 is substantially the same astop end 49 of panel 30 (seeFIG. 1 ) and also has a lip which is not shown but is similar tolip 49A (seeFIG. 1 ).Front panel assembly 100 includescolored member 110. A portion ofpanel 102 is cut away in order to showcolored member 110, and portions ofpanel 102 andcolored member 110 are cut away in order to showfront portion 26′ and bottom,flanged end 108. Bottom,flanged end 108 includesresilient members member bottom end 108 so as to provide eachmember Member 120 has aprotrusion 124. Similarly,member 122 has aprotrusion 126. Referring toFIG. 9C ,underside 26A′ has recesses orcavities protrusions notches Sidewall 140′ defines steppedportion 150 which is sized to fit intonotch 130. Similarly,sidewall 142′ has a steppedportion 152 that is sized to fit intonotch 132. In order to attachfront panel assembly 100 to thefront portion 26′, the user positionsfront panel assembly 100 in the same manner as done forfront panel assembly 22 as described in the foregoing description and shown inFIGS. 4B , 4C, 4E and 4F. Thus, theuser positions panel 102 so that the lip on its top edge (not shown) is positioned under theexterior overhang 25A′ and adjacent tounderside 25B′. (seeFIG. 9C ). Next, the user movesfront panel assembly 100 upward so that the lip (not shown) on the upper end ofpanel 102 is inserted intochannel 98. The user then pushespanel assembly 100 forward so thatprotrusions cavities portions notches panel 102. - In order to remove
front panel assembly 100 from thefront portion 26′, the user may use his or her fingers to prymembers protrusions recesses front panel assembly 100 outward and then movespanel assembly 100 downward as so to remove the lip (not shown) fromchannel 98. - In an alternate embodiment,
notches portions coffee maker 20′ is configured to have a vertical channel (not shown) betweenfront portion 26′ andsidewall 140′, and another vertical channel (not shown) betweenfront portion 26′ andsidewall 142′. Asfront panel assembly 100 is being attached tofront portion 26′,flanged end 106 is inserted into the corresponding vertical channel betweenfront portion 26′ andsidewall 140′, andflanged end 107 is inserted into the corresponding vertical channel betweenfront portion 26′ andsidewall 142′. - Although the foregoing description is in terms of a coffee maker, it is to be understood that the invention may be applied to other appliances as well. Referring to
FIG. 6 , there is shown a toaster in accordance with the invention.Toaster 200 hasfront panel assembly 220 which comprisescolored member 222 andclear panel 224. For purposes of understanding this embodiment of the invention, a portion ofclear panel 224 is cut away to showcolored member 222.Toaster 200 is configured to have corresponding slots and channels, similar toslots vertical channels coffee maker 20, to allowfront panel assembly 220 to be removably attached totoaster 200. -
FIG. 6A illustrates another embodiment. In this particular view, a toaster is indicated byreference number 250 and the front panel assembly is indicated byreference number 252.Toaster 250 has afront portion 254.Front portion 254 includesslots 256 that are on the upper, peripheral portion offront portion 254.Front panel assembly 252 comprisestransparent panel 258 and a colored member (not shown), but similar tocolored member 32 described in the foregoing description.Transparent panel 258 has anupper end 259 and protrudingtabs 260 that extend fromupper end 259.Transparent panel 258 hasbottom end 261 andflanged sides Toaster 250 includesvertical frame members front portion 254.Transparent panel 258 is sized so as to frictional fit betweenvertical frame members flanged side 262 abuts the inner portion offrame member 266 andflanged side 264 abuts the inner portion offrame member 268. In order to attachpanel assembly 252 totoaster 250, theuser maneuvers panel 252 so that protrudingtabs 260 are inserted intoslots 256. The user then pivotspanel assembly 252 towardfront portion 254 oftoaster 250. Aspanel assembly 252 approachesfront portion 254,flanged sides vertical frame members panel assembly 252 fromtoaster 250, the user can use his or her finger tip or finger nail to prybottom end 261 outward. Once this is done, the user can then maneuverpanel assembly 252 so that protrudingtabs 260 are withdrawn fromslots 256. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , there is shown a toaster oven in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.Toaster oven 300 hasfront panel assembly 320 which comprisescolored member 322 andclear panel 324. For purposes of understanding this embodiment of the invention, a portion ofclear panel 324 is cut away to showcolored member 322.Toaster oven 300 is configured to have corresponding slots and channels, similar toslots channels coffee maker 20, to allowfront panel assembly 320 to be removably attached totoaster oven 300. - Referring to
FIGS. 7A and 7B , there is shown a specific embodiment of a toaster oven and panel assembly in accordance with the present invention.Toaster oven 350 has a recessed or sunkenfront portion 352 which surrounds acontrol panel 354.Toaster oven 350 hasdoor 356 which is not pertinent to the invention and therefore, is not discussed in detail.Front panel assembly 360 comprisestransparent panel 362 andcolored member 364 that is located behindtransparent member 362. Bothtransparent panel 362 andcolored member 364 are configured to have an opening to receivecontrol panel 354.Transparent panel 362 has atop end 368 and abottom end 369.Transparent panel 362 further includes resilient, rearwardly extendingmembers 372. As shown inFIG. 7A ,front portion 352 is surrounded bywall 374.Wall 374 hasupper portion 375 which has a pair of cavities or indentations (not shown). Each of these aforesaid cavities or indentations is sized to receive a corresponding protrudingtab 370.Front portion 352 has a pair of slots (not shown). Each of these slots is located on a respective side ofcontrol panel 354. Each of these aforesaid slots is sized for receiving a corresponding one of rearwardly extendingmembers 372, and is located at a predetermined location so as to create a frictional relationship between the perimetrical edge of each slot and the corresponding rearwardly, extendingmember 372. In order to attachfront panel assembly 360 totoaster oven 350, the user first maneuversfront panel assembly 360 so that protrudingtabs 370 are inserted into the corresponding cavities (not shown) inupper portion 375 ofwall 374. Next, the user then pivotsfront panel assembly 360 toward-toaster oven 350, as indicated byarrow 380, so that rearwardly extendingmembers 372 are inserted into corresponding slots (not shown) infront portion 352 andfront panel assembly 360 is completely disposed within the recessedfront portion 352. In order to removefront panel assembly 360 fromfront portion 352, the user can use his or her finger tip to prybottom end 369 oftransparent panel 362 outward. This enables the user to pullfront panel assembly 360 outward so that rearwardly extendingmembers 372 are withdrawn from the corresponding slots (not shown) infront portion 352. Once this is done, the user can then movefront panel assembly 360 downward so that protrudingtabs 370 are withdrawn from the indentations or cavities (not shown) inupper portion 375 ofwall 374. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , there is shown a coffee grinder in accordance with the invention.Coffee grinder 400 hasfront panel assembly 420 which comprisescolored member 422 andclear panel 424. For purposes of understanding this embodiment of the invention, a portion ofclear panel 424 is cut away to showcolored member 422.Coffee grinder 400 is configured to have corresponding slots and channels, similar toslots channels coffee maker 20, to allowfront panel assembly 420 to be removably attached tocoffee grinder 400. -
FIGS. 8A , 8B and 8C, illustrate one particular embodiment of a coffee grinder and front panel assembly in accordance with the invention.Coffee grinder 450 includesbowl 451 for holding coffee beans. However,bowl 451 is known in the art and is not pertinent to the invention and therefore, is not discussed in detail.Coffee grinder 450 further includescontrol panel 452 which has overhangingportion 453. Overhangingportion 453 has a bottom side (not shown) that has a channel (not shown) formed therein. The channel is similar tochannel 90 shown inFIG. 4D . The purpose of this channel in the bottom side ofoverhang 453 is described in the ensuing description.Coffee grinder 450 hassidewall 454 that has extendingportion 454A.Coffee grinder 450 includesopposite sidewall 455 that has extendingportion 455A.Coffee grinder 450 further comprisesfront portion 456 between extendingportions Front portion 456 has a generally convex curvature.Front panel assembly 460 comprisestransparent panel 462 and flexiblecolored member 464.Transparent panel 462 has a curvature that conforms to the curvature offront portion 456 ofcoffee grinder 450.Transparent panel 462 hastop end 466,bottom end 468 andflanged sides Top end 466 defineslip 474 that extends for the substantially the entire length oftop end 466.Transparent panel 462 hasexterior side 476 and an opposite, interior side (not shown).Flanged side 470 has protrudingportion 480.Flanged side 472 also has a protruding portion (not shown). The purpose of these protruding portions (e.g. portion 480) is discussed in the ensuing description.Colored member 464 is positioned against the interior side oftransparent panel 462 and is positioned betweenflanged sides colored member 464 conforms to the contour oftransparent panel 462.Coffee grinder 450 includes a pair of slots formed infront portion 456. One of these slots is shown asslot 490 which isadjacent wall portion 455A (seeFIGS. 8A and 8B ). The other slot (not shown) is adjacent to wallportion 454A. As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B , in order to attachfront panel assembly 460 tocoffee grinder 450, the user firstmaneuvers panel assembly 460 so thatlip 474 is inserted into the channel (not shown) formed in the underside ofoverhang 453. The user then pivots thepanel assembly 460 towardcoffee grinder 450, as indicated by arrow 491 (seeFIG. 8B ), so that the rearwardly extending portions ofsidewalls 470 and 472 (e.g. portion 480) are inserted into the slots formed in front portion 456 (e.g. slot 490) andfront panel assembly 460 completely coversfront portion 456 ofcoffee grinder 450. Whenfront panel assembly 460 is completely attached tofront portion 456,flanged sides transparent panel 462 confrontsidewall portions transparent panel 462 is sized so thatflanged sides contact sidewall portions panel assembly 460 fromfront portion 456, the user can use his or her finger tip to prybottom end 468 oftransparent panel 462 outward and away fromfront portion 456. Once this is done, the user can then maneuverfront panel assembly 460 so thatlip 474 is withdrawn from the channel (not shown) in the underside ofoverhang 453. - In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the front panel assembly (e.g. front panel assembly 22) is configured to be comprised only of a single, colored panel that can be removably attached to the front portion of the kitchen appliance. Such a single, colored panel replaces the separate transparent panel and the colored member described in the embodiments above. For example, in one embodiment, the aforesaid single, colored panel has the same structure as
panel 30 so as to allow the single, color panel to be removable attached to the front portion of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the single, colored panel is molded plastic. In a further embodiment, the single, colored panel is configured to have a pattern or design thereon that can be formed by any suitable method, e.g. printing, heat transfer, etc. - In a further embodiment, a leather panel is used in place of the transparent panel and colored member. In such an embodiment, the front panel assembly comprises a backing member that has the same structure as panel 30 (see
FIG. 1 ) and a piece of leather that is rigidly attached to the backing member. The backing member can be removably attached to the front portion of a kitchen appliance in the same manner thatpanel 30 is removably attached to thefront portion 26 of coffee maker 20 (seeFIGS. 1-4F ). - Referring to
FIG. 10 , there is shown an upper portion of acoffee maker 500 andfront panel assembly 502 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.Coffee maker 500 is similar tocoffee maker 20 described in the foregoing description. In this embodiment,front panel assembly 502 comprises asupport panel 504 and afabric 506 that is permanently attached to thesupport panel 504. A portion offabric 506 is cut away in order to showsupport panel 504.Support panel 504 is permanently attached to the front portion ofcoffee maker 500. Therefore, in this embodiment, a clear panel, such asclear panel 30 described in the foregoing description, is not used. In this embodiment,fabric 506 has the color desired by the user.Support panel 504 may be permanently attached to the front portion ofcoffee maker 500 by any suitable technique, e.g. adhesive, rivets, laminations, etc.Support panel 504 can be made from any suitable material, e.g. plastic, PVC. In an alternate embodiment, afabric 506 is not used, but rather, leather or synthetic leather is attached to supportpanel 504. - In an alternate embodiment,
support panel 504 is not used andfabric 506 is attached directly to the front portion of thecoffee maker 500. - Referring to
FIG. 11A , there is shown a front panel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.Front panel assembly 600 comprises substantiallytransparent panel 602 which is configured to function as a photo frame. Referring toFIG. 11B ,panel 602 hasfront side 604 andrear side 605.Rear side 605 faces the front portion of the kitchen appliance (e.g.front portion 26coffee maker 20 shown inFIG. 1 ).Panel 602 also includessides Side 606 hasrib 610 that extends vertically for substantially the entire height ofpanel 602. Similarly,side 608 hasrib 612 that extends vertically for substantially the entire height ofpanel 602.Panel 602 has a flanged,bottom end 614 andmembers 616 that extend from flangedbottom end 614.Panel 602 is configured to be removably attached to a front portion of a kitchen appliance in the same manner asfront panel 30, which was described in the foregoing description, is removably attached tofront portion 26 of coffee maker 20 (seeFIGS. 1-4F ). Thus, sides 606 and 608 are frictionally inserted into vertical channels on either side of a front portion of a kitchen appliance (similar tovertical channels FIG. 3 ), andmembers 616 are frictionally inserted into slots in the front portion of a kitchen appliance (similar to the manner in whichtabs 50 are inserted intoslots FIGS. 4E and 4F ). Referring toFIG. 11C ,template 630 is configured and shaped to allow a user to trim or crop a desiredphotograph 632 to a predetermined size that allows the user to insert the edges ofphotograph 632 behindribs photograph 632 confrontsinterior wall 605 ofpanel 602. Bottomflanged end 614 supportsphotograph 632 andribs photograph 632 in place. Oncephotograph 632 is completely inserted so that theentire photograph 632 can be seen throughpanel 602, the user can then attachfront panel assembly 600 to the front portion of the kitchen appliance. Although the foregoing description is in terms of a photograph being used withpanel 602, it is to be understood thattemplate 630 can be used to trim or crop any suitable decorative item, e.g. drawing, wallpaper, fabric, etc., so that such decorative item has a size commensurate withpanel 602 and the edges or peripheral portions of the decorative item can be inserted behindribs template 630 is provided with the kitchen appliance. - In an alternate embodiment,
panel 602 does not haveribs - In a preferred embodiment, the kitchen appliance of the invention is provided with a kit that comprises the front panel assemblies, color members and templates (e.g. template 630) to allow the user to change the color and/or aesthetic appearance of the kitchen appliance.
- The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein should not, however, be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, as these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description should be considered as exemplary in nature and not as limiting the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the attached claims.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/908,014 US20080203870A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 | 2006-02-08 | Kitchen Appliance Configured to Allow Variation of Aesthetic Appearance Thereof |
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US11/908,014 US20080203870A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 | 2006-02-08 | Kitchen Appliance Configured to Allow Variation of Aesthetic Appearance Thereof |
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US8555681B2 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2013-10-15 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh | Cover for an inspection glass of a washer and/or dryer door, washer and/or dryer door comprising a cover for an inspection glass, and washer and/or dryer comprising a door that has a cover for an inspection glass |
US8850957B2 (en) | 2008-04-22 | 2014-10-07 | Nestec S.A. | Modular assembly of a beverage preparation machine |
US20110041696A1 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2011-02-24 | Steve Aemisegger | Modular assembly of a beverage preparation machine |
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US20100109494A1 (en) * | 2008-11-05 | 2010-05-06 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Home Appliance and washing machine |
US10136768B2 (en) * | 2015-01-29 | 2018-11-27 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | Dispenser with metal sheet outer surface, support structure, metal sheet and manufacturing method |
US20180133709A1 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2018-05-17 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Laboratory instrument industrial design customization for customer personalization |
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Legal Events
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---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WESTON PRODUCTS, LLC, FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RILEY, LOUIS F., III, MR.;SIT, ANTONY, MR.;REEL/FRAME:020286/0399;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060126 TO 20060202 Owner name: ASCENT VANTAGE INDUSTRIAL LIMITED, CHINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RILEY, LOUIS F., III, MR.;SIT, ANTONY, MR.;REEL/FRAME:020286/0399;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060126 TO 20060202 Owner name: WESTON PRODUCTS, LLC,FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RILEY, LOUIS F., III, MR.;SIT, ANTONY, MR.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060126 TO 20060202;REEL/FRAME:020286/0399 Owner name: ASCENT VANTAGE INDUSTRIAL LIMITED,CHINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RILEY, LOUIS F., III, MR.;SIT, ANTONY, MR.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060126 TO 20060202;REEL/FRAME:020286/0399 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |