CA2112761A1 - Control knob assembly for a cooking appliance - Google Patents
Control knob assembly for a cooking applianceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2112761A1 CA2112761A1 CA002112761A CA2112761A CA2112761A1 CA 2112761 A1 CA2112761 A1 CA 2112761A1 CA 002112761 A CA002112761 A CA 002112761A CA 2112761 A CA2112761 A CA 2112761A CA 2112761 A1 CA2112761 A1 CA 2112761A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- control knob
- knob
- control
- assembly
- cooking appliance
- 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
Links
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 title claims description 34
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims 10
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C3/00—Stoves or ranges for gaseous fuels
- F24C3/12—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24C3/126—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices on ranges
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
- G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
- G05G1/087—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels retractable; Flush control knobs
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A control knob assembly includes a control knob and a track body disposed in the control knob. A cam arm mounted at one end thereof to the control knob contains on the other end a cam follower which rides in a track disposed within a top surface of the track body. The control knob is slidable over the track body, and is alternatively locatable in extended and retracted positions. When the control knob is located in a retracted position, the cam follower is releasably secured in a notch contained in the track. A pushbutton stop located in the control knob is spring-loaded to move to a radially extended position when the control knob is extended, thereby aligning the pushbutton stop with an extended portion of the track body, permitting actuation by the user of a two-step gas valve by sequentially depressing and rotating the control knob.
19.
A control knob assembly includes a control knob and a track body disposed in the control knob. A cam arm mounted at one end thereof to the control knob contains on the other end a cam follower which rides in a track disposed within a top surface of the track body. The control knob is slidable over the track body, and is alternatively locatable in extended and retracted positions. When the control knob is located in a retracted position, the cam follower is releasably secured in a notch contained in the track. A pushbutton stop located in the control knob is spring-loaded to move to a radially extended position when the control knob is extended, thereby aligning the pushbutton stop with an extended portion of the track body, permitting actuation by the user of a two-step gas valve by sequentially depressing and rotating the control knob.
19.
Description
PATENT
~2~127~
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
T I T L E
"CONTROL KNOB ASSENBLY FOR A COORING APPDOE~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a control knob assembly for a cooking appliance and particularly to a control knob assembly for a gas cooking appliance including a pop-out control knob located in a knob housing within the control panel of the cooXing appliance, for providing a flush-appearing control panel surface when the cooking appliance is not in use, and for providing a two-step actuation control of the cooking appliance when it is desired to energize the cooking appliance.
A safety requirement of the ~merican Gas Association is that, in order to open a gas valve in a cooking appliance, a two step operation must be used. Typically, such an operation includes a first step of depressing or pushing a knob, and a second step of turning a knob to select a desired setting. Existing gas valves or power switches designed for use in cooking appliances are designed to accommodate the required two-step operation, typically by incorporating a spring-loaded actuator shaft which must be axially displaced to release a catch before being rotated to select a desired setting. However, heretofore, the use of a pop-out control knob with such a valve has not been possible.
P~TENT
~ll 27~1 U.S. Patent No. 3,100,404, Boeddeker et al., discloses a retractable knob for use with a rotatable power switch in a cooking appliance.. A spring clip captures a shaft end when the control knob is depressed, thereby positively latching the knob in the retracted position. To release the control knob, a release member comprising an annular member moves along the shaft to release the clip. The control knob is urged forwardly by a spring, and moves to an extended position where it may be grasped by the user. A disadvantage to the disclosed knob is that operation of the knob in a two-step operation is not enabled. A
further disadvantage to the disclosed knob i8 that the mechanism for operating the control switch remains engaged when the control knob is depressed to retract the knob, potentially permitting inadvertent actuation of the power switch.
U.S. Patent No. 3,269,211, McGarry et al., discloses a retractable control knob for use with a rotatable power switch in a cooking appliance. A spring is captured by a catch element when the control knob is depressed, thereby retaining the knob in a recessed position. When it is desired to release the control knob, the handle is depressed inwardly, thereby relea~ing the spring, and accordingly the control knob, which is spring-loaded to automatically extend to a usable position. A disadvantage to the disclosed knob is that operation of the knob in a two-step operation is not enabled. A further disadvantage to the disclosed knob is that the mechanism for operating the control switch remains engaged when the control knob is depressed to retract the knob, potentially permitting inadvertent actuation of the power switch.
PATENT
21~2761 U.S. Patent No. 4,300,525, Delgado et al., discloses a non-retractable two-step knob assembly for a gas cooking appliance. A
cam portion on the control knob shank displaces a spring-loaded member when the knob is rotated to an "off" position, which member then returns to an extended position after the raised cam portion passes by, thereby preventing one-step rotation of the knob assembly once the knob assembly is placed in the "off" position.
The valve may be opened by pushing the knob assembly inwardly, which compresses a spring contained within the knob assembly. The cam moves forwardly to clear the spring-loaded member, thereby permitting the knob assembly to be rotated to an "on" position.
While the described arrangement permits two-step operation, a retractable control knob for a cooking appliance is not provided.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the previous control knobs for cooking appliances by providing a retractable two-step knob assembly for a cooking appliance. More particularly, the present invention includes a knob assembly which includes a spring-loaded pop-out button in the control knob, which both provides a means for sequentially depressing a valve or switch shaft, then rotating the shaft.
An advantage of the present invention is the capability of providing two-step operation of a valve or switch, while permitting retraction of the knob to provide additional safety and a flush control panel surface appearance. A further advantage of the present invention ia to provide a control knob assembly which 3.
, .. . .
PATENT
~2~127~
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
T I T L E
"CONTROL KNOB ASSENBLY FOR A COORING APPDOE~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a control knob assembly for a cooking appliance and particularly to a control knob assembly for a gas cooking appliance including a pop-out control knob located in a knob housing within the control panel of the cooXing appliance, for providing a flush-appearing control panel surface when the cooking appliance is not in use, and for providing a two-step actuation control of the cooking appliance when it is desired to energize the cooking appliance.
A safety requirement of the ~merican Gas Association is that, in order to open a gas valve in a cooking appliance, a two step operation must be used. Typically, such an operation includes a first step of depressing or pushing a knob, and a second step of turning a knob to select a desired setting. Existing gas valves or power switches designed for use in cooking appliances are designed to accommodate the required two-step operation, typically by incorporating a spring-loaded actuator shaft which must be axially displaced to release a catch before being rotated to select a desired setting. However, heretofore, the use of a pop-out control knob with such a valve has not been possible.
P~TENT
~ll 27~1 U.S. Patent No. 3,100,404, Boeddeker et al., discloses a retractable knob for use with a rotatable power switch in a cooking appliance.. A spring clip captures a shaft end when the control knob is depressed, thereby positively latching the knob in the retracted position. To release the control knob, a release member comprising an annular member moves along the shaft to release the clip. The control knob is urged forwardly by a spring, and moves to an extended position where it may be grasped by the user. A disadvantage to the disclosed knob is that operation of the knob in a two-step operation is not enabled. A
further disadvantage to the disclosed knob i8 that the mechanism for operating the control switch remains engaged when the control knob is depressed to retract the knob, potentially permitting inadvertent actuation of the power switch.
U.S. Patent No. 3,269,211, McGarry et al., discloses a retractable control knob for use with a rotatable power switch in a cooking appliance. A spring is captured by a catch element when the control knob is depressed, thereby retaining the knob in a recessed position. When it is desired to release the control knob, the handle is depressed inwardly, thereby relea~ing the spring, and accordingly the control knob, which is spring-loaded to automatically extend to a usable position. A disadvantage to the disclosed knob is that operation of the knob in a two-step operation is not enabled. A further disadvantage to the disclosed knob is that the mechanism for operating the control switch remains engaged when the control knob is depressed to retract the knob, potentially permitting inadvertent actuation of the power switch.
PATENT
21~2761 U.S. Patent No. 4,300,525, Delgado et al., discloses a non-retractable two-step knob assembly for a gas cooking appliance. A
cam portion on the control knob shank displaces a spring-loaded member when the knob is rotated to an "off" position, which member then returns to an extended position after the raised cam portion passes by, thereby preventing one-step rotation of the knob assembly once the knob assembly is placed in the "off" position.
The valve may be opened by pushing the knob assembly inwardly, which compresses a spring contained within the knob assembly. The cam moves forwardly to clear the spring-loaded member, thereby permitting the knob assembly to be rotated to an "on" position.
While the described arrangement permits two-step operation, a retractable control knob for a cooking appliance is not provided.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the previous control knobs for cooking appliances by providing a retractable two-step knob assembly for a cooking appliance. More particularly, the present invention includes a knob assembly which includes a spring-loaded pop-out button in the control knob, which both provides a means for sequentially depressing a valve or switch shaft, then rotating the shaft.
An advantage of the present invention is the capability of providing two-step operation of a valve or switch, while permitting retraction of the knob to provide additional safety and a flush control panel surface appearance. A further advantage of the present invention ia to provide a control knob assembly which 3.
, .. . .
PATENT
2~2761 may be retracted only when the control or switch is in an "off"
position. Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to provide a retractable two-step swit~h, which is prevented from inadvertent movement to an "on" position when the control knob is in the retracted position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages of the prior art control knob asse~blies for cooking appliances have been overcome. ~ control knob assembly includes a control knob body which is axially movable within a knob housing. The control knob body includes a generally hollow interior area in which is slidably disposed a track body. A valve or switch shaft extends longitudinally and i8 disposed within a channel which extends through the track body, and a shaft extension extends beyond the track body.
In another aspect of the present invention, the control knob includes a radially extending cutaway portion in which is disposed a spring-loaded pop-up button. When the control knob is released from the retracted position, and as it moves to an extended position, the pop-up button i8 urged by the spring into a radially extending position, so that a portion of the pop-up knob inside the control knob extends in close proximity to the end of the shaft extension.
PATENT
fd ~ 3L 2 7 6 1 Accordingly, when the control knob is pressed inwardly, the pop-up button engages the end of the shaft extension, thQreby enabling the user to rotate the knob to energize the cooking appliance. Advantageously, the portion of the pop-out button concealed by the knob body may be colored differently than the control knob, so that a clear visual indication of the condition of the control knob assembly is provided.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the track body includes a track in an upper surface. A cam arm extends from the control knob, the cam arm containing on an end portion thereof a cam follower which rides in the track when the control knob is depressed or extended. The track includes a notch in which the I cam follower is captured when the knob body is fully depressed.
¦ The knob body is spring-loaded against the track body, so that when the cam follower is released ~rom the notch by depressing the control knob, the control knob is urged by the spring to an extended, operative position.
In operation, the control knob is depressed inwardly by the user, which disengages the cam follower from the notch within the track. The control knob is urged outwardly over the track body by the control knob spring, whereupon, when the control knob is nearly fully extended, the pop-up knob is urged radially from the , control knob. Accordingly, the control knob may then be depressed and rotated in order to energize the cooking appliance. When it t iS desired to deenergize the cooking appliance, the knob body is rotated to the "off" position and the pop-up knob is depressed by the user to its retracted position. The control knob is then ~ urged inwardly to a retracted position within the control panel, s~ 30 where it provides a flush appearance within the cooking appliance.
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5.
PATENT
- '~il'276~
Brief Description of the Drawinas Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the control knob assembly.
Fig. 2 shows a top exploded view of the control knob assembly, with the knob housing cut away on line II-II of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a partially cut away perspective view of the control knob assembly, with the knob body in an extended position.
Fig. 4 shows a partially cut away perspective view of the control knob assembly, with the knob body in a retracted position.
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the control knob assembly positioned in a cooking appliance, with the knob body in an extended position.
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the knob assembly positioned in a cooking appliance, with the knob body in a retracted position.
Fig. 7 shows a rear elevational view of the track body from the viewpoint of line VII-VII in Fig. 2.
' / 6.
., ~, PATENT
2~27~1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with the invention as shown in the drawings, a cooking appliance (not shown) has a control knob assembly 10 which includes a knob housing 12. Particularly, aæ shown in FIG. 2, knob housing 12 includes a cylindrical wall 13 defining a cavity and having a longitudinal axis 16. Knob housing 12 is open at each end, and at a front end thereof is a radially extending disc-shaped bezel 14 for locating knob housing 12 within control panel 50 of a cooking appliance.
I On the interior wall of knob housing 12, a pair of opposed ¦ interior longitudinal grooves 18 extend forwardly from the rearward edge of knob housing 12, and terminate at a point rearwardly of the front end of knob housing 12. As shown in FIG.
2, an interior circumferential groove 19 extends the entire interior circumference of knob housing 12. The function of the longitudinal grooves 18 and circumferential groove 19 is discussed hereinafter in further detail.
j Control knob 20 is operable in an extended position, as shown in FIG. 5, and a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6. Control knob 20 is a cylindrical hollow body having a generally enclosed front end forming a user-depressible knob surface 21. A
pushbutton stop 22 includes an extension 23 over whlch is located a pushbutton stop spring 29. Pushbutton stop 22 i8 positioned within control knob 20, and is maintained within control knob 20 when control knob 20 is in an extended position by contact of retainer surfaces 26 with the interior wall of knob housing 12.
Pushbutton surface 25 of pushbutton stop 22 is depressible by the user, which acts to align actuating surface 28 with shaft 7.
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~l PATENT
2~27~1 extension 44. An indicator surface 24, which is visible when control knob 20 is in the extended position, provides a visual indication that control knob 20 is in an operative position.
~, In another aspect thereof, control knob 20 includes a pair of opposed outwardly extending bosses 30 disposed on opposite exterior sides thereof. Bosses 30 are positioned so as to be alignable with and slidable within longitudinal grooves 18 and circumferential groove 19 of knob housing 12.
Cam arm 32 extends rearwardly within control knob 20, and is mounted at its forward end to elongate ridge 37 of control knob 20 by means of slotted screw 36 and bushing 34, or other appropriate fastening means. At its rearward end, cam arm 32 includes a downwardly extending cam follower 33.
Positioned within control knob 20 is track body 40. Track 42 is disposed in an upper side of track body 40, as shown particularly in FIG. 2. Cam follower 33 is positioned to ride in track 42 when control knob 20 is extended or retracted. Track 42 includes, at its furthest rearward extent, a notch 43 for securing cam follower 33 when control knob 20 is placed in the retracted position, and a point 45 for dislocating cam follower 33 from . notch 43 when control knob 20 is depressed.
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As shown in FIG. 1, a shaft extension 44 is formed as part of track body 40, extending ~rom the front end of track body 40. As shown in Fig. 3, shaft extension 44 extends forwardly into control knob 20. Control knob spring 38 i3 disposed over shaft extension 44, such that force is exerted thereby on control knob 20. Control knob spring 38 causes control knob 20 to move forwardly to the forward limit of longitudinal grooves 18 when control knob 20 is released from the retracted position.
i In another aspect thereof, track body 40 includes a forwardly extending alignment tab 46. As shown in Fig. 4, when control knob 20 is retracted into knob housing 12, alignment tab 46 is disposed within transverse slot 35, thereby preventing unintended rotation of track body 40. An opening 47 in the opposite end of track body 40 as shown in Fig. 7 is formed such that gas valve sha~t 72 may be received therein, thereby engaging gas valve shaft 72, so that rotation of track body 40 causes rotation of gas valve shaft 72.
A retainer ring 60 secures knob housing 12 in place within opening 52 of control panel 50.
Gas valve 70 consists of a standard two-step operation gas valve, as is well known. An example of such a gas valve is that manufactured under the trade name Harper/Wyman, Model 1852.
Gas valve shaft 72 is moved rearwardly to disengage a lock or catch (not shown), whereupon, gas valve shaft 72 may be freely rotated to a selected operating position.
9.
, .
PATENT
~27~1 In the retracted position, control knob 20 remains nominally flush with bezel 14 of knob housing 12. To move control knob 20 ~ to the extended position, the user presses depressible knob ¦ surface 21, thereby disengaging cam follower 33 from notch 43 of ¦ 5 track 42 and releasing control knob 20. Control knob spring 38 forces control knob 20 forwardly within knob housing 12, until it reaches the furthermost forward extent of longitudinal grooves 18, whereupon the forward travel of control knob 20 is halted by bosses 30 of control knob 20.
As control knob 20 travels forwardly within knob housing 12, near its full extent of forward travel, pushbutton surface 25 of pushbutton stop 22 clears the inner wall of knob housing 12, permitting pushbutton stop spring 29 to force pushbutton stop 22 outwardly into an actuating position. As control knob 20 extends further to its furthermost forward position, retainer surfaces 26 of pushbutton stop 22 maintain contact with the inner wall o~ knob housing 12, thereby preventing pushbutton stop 22 from being ejected from control knob 20.
With control knob 20 in the fully extended position, actuation surface 28 of pushbutton stop 22 is positioned directly forwardly of shaft extension 44, as shown in FIG. 3. To actuate the valve, the user grasps control knob 20 and pushes inwardly, to the extent of travel permitted by the interference of pushbutton stop 22 with bezel 14 of knob housing 12. The rearward motion is ~, transmitted from control knob 20 through pushbutton stop 22, which forces shaft extension 44, and thereby track body 40, rearwardly.
Track body 40 displaces gas valve shaft 72 rearwardly, thereby disengaging the lock or catch associated therewith, and permitting the user to rotate the knob to a selected operating position.
10 .
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2 ~ ~ 2 7 ~1 In the aforementioned positiorl of control knob 20, wherein pushbutton stop 22 contacts bezel 14 of knob housing 12, bosses 30 j~ of control knob 20 align with with circumferential groove 19 of ¦ 5 knob housing 12. Accordingly, when control knob 20 is in a non-off operating position, bosses 30 prevent axial movement of control knob 20 within knob housing 12, so that the control knob 20 may not be placed in a retracted position.
,, When it is desired to deenergize gas valve 70, control knob 20 is rotated until pushbutton stop 22 is in a preselected off position. Preferably, for ease of use, pushbutton stop 22 projects upwardly when in an off position, as shown in FIGo 3~ To retract control knob 20, the user pushes pushbutton stop 22, thereby compressing pushbutton stop spring 29, until pushbutton stop 22 clears bezel 14 of knob housing 12. Next, the user presses depressible knob surface 21 of control knob 20, compressing control knob spring 38 and moving cam follower 33 rearwardly along track 42. As cam follower 33 reaches the furthermost rearward extent of track 42, point 45 directs cam follower 33 into notch 43, thereby capturing control knob 20 in a retracted position. In the retracted position, alignment tab 46 of track body 40 is captured within transverse slot 35~ thereby preventing rotation of control knob 20.
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.i ,, ~11 2 7 61 As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alter-ations and modifications which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specification and description. It should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifica-tions as reasonably and properly come within the scope of our contribut1on to the art.
12.
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position. Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to provide a retractable two-step swit~h, which is prevented from inadvertent movement to an "on" position when the control knob is in the retracted position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages of the prior art control knob asse~blies for cooking appliances have been overcome. ~ control knob assembly includes a control knob body which is axially movable within a knob housing. The control knob body includes a generally hollow interior area in which is slidably disposed a track body. A valve or switch shaft extends longitudinally and i8 disposed within a channel which extends through the track body, and a shaft extension extends beyond the track body.
In another aspect of the present invention, the control knob includes a radially extending cutaway portion in which is disposed a spring-loaded pop-up button. When the control knob is released from the retracted position, and as it moves to an extended position, the pop-up button i8 urged by the spring into a radially extending position, so that a portion of the pop-up knob inside the control knob extends in close proximity to the end of the shaft extension.
PATENT
fd ~ 3L 2 7 6 1 Accordingly, when the control knob is pressed inwardly, the pop-up button engages the end of the shaft extension, thQreby enabling the user to rotate the knob to energize the cooking appliance. Advantageously, the portion of the pop-out button concealed by the knob body may be colored differently than the control knob, so that a clear visual indication of the condition of the control knob assembly is provided.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the track body includes a track in an upper surface. A cam arm extends from the control knob, the cam arm containing on an end portion thereof a cam follower which rides in the track when the control knob is depressed or extended. The track includes a notch in which the I cam follower is captured when the knob body is fully depressed.
¦ The knob body is spring-loaded against the track body, so that when the cam follower is released ~rom the notch by depressing the control knob, the control knob is urged by the spring to an extended, operative position.
In operation, the control knob is depressed inwardly by the user, which disengages the cam follower from the notch within the track. The control knob is urged outwardly over the track body by the control knob spring, whereupon, when the control knob is nearly fully extended, the pop-up knob is urged radially from the , control knob. Accordingly, the control knob may then be depressed and rotated in order to energize the cooking appliance. When it t iS desired to deenergize the cooking appliance, the knob body is rotated to the "off" position and the pop-up knob is depressed by the user to its retracted position. The control knob is then ~ urged inwardly to a retracted position within the control panel, s~ 30 where it provides a flush appearance within the cooking appliance.
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5.
PATENT
- '~il'276~
Brief Description of the Drawinas Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the control knob assembly.
Fig. 2 shows a top exploded view of the control knob assembly, with the knob housing cut away on line II-II of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a partially cut away perspective view of the control knob assembly, with the knob body in an extended position.
Fig. 4 shows a partially cut away perspective view of the control knob assembly, with the knob body in a retracted position.
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the control knob assembly positioned in a cooking appliance, with the knob body in an extended position.
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the knob assembly positioned in a cooking appliance, with the knob body in a retracted position.
Fig. 7 shows a rear elevational view of the track body from the viewpoint of line VII-VII in Fig. 2.
' / 6.
., ~, PATENT
2~27~1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with the invention as shown in the drawings, a cooking appliance (not shown) has a control knob assembly 10 which includes a knob housing 12. Particularly, aæ shown in FIG. 2, knob housing 12 includes a cylindrical wall 13 defining a cavity and having a longitudinal axis 16. Knob housing 12 is open at each end, and at a front end thereof is a radially extending disc-shaped bezel 14 for locating knob housing 12 within control panel 50 of a cooking appliance.
I On the interior wall of knob housing 12, a pair of opposed ¦ interior longitudinal grooves 18 extend forwardly from the rearward edge of knob housing 12, and terminate at a point rearwardly of the front end of knob housing 12. As shown in FIG.
2, an interior circumferential groove 19 extends the entire interior circumference of knob housing 12. The function of the longitudinal grooves 18 and circumferential groove 19 is discussed hereinafter in further detail.
j Control knob 20 is operable in an extended position, as shown in FIG. 5, and a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6. Control knob 20 is a cylindrical hollow body having a generally enclosed front end forming a user-depressible knob surface 21. A
pushbutton stop 22 includes an extension 23 over whlch is located a pushbutton stop spring 29. Pushbutton stop 22 i8 positioned within control knob 20, and is maintained within control knob 20 when control knob 20 is in an extended position by contact of retainer surfaces 26 with the interior wall of knob housing 12.
Pushbutton surface 25 of pushbutton stop 22 is depressible by the user, which acts to align actuating surface 28 with shaft 7.
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~l PATENT
2~27~1 extension 44. An indicator surface 24, which is visible when control knob 20 is in the extended position, provides a visual indication that control knob 20 is in an operative position.
~, In another aspect thereof, control knob 20 includes a pair of opposed outwardly extending bosses 30 disposed on opposite exterior sides thereof. Bosses 30 are positioned so as to be alignable with and slidable within longitudinal grooves 18 and circumferential groove 19 of knob housing 12.
Cam arm 32 extends rearwardly within control knob 20, and is mounted at its forward end to elongate ridge 37 of control knob 20 by means of slotted screw 36 and bushing 34, or other appropriate fastening means. At its rearward end, cam arm 32 includes a downwardly extending cam follower 33.
Positioned within control knob 20 is track body 40. Track 42 is disposed in an upper side of track body 40, as shown particularly in FIG. 2. Cam follower 33 is positioned to ride in track 42 when control knob 20 is extended or retracted. Track 42 includes, at its furthest rearward extent, a notch 43 for securing cam follower 33 when control knob 20 is placed in the retracted position, and a point 45 for dislocating cam follower 33 from . notch 43 when control knob 20 is depressed.
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As shown in FIG. 1, a shaft extension 44 is formed as part of track body 40, extending ~rom the front end of track body 40. As shown in Fig. 3, shaft extension 44 extends forwardly into control knob 20. Control knob spring 38 i3 disposed over shaft extension 44, such that force is exerted thereby on control knob 20. Control knob spring 38 causes control knob 20 to move forwardly to the forward limit of longitudinal grooves 18 when control knob 20 is released from the retracted position.
i In another aspect thereof, track body 40 includes a forwardly extending alignment tab 46. As shown in Fig. 4, when control knob 20 is retracted into knob housing 12, alignment tab 46 is disposed within transverse slot 35, thereby preventing unintended rotation of track body 40. An opening 47 in the opposite end of track body 40 as shown in Fig. 7 is formed such that gas valve sha~t 72 may be received therein, thereby engaging gas valve shaft 72, so that rotation of track body 40 causes rotation of gas valve shaft 72.
A retainer ring 60 secures knob housing 12 in place within opening 52 of control panel 50.
Gas valve 70 consists of a standard two-step operation gas valve, as is well known. An example of such a gas valve is that manufactured under the trade name Harper/Wyman, Model 1852.
Gas valve shaft 72 is moved rearwardly to disengage a lock or catch (not shown), whereupon, gas valve shaft 72 may be freely rotated to a selected operating position.
9.
, .
PATENT
~27~1 In the retracted position, control knob 20 remains nominally flush with bezel 14 of knob housing 12. To move control knob 20 ~ to the extended position, the user presses depressible knob ¦ surface 21, thereby disengaging cam follower 33 from notch 43 of ¦ 5 track 42 and releasing control knob 20. Control knob spring 38 forces control knob 20 forwardly within knob housing 12, until it reaches the furthermost forward extent of longitudinal grooves 18, whereupon the forward travel of control knob 20 is halted by bosses 30 of control knob 20.
As control knob 20 travels forwardly within knob housing 12, near its full extent of forward travel, pushbutton surface 25 of pushbutton stop 22 clears the inner wall of knob housing 12, permitting pushbutton stop spring 29 to force pushbutton stop 22 outwardly into an actuating position. As control knob 20 extends further to its furthermost forward position, retainer surfaces 26 of pushbutton stop 22 maintain contact with the inner wall o~ knob housing 12, thereby preventing pushbutton stop 22 from being ejected from control knob 20.
With control knob 20 in the fully extended position, actuation surface 28 of pushbutton stop 22 is positioned directly forwardly of shaft extension 44, as shown in FIG. 3. To actuate the valve, the user grasps control knob 20 and pushes inwardly, to the extent of travel permitted by the interference of pushbutton stop 22 with bezel 14 of knob housing 12. The rearward motion is ~, transmitted from control knob 20 through pushbutton stop 22, which forces shaft extension 44, and thereby track body 40, rearwardly.
Track body 40 displaces gas valve shaft 72 rearwardly, thereby disengaging the lock or catch associated therewith, and permitting the user to rotate the knob to a selected operating position.
10 .
,, .
2 ~ ~ 2 7 ~1 In the aforementioned positiorl of control knob 20, wherein pushbutton stop 22 contacts bezel 14 of knob housing 12, bosses 30 j~ of control knob 20 align with with circumferential groove 19 of ¦ 5 knob housing 12. Accordingly, when control knob 20 is in a non-off operating position, bosses 30 prevent axial movement of control knob 20 within knob housing 12, so that the control knob 20 may not be placed in a retracted position.
,, When it is desired to deenergize gas valve 70, control knob 20 is rotated until pushbutton stop 22 is in a preselected off position. Preferably, for ease of use, pushbutton stop 22 projects upwardly when in an off position, as shown in FIGo 3~ To retract control knob 20, the user pushes pushbutton stop 22, thereby compressing pushbutton stop spring 29, until pushbutton stop 22 clears bezel 14 of knob housing 12. Next, the user presses depressible knob surface 21 of control knob 20, compressing control knob spring 38 and moving cam follower 33 rearwardly along track 42. As cam follower 33 reaches the furthermost rearward extent of track 42, point 45 directs cam follower 33 into notch 43, thereby capturing control knob 20 in a retracted position. In the retracted position, alignment tab 46 of track body 40 is captured within transverse slot 35~ thereby preventing rotation of control knob 20.
,~
~, : j .~
~, ., 11.
.i ,, ~11 2 7 61 As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alter-ations and modifications which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specification and description. It should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifica-tions as reasonably and properly come within the scope of our contribut1on to the art.
12.
~' ' ,,,
Claims (22)
1. A control knob assembly for a cooking appliance comprising:
a control knob, said control knob defining an axis and being rotatably movable around said axis between a first position for deenergizing said cooking appliance, and a second position for energizing said cooking appliance, said control knob being movable along said axis between a first, retracted position, and a second, extended position, means for operating said control knob by a two-step operation when said knob is in said second, extended position, said two-step operation including the first step of depressing said control knob axially, and the second step of rotating said knob about said axis to energize said cooking appliance.
a control knob, said control knob defining an axis and being rotatably movable around said axis between a first position for deenergizing said cooking appliance, and a second position for energizing said cooking appliance, said control knob being movable along said axis between a first, retracted position, and a second, extended position, means for operating said control knob by a two-step operation when said knob is in said second, extended position, said two-step operation including the first step of depressing said control knob axially, and the second step of rotating said knob about said axis to energize said cooking appliance.
2. The control knob assembly of Claim 1, said control knob further including means for limiting axial travel of said control knob when said control knob is axially depressed in said two-step operation.
3. The control knob assembly of Claim 2, said means for limiting axial travel of said control knob further including means for interfering with said cooking appliance.
13.
13.
4. The control knob assembly of claim 3, said interfering means further including a depressible button, whereby depressing said button permits said control knob to be movable to said retracted position.
5. The control knob assembly of claim 4, wherein said depressible button extends radially from said control knob when said control knob is in said extended position.
6. The control knob assembly of claim 4, said depressible button including a spring for urging said depressible button to said radially extended position.
7. The control knob assembly of Claim 1, said control knob including a spring for urging said control knob from said first, retracted position to said second, extended position.
8. The control knob assembly of Claim 1, further including means for preventing rotation of said control knob when said control knob is in said retracted position.
14.
14.
9. A control knob assembly for a cooking appliance comprising:
a control panel, a knob housing disposed in said control panel, a control knob disposed within said knob housing, said control knob being rotatably movable within said housing between a first position for deenergizing said cooking appliance, and a second position for energizing said cooking appliance, means for slidably moving said control knob within said housing between a first, retracted position and a second extended position, said control knob including means for rotating a valve having a shaft in two steps, including a first step, wherein said valve shaft is depressed axially, and in a second step wherein said valve shaft is rotated, said means for rotating a valve shaft being operable when said control knob is in said second extended position,
a control panel, a knob housing disposed in said control panel, a control knob disposed within said knob housing, said control knob being rotatably movable within said housing between a first position for deenergizing said cooking appliance, and a second position for energizing said cooking appliance, means for slidably moving said control knob within said housing between a first, retracted position and a second extended position, said control knob including means for rotating a valve having a shaft in two steps, including a first step, wherein said valve shaft is depressed axially, and in a second step wherein said valve shaft is rotated, said means for rotating a valve shaft being operable when said control knob is in said second extended position,
10. The control knob assembly of claim 9, said means for rotating a valve shaft being inoperable when said knob is in said first, retracted position.
15.
15.
11. The control knob assembly of claim 9, said means for rotating a valve further including means for limiting movement of said control knob toward said control panel when said control knob is in said second, extended position.
12. The control knob assembly of claim 11, said means for limiting movement of said control knob toward said control panel including means for interfering with said knob housing.
13. The control knob assembly of claim 12, said interfering means includes a depressible button operable in a first, interfering position and a second, noninterfering position, in which second, noninterfering position, said control knob is movable to said first, retracted position.
14. The control knob assembly of claim 13, said depressible button including a spring for urging said depressible button to said first, interfering position.
15. The control knob assembly of Claim 1, said control knob including a spring for urging said control knob from said first, retracted position to said second, extended position.
16.
16. A control knob assembly for a cooking appliance comprising:
a knob housing defining an axis disposed in a control panel of said cooking appliance, a control knob disposed within said knob housing, and extendable therefrom, said control knob being axially movable within said housing and axially locatable alternatively in a first, retracted, nonactuating position, a second, partially extended actuating position, and a third, extended actuating position, means for controlling said cooking appliance, said control means including a shaft for selectively operating said control means, said control knob being operable to selectively engage said shaft, said selective engaging means being disengaged when said control knob is in said first, retracted position, and engaged when said control knob is in said second, actuating position.
16. A control knob assembly for a cooking appliance comprising:
a knob housing defining an axis disposed in a control panel of said cooking appliance, a control knob disposed within said knob housing, and extendable therefrom, said control knob being axially movable within said housing and axially locatable alternatively in a first, retracted, nonactuating position, a second, partially extended actuating position, and a third, extended actuating position, means for controlling said cooking appliance, said control means including a shaft for selectively operating said control means, said control knob being operable to selectively engage said shaft, said selective engaging means being disengaged when said control knob is in said first, retracted position, and engaged when said control knob is in said second, actuating position.
17. The control knob assembly as set forth in Claim 16, said selective engaging means further being disengaged when said control knob is in said first, retracted nonactuating position.
17.
17.
18. The control knob assembly of claim 17, said control knob further including means for preventing movement of said control knob toward said control panel when said control knob is in said second, partially extended actuating position.
19. The control knob assembly of claim 18, said means for preventing movement of said control knob toward said control panel including means for interfering with said knob housing.
20. The control knob assembly of claim 19, said interfering means includes a depressible button operable in a first, interfering position and a second, noninterfering position, in which second, noninterfering position, said control knob is movable to said first, retracted position.
21. The control knob assembly of claim 20, said depressible button including a spring for urging said depressible button to said first, interfering position.
22. The control knob assembly of Claim 21, said control knob including a spring for urging said control knob from said first, retracted position to said third, extended position.
18.
18.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US77093A | 1993-01-05 | 1993-01-05 | |
| US08/000,770 | 1993-01-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2112761A1 true CA2112761A1 (en) | 1994-07-06 |
Family
ID=21692957
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002112761A Abandoned CA2112761A1 (en) | 1993-01-05 | 1994-01-04 | Control knob assembly for a cooking appliance |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2112761A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2469551A3 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2017-06-07 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Cooking appliance having pop-out type control knob assembly |
| CN110325795A (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2019-10-11 | Lg电子株式会社 | Knob assembly and cooking equipment including the knob assembly |
| US11162685B2 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2021-11-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Knob assembly for cook top |
| WO2022125025A1 (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2022-06-16 | Turaş Gaz Armatürleri̇ San. Ve Ti̇c. A.Ş. | A stage group for gas taps |
-
1994
- 1994-01-04 CA CA002112761A patent/CA2112761A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2469551A3 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2017-06-07 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Cooking appliance having pop-out type control knob assembly |
| CN110325795A (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2019-10-11 | Lg电子株式会社 | Knob assembly and cooking equipment including the knob assembly |
| EP3584502A4 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2021-04-21 | LG Electronics Inc. | Knob assembly and cooking apparatus including same |
| US11162685B2 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2021-11-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Knob assembly for cook top |
| US11649967B2 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2023-05-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Knob assembly for cook top |
| AU2021211990B2 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2023-09-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Knob assembly and cooking apparatus including the same |
| WO2022125025A1 (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2022-06-16 | Turaş Gaz Armatürleri̇ San. Ve Ti̇c. A.Ş. | A stage group for gas taps |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |