CN113384213A - Device for fixing a skirting to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for securing a kick to a built-in dishwasher. The device comprises a holder configured to be fixed to a surface of the kick that faces the front of the dishwasher in a use state of the device. The device also includes a locator configured to be coupled to the dishwasher and connectable to the holder. The positioner extends along a main deployment direction (MD) and comprises a plurality of modular elements that are or can be connected to each other. The connection between the modular elements allows the length (L) of the locator to be adjusted, allowing the device to cover the distance (D) defined between the kick and the dishwasher in the use condition.

Description

Device for fixing a skirting to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for fastening a kick (plinth) to an embedded household appliance, in particular an embedded dishwasher.

The invention also relates to a method for fixing a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher.

Background

Built-in dishwashers are generally used for integration into kitchen furniture, more particularly into a dedicated space above bounded by the countertop of an integrated kitchen. The front of the kitchen furniture generally has a recessed lower portion, where a kick is usually provided, for covering a correspondingly recessed lower portion of a dishwasher provided therein.

The recessed lower portion of the kitchen furniture has a predetermined depth, which may be different from the recessed lower portion of the dishwasher.

It is therefore necessary to adjust the relative position of the kick and the recessed lower portion of the dishwasher, for example by means of a fastening mechanism. The use and installation of known fastening mechanisms at recessed lower portions of kitchen furniture, which typically have little room, is complicated. European patent EP2786692B1 discloses a device for fastening a kick to a built-in dishwasher.

Disclosure of Invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide a device that enables to fix a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, in a simple and effective way.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a device that makes it possible to fix a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, in a safe and stable manner.

Another object of the invention is to disclose a method for safely and securely fixing a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, which allows a particularly fine adjustment of the distance between the kick and the household appliance, so that the kick fixed to the household appliance can be easily kept flush with the kick of pieces of furniture fixed to adjacent household appliances.

Another object of the invention is to disclose a device and a method that enable fixing of a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, in a plurality of different available space conditions.

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide an almost universal device and a method for fastening a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, in a simple and effective manner.

Various aspects of the invention are described below. Any of the aspects may be combined in accordance with dependencies between the aspects indicated below and/or with any of the appended claims.

A first aspect relates to a device for fixing a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, comprising:

a holder configured to be fixed to a surface of the kick that faces the front of the dishwasher in a use state of the device;

a locator configured to be coupled to the dishwasher and connectable to the holder, the locator extending along a main deployment direction and comprising a plurality of modular elements connected or connectable to each other, the connection between the modular elements allowing the length of the locator to be adjusted, allowing the device to cover a distance defined between the kick and the dishwasher in a use state.

In a second aspect according to the first aspect, the locators are monolithic and the modular elements are connected to each other, the locators being configured to allow adjustment of their length by cutting.

In a third aspect according to the first or second aspect, the locator is configured to be cut at discrete locations, thereby defining a plurality of discrete lengths.

In a fourth aspect according to the first or second or third aspect, the locator comprises a plurality of continuous reference elements, for example ridges, each defining a discrete location at or near which the locator is configured to be cut to a predetermined discrete length.

In a fifth aspect according to the first or second or third aspect, the locator comprises an externally threaded portion extending continuously along the main deployment direction, the locator being configured to cut at any location along the externally threaded portion.

In a sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the holder is configured to continuously move along the male screw portion.

In a seventh aspect according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the holder is configured to serve as a cutting reference, the holder being positioned at a cutting position defined along the external threaded portion in a cutting state of the retainer, a portion of the retainer defined between an end of the retainer and a reference surface of the holder being a portion to be cut off, the reference surface of the holder being intended to be fixed to a surface of the kick that faces the front of the dishwasher in a use state of the device.

In an eighth aspect according to the fifth or sixth or seventh aspect, the retainer has an internal threaded portion configured to interact with an external threaded portion of the positioner to continuously move the retainer in a main deployment direction of the positioner.

In a ninth aspect according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the retainer has a circular shape.

In a tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect, the retainer has a through hole at which the retainer is disposed in the use state of the device, and a ring portion surrounding the through hole, the ring portion being configured to be engaged to a surface of the kick leg that faces the front of the dishwasher in the use state of the device.

In an eleventh aspect according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the retainer comprises a neck portion extending transversely to the annular portion and having an axial extension greater than the axial extension of the annular portion, the neck portion being configured to be coupled to the retainer to move the retainer in the main deployment direction.

In a twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the neck portion is concentric with the ring portion.

In a thirteenth aspect according to the first aspect, the modular elements are separate elements connectable to each other.

In a fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect, each modular element comprises a socket and an engaging element defined on opposite sides of the modular element, the socket being configured to receive the engaging element of an adjacent first modular element and the engaging element being configured to engage at the socket of an adjacent second modular element, the adjacent first and second modular elements being opposite to each other with respect to said modular element.

In a fifteenth aspect according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the modular elements are configured to be interlocked to define a desired length of the positioner.

In a sixteenth aspect according to the fifteenth aspect, the modular elements are configured to be detachably interlocked with each other.

In a seventeenth aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the positioner comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other with respect to the main deployment direction, and the holder comprises a receiving portion configured to receive the first end of the positioner in a use state of the device.

In an eighteenth aspect according to the seventeenth aspect, the accommodating portion includes a groove that is vertically provided in a use state of the holder, and the first end portion of the retainer is configured to slide along the groove.

In a nineteenth aspect according to the eighteenth aspect, the first end of the locator is at least partially complementary to the groove shape.

In a twentieth aspect according to the seventeenth or eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, the retainer comprises a flat plate configured to be engaged onto the surface of the kick by means of one or more screws.

In a twenty-first aspect according to the twentieth aspect, the flat plate comprises at least one through hole or a plurality of through holes, each configured to receive a respective screw.

In a twenty-second aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the locator comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other with respect to the main deployment direction, the device further comprising a restraining element configured to engage onto the front of the dishwasher and to restrain the locator onto the front of the dishwasher, the restraining element being arranged or engaged at or near the second end of the locator.

In a twenty-third aspect according to the twenty-second aspect, the restriction element is configured to engage by a snap connection to an engagement member provided at the front of the dishwasher.

In a twenty-fourth aspect according to the twenty-second or twenty-third aspect, the restriction element is configured to enclose an engagement member provided at the front of the dishwasher.

In a twenty-fifth aspect according to the twenty-second or twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect, the restraining element is shaped as a cuff.

A twenty-sixth aspect relates to a method of securing a kick to a built-in dishwasher, comprising the steps of:

-providing a kick;

-providing at least one device for securing a kick to a built-in dishwasher, optionally according to any one of the preceding aspects and/or any one of the appended device claims, the locator comprising a first end and a second end opposite to each other with respect to the main deployment direction;

-adjusting the length of the positioner by connecting or cutting out one or more modular elements or a part thereof;

-engaging the device to the kick optionally at or near the first end of the locator;

-engaging the device to the front of the dishwasher, optionally at or near the second end of the locator.

In a twenty-seventh aspect according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the step of adjusting the length of the positioner by connecting a plurality of modular elements comprises connecting, optionally interlocking, a plurality of individual modular elements.

In a twenty-eighth aspect according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the positioner comprises an externally threaded portion extending continuously along the main deployment direction, the positioner is configured to cut at any location along the externally threaded portion, and the step of adjusting the length of the positioner by cutting away one or more modular elements or portions thereof comprises:

-positioning the holder at a cutting position defined along the external threaded portion;

-cutting off a portion of the locator defined between an end of the locator and a reference surface of the holder, the reference surface of the holder being intended to be fixed to a surface of the kick that faces the front of the dishwasher in a use condition of the device.

In a twenty-ninth aspect according to the twenty-eighth aspect, positioning the retainer at the cutting position defined along the externally threaded portion comprises rotating the retainer along the externally threaded portion of the positioner.

In a thirtieth aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth aspects, the step of engaging the device to the kick at or near the first end of the locator comprises the steps of:

-arranging the holder at a first end of the locator at or near the kick, optionally with a surface of the holder abutting a surface of the kick facing a front of the dishwasher in a use state of the device;

-engaging the retainer to the kick.

In a thirty-first aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to thirty-first aspects, the retainer includes a receiving portion configured to receive the first end portion of the retainer, and the method includes receiving the first end portion of the retainer at the receiving portion.

In a thirty-second aspect according to the thirty-first aspect, the receptacle includes a groove, for example a vertically disposed groove, and the method includes the step of sliding the first end of the locator vertically along the groove.

In a thirty-third aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to thirty-second aspects, the holder comprises a flat plate, and the step of engaging the holder to the kick foot comprises screwing the flat plate to the surface of the kick foot.

In a thirty-fourth aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to thirty-second aspects, the retainer comprises a ring portion, and the step of engaging the retainer to the kick foot comprises screwing the ring portion to the surface of the kick foot.

In a thirty-fifth aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to thirty-fourth aspects, the method further comprises the steps of:

-providing a restraining element configured to be coupled to a front portion of the dishwasher;

-engaging or disposing a restraining element at or near the second end of the locator;

-constraining the positioner to the front of the dishwasher by means of a constraining element.

In a thirty-sixth aspect according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the step of restraining the positioner onto the front of the dishwasher by means of the restraining element comprises snap-connecting the restraining element to an engagement member provided at the front of the dishwasher.

In a thirty-seventh aspect according to the thirty-fifth or thirty-sixth aspect, the step of restraining the positioner onto the front of the dishwasher by means of a restraining element comprises enclosing an engagement member provided at the front of the dishwasher by means of a restraining element.

In a thirty-eighth aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to thirty-seventh aspects, the step of adjusting the length of the locator is performed before the step of engaging the device to the kick optionally at or near the first end of the locator.

In a thirty-ninth aspect according to any of the twenty-sixth to thirty-eighth aspects, the step of engaging the device to the kick, optionally at or near the first end of the locator, is performed before the step of engaging the device to the front of the dishwasher, optionally at or near the second end of the locator.

In a forty-fourth aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to thirty-ninth aspects, the step of engaging the device to the front of the dishwasher, optionally at or near the second end of the locator, comprises accessing the kick to the front of the dishwasher after the device has been engaged thereto.

In a forty-first aspect according to any one of the twenty-sixth to forty-fourth aspects, the step of providing at least one means for securing a kick to a built-in dishwasher according to any one of the preceding aspects and/or any one of the appended device claims comprises providing a first means and a second means.

In a forty-second aspect according to the forty-first aspect, the step of engaging the device to the kick at or near the first end of the locator comprises engaging the first end of the locator of the first device, for example by means of the holder of the first device, and the first end of the locator of the second device at or near the respective end of the kick, for example by means of the holder of the second device, the ends of the kick being opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal extension of the kick.

In a forty-third aspect according to the forty-first or forty-second aspect, the step of engaging the device to the front of the dishwasher at or near the second end of the locator comprises engaging the second end of the locator of the first device, for example by means of the restraining element of the first device, and engaging the second end of the locator of the second device to a respective engagement member provided at the front of the dishwasher, for example by means of the restraining element of the second device.

A forty-fourth aspect relates to the use of a device for securing a kick to a built-in dishwasher according to any one of the first to twenty-fifth aspects and/or according to any one of the appended device claims.

In a forty-fifth aspect according to the forty-fourth aspect, the use of an apparatus comprises carrying out a method according to any one of the twenty-sixth to forty-third aspects and/or according to any attached method claim.

Drawings

The invention will be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a retainer (left side) and a retainer (right side) of a device for fixing a kick to an embedded dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

figure 2 shows an engaging member of the dishwasher (left side) arranged at the front of the dishwasher to which the device of figure 1 is configured to engage and a cutting step (right side) of the method according to the invention;

fig. 3 shows a step of joining two holders of the type shown in fig. 1 to a kick by means of screws according to the method of the invention;

fig. 4 shows a method step following the method step shown in fig. 3, in which a pair of positioners according to fig. 1 is shown, the positioner on the left being in an exploded view with respect to the holder, the positioner on the right being coupled to the kick by means of the respective holder, a respective constraining element being coupled to each positioner;

fig. 5 shows a method step, in which, after coupling the locator to the kick by means of a corresponding holder according to the method step of fig. 4, the kick, which holds the device according to the first embodiment of the invention, approaches the front of the dishwasher;

fig. 6 shows a device for fixing a kick to a built-in dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a method step involving the device of FIG. 6, wherein the holder has been placed in a cutting position relative to the externally threaded portion of the positioner, i.e., the portion of the positioner extending to the left of the holder is the portion to be cut away;

fig. 8 shows a method step following the method step of fig. 7, in which the locator has been cut and the holder of the device of fig. 6 abuts a surface of the kick before it is attached to the kick by means of a plurality of screws;

FIG. 9 shows a kick with the device of FIG. 8 engaged proximate a front of the dishwasher;

fig. 10 shows a retainer of a device for securing a kick to a built-in dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the retainer comprises a plurality of separate modular elements that are connectable to each other.

Detailed Description

Although in the following disclosure reference will be made to an embedded dishwasher, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this type of household appliance, but is applicable to any type of embedded household appliance, i.e. to any type of household appliance for insertion into an integrated kitchen. Thus, the implementation of the invention on an embedded dishwasher represents only a preferred implementation. Merely for the purpose of providing further examples, the present invention may actually be implemented on a built-in washing machine, a built-in laundry dryer, a built-in oven, a built-in refrigerator or a built-in freezer, etc.

It should be noted that in the detailed description that follows, corresponding parts shown in the various drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. These figures may illustrate the object of the invention, namely the device for fixing the kick to the built-in dishwasher and the relative method for fixing the kick to the built-in dishwasher, by means of illustrations that are not to scale; accordingly, the parts and components shown in the drawings, which are relevant for the purpose of the present invention, may be referred to only as schematic illustrations. In the context of the present description, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "beside", "lateral", "horizontal", "vertical", "front", "rear", "behind" and the like, makes reference to at least one spatial orientation that a device according to the invention may usually assume in the operating state or in the use state. In this respect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate at least one possible spatial orientation of the device according to the invention. The terms "state" or "configuration" may be used interchangeably herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

The following definitions may apply in the context herein:

the expression "means for fixing the kick to the built-in dishwasher" means any device configured to fix the kick to the built-in dishwasher;

the term "locator" refers to an element of the device configured to locate the device according to the invention with respect to the kick and/or the front of the dishwasher. The positioner may comprise a single component or a plurality of components;

the term "retainer" refers to an element configured to engage and retain the retainer on the kick;

the term "modular element" refers to an element of the positioner that repeatedly appears along the positioner itself;

"state of use of the device" means that the holder, the positioner and the restraining element (where provided) are assembled in the state of use of the device.

Device for fixing skirting to embedded dish washing machine

The present invention relates to a device 1 for securing a kick 21 to a built-in dishwasher 100. The device 1 comprises a holder 2 and a positioner 3. Both the holder 2 and the retainer 3 are preferably made of a plastic material. The holder 2 is configured to be fixed to a surface 21a of the kick 21 facing the front 100a of the dishwasher 100. The retainer 3 is connectable to the dishwasher 100 and the holder 2, and is configured to be coupled to the kick 21 by means of the holder 2. The retainer 3 has a certain length L. The retainer 3 is configured to be coupled at respective portions thereof to a surface 21a of the kick 21 facing the dishwasher 100 and to a front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. As will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures, the positioner 3 comprises a plurality of modular elements 4 which are or can be connected to each other. The length of the positioner 3 is configured to be adjusted by managing the connections between the modular elements. According to the invention, the length L of the locator 3 is adjusted to allow the device 1 to cover, in the use condition, a distance D to be established between the kick 21 and the engagement member 101 of the dishwasher 100 provided at the front portion 100a thereof (see the left side of fig. 2). By covering this distance D, the device 1 allows a desired positioning of the kick with respect to the dishwasher 100. The retainer 3 extends in its basic configuration (see fig. 1 and 6) or its assembled configuration (see fig. 10, in which the retainer 3 is assembled) between the first end 3a and the second end 3b along the main deployment direction MD. The first end 3a and the second end 3b of the retainer 3 are opposite to each other with respect to the main deployment direction MD. The device 1 further comprises a constraining element 5 arranged at the second end 3b of the positioner 3 and opposite the holder 2. The restriction element 5 is configured to be coupled to an engagement member 101 provided at the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. As shown in fig. 2, a distance D may be defined between a surface 21a of kick 21 disposed at a desired fixed location and a front surface of engaging member 101. The engagement member 101 may be a leg of the dishwasher 100 having a substantially cylindrical portion which may be enclosed by the restrained element 5.

Fig. 1 to 5 show a device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, which is described in the following paragraphs. The retainers 3 are monolithic and therefore the modular elements 4 of the retainers are firmly connected to each other. As shown on the right side of fig. 2, the series of modular elements 4 is clearly shown in a side view of the device 1. The locator 3 of the device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention is configured to cut at discrete positions defined along the length L of the locator 3 to adjust its length L to the distance D between the kick 21 and the front 100a of the dishwasher 100. In this respect, the cutting operation of the positioner 3 is schematically shown on its right side, see fig. 2. The cutting operation of the positioner 3 may achieve the desired distance D of the device 1. Each modular element 4 comprises a reference element 4a, the purpose of which is to allow the locator to make cuts at discrete positions. In the first embodiment, each reference element comprises a ridge 4a and a valley 4b defined between each pair of adjacent ridges 4 a. The cutting operation of the locator 3 may be performed at a determined recess 4b, which recess 4b defines discrete positions corresponding to the desired locator distance D to be covered.

To allow fine adjustment of the distance D (and thus precise positioning of the kick 21), the spacing between the ridges 4a is as small as possible, in coordination with the need to ensure that the locator 3 has the proper stiffness. Preferably, the spacing between the ridges 4a is less than or equal to 4 mm. More preferably, the spacing between the ridges 4a is less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

As mentioned above, the constraining element 5 is provided at the second end 3b of the locator 3. The restraining element 5 is configured to engage to an engaging member 101 provided at the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 and thereby restrain the locator 3 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 (see fig. 5 and its details). The restriction element 5 may be configured to be engaged to the engagement member 101 via a snap connection. According to a possible variant of the present embodiment, the constraint element 5 can be coupled to the engaging member 101 in alternative ways. As shown in fig. 1, the constraining element 5 can have a cuff shape configured to allow it to enclose the engaging member 101, allowing an engagement therebetween which is at the same time stable (thus ensuring a firm support of the kick) and easily separable (thus allowing an easy and quick removal of the kick, for example for cleaning and maintenance operations). The constraint element 5 advantageously comprises two elastic tabs for snap engagement on the engagement member 101.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the holder is essentially a flat plate 2, as shown in fig. 1, 3 and 4. The plate 2 comprises a housing configured to house a first end 3a of the locator 3 in a use condition of the device 1. In the first embodiment, the accommodation is essentially a groove 2a, along which the first end 3a of the retainer 3 is configured to slide to reach a desired vertical position, and thus to reach a desired height at which the retainer 3 is to be mounted. In the use state of the holder, the groove 2a is vertically arranged (see the right side of fig. 1), so that the first end 3a of the retainer 3 can slide vertically along the groove 2 a. For sliding along the groove 2a, the first end 3a of the retainer 3 may be at least partially complementary in shape to the groove 2 a.

The holder 2 comprises an anchoring mechanism allowing the holder 2 to be fastened to the kick 1. In one configuration of holder 2, such anchoring means comprise a plurality of holes 2b configured to receive respective screws 6, so as to allow engagement of the holder to a kick 21 (see fig. 3). This configuration of the holder is particularly preferred when the kick is a wooden element.

The first embodiment is particularly advantageous in that, by cutting the locator 3 at discrete cutting positions along the main development direction MD, the cutting operation is easily and quickly performed, due to the presence of the reference element 4a indicating the feasible cutting position.

Fig. 6 to 9 show a device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Similar to the device of the first embodiment of the invention, the locator 3 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention is monolithic and is configured to cut to adjust its length L according to the distance D to be established between the kick 21 and the front 100a of the dishwasher 100. Unlike the first embodiment described above, in which the locator 3 can only cut at discrete locations, the locator 3 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention can cut at any location along its length L. In this way, the device 1 according to the second embodiment can be of a substantially universal type, allowing to fix the device 1 to any distance D defined between the kick 21 and the front 100a of the dishwasher 100 and comprised between a portion of the length L of the locator 3 (a portion of the length L that can be obtained by cutting the locator 3) and the entire length L of the locator 3 (without cutting the locator 3). As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the retainer 3 comprises an externally threaded portion 7 extending continuously along the main deployment direction MD and having at least partially rotational symmetry. The main deployment direction MD of the positioner may be defined by a main deployment axis MA. The modular element 4 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment can be represented by a complete rotation (torsion) of the external threaded portion 7 around the main deployment axis. The retainer 3 is configured to cut at any location along the male threaded portion 7. The cutting operation of the fixture 3 will be described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

The restriction element 5 of the device 1 is arranged at the second end 3b of the positioner. As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the constraint element 5 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention may have the same features as the constraint element 5 of the device 1 according to the first embodiment.

With regard to the holder 2, it should be noted that it is configured to move continuously along the male thread portion 7 — see in this respect fig. 6 and 7. A continuous movement of the holder 2 along the positioner 3 is possible, as the holder 2 has an internal thread configured for interacting with the external thread 7 of the positioner 3. The holder 2 has a through hole and an annular portion 2c surrounding the through hole. The through-hole substantially coincides with the accommodating portion 2 a. The annular portion 2c has a determined axial extension and is configured to abut and engage with a surface 21a of the kick 21 which, in the use condition of the device 1, faces the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 (see fig. 8). As shown in fig. 6 to 9, in the use state of the device 1, the retainer 3 is disposed at the through hole. As anchoring means, the annular portion 2c advantageously has a plurality of holes 2b, the purpose of which is to allow the engagement of the holder 2 to the kick 21 by means of respective screws 6. The holder 2 may further comprise a neck portion 2d concentric with the annular portion 2c and extending transversely to the annular portion 2 c. The neck portion 2d has an axial extension greater than that of the annular portion 2 c. The neck 2d is configured to be coupled to the positioner 3 so as to move the holder 2 along the main deployment axis MA. In order to allow the holder 2 to continuously move along the male screw portion 7 of the retainer 3, an internal screw portion of the holder 2 may be defined at least at an inner surface of the neck portion 2 d. The holder 2 is configured to serve as a cutting reference, which can allow the positioner 3 to be cut at any desired length defined along the externally threaded portion 7 of the positioner 3. In the cutting state of the positioner, the holder 2 is positioned at a cutting position defined along the male screw portion 7 (see fig. 7). The portion of the retainer 3 defined between the first end 3a of the retainer 3 and the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 is a portion to be cut away — in this regard, see fig. 7 in which the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 is a left side surface of the holder 2, and the portion to be cut away is a portion defined on the left side of fig. 7 beyond the reference surface 2e of the holder 2. As shown in fig. 8, the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 is intended to abut and be fixed to a surface 21a of the kick 21 which, in the use condition of the device 1, faces the front 100a of the dishwasher 100. Since the neck 2d forms an extended contact area between the retainer 3 and the holder 2, a possible irregular cut of the retainer 3 does not compromise at all the reliability of the coupling between the retainer 3 and the holder 2 and, therefore, the securing of the kick 21 to the dishwasher 100.

The second embodiment is particularly advantageous in that by cutting the positioner 3 at any position along the main deployment axis MA, any desired length L of the positioner 3, and hence any desired distance D to be covered by the device 1, can be achieved. The second embodiment allows for continuous adjustment of the length of the locator 3, and thus for finer adjustment of the distance between the kick 21 and the dishwasher 100, than the previous embodiment, which only allows for discrete adjustment of the length of the locator in accordance with the spacing of the ridges 4 a.

Due to the continuous adjustment described above, it is not necessary to consider a small pitch for the external thread portion 7 of the retainer 3 and the internal thread portion of the holder 2. Accordingly, a strong threaded portion having a large pitch, such as 1.5mm, may also be employed.

Fig. 10 shows a fixture 3 of a device 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. According to a third embodiment, the modular elements 4 are separate elements of the positioner 3 that can be connected to each other. The modular elements 4 are advantageously made of plastic material. In the use condition of the device 1, the modular elements 4 are in the assembled configuration. With regard to the assembly configuration of the modular elements 4, reference is made to fig. 10, which shows the final operation of the assembly step of the locator 3. As shown in fig. 10, each modular element 4 comprises a seat 4c and an engaging element 4d defined on opposite sides of the modular element 4. The socket 4c of a modular element 4 (as shown in exploded configuration in fig. 10) is configured to receive the engaging element 4d of an adjacent first modular element 4 (as shown on the left side of the modular element in exploded configuration in fig. 10), and the engaging element 4d of that modular element 4 is configured to engage at the socket 4c of an adjacent second modular element 4 (as shown on the right side of the modular element in exploded configuration in fig. 10). Adjacent first and second modular elements 4, 4 are opposite each other with respect to said modular elements 4. The socket 4c is defined by a recess of the modular element 4 and the engaging element 4d is a protrusion of the modular element 4. The female and male portions are defined with respect to a central body 4e of the modular element 4 and are opposite each other with respect to this central body 4 e. The socket 4c and the engaging element 4d, which are configured to engage, are complementary in shape. In more detail, in the embodiment shown in fig. 10, each socket 4c is substantially defined by a recessed space of a T-shape, and each engaging element 4d is substantially defined by a projection of a T-shape. In a possible variant of this embodiment, the socket 4c and the engaging element 4d may have a different shape than what is shown in fig. 10.

The modular elements 4 may be substantially equal in length. Alternatively, the modular elements 4 may have at least two different lengths: in this case, longer modular elements can be used for faster assembly of the locator 3 on the side adjacent to the base 100a of the dishwasher, and shorter modular elements can be used for fine adjustment of the distance D on the side adjacent to the kick 21.

The constraint element 5 of the device 1 according to the third embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the constraint element 5 according to the first embodiment and is associated with a modular element positioned at one end of the locator 3, such modular end comprising an engagement element 4d configured to be housed in a seat 4c of an adjacent modular element 4. The holder 2 of the device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may have the same features as the holder 2 of the device 1 according to the first embodiment.

The third embodiment is particularly advantageous in that no material is wasted by assembling the exact number of modular elements 4 required to achieve the desired length of the positioner 3 and thus the desired distance D to be covered by the device.

Regardless of the specific embodiment, two devices 1 according to the invention may be required in order to couple the kick 21 to the dishwasher 100. In this respect, with reference to fig. 3 to 5, two holders 2 are shown, each of which can be engaged at or near a respective portion 21b, 21c of a kick 21 defined along the longitudinal extension of the kick 21 (see fig. 3) and each of which is configured to engage with a respective locator 3 at a first end thereof (see fig. 4). The distance between the locators 3 is equal to or corresponds to the distance between the respective engagement members 101 of each device 1 with which the restraining element 5 should be configured to engage. In this way, the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 can be stably and symmetrically engaged with the kick 21.

Method for fixing skirting to embedded dish washing machine

The invention also relates to a method of securing a kick 21 to a built-in dishwasher 100. The method makes use of at least one device 1 of the type described above and a kick 21.

In order to adapt the device 1 to its fixation purpose, the method provides for adjusting the length L of the positioner 3. The step of adjusting the length L of the positioner 3 is performed by connecting one or more modular elements 4 or by cutting out one or more modular elements 4 or a part thereof.

The step of cutting out one or more modular elements 4 or a portion thereof is preferably performed on the device 1 according to the first or second embodiment described above. According to a first embodiment, the step of cutting out one or more modular elements 4 or a portion thereof is performed as described above, i.e. the locator 3 is cut at or near a reference element, such as a ridge, in particular at a recess defined between adjacent ridges. Cutting the locators 3 at discrete positions may achieve a discrete length of the locators 3 corresponding to the particular distance D to be covered (see the right side of fig. 2). According to the second embodiment in which the retainer 3 is configured to cut at any position along the male screw portion 7, the cutting step is performed by continuously moving the holder 2 along the male screw portion 7 of the retainer 3 as described above. Once the holder 2 is positioned at the cutting position defined along the male thread portion 7, the cutting step is performed by cutting away the portion of the locator 3 defined between the first end 3a of the locator 3 and the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 (see fig. 7).

In any feasible embodiment involving a cutting step, such as the first and second embodiments, the cutting step may be performed by any cutting method or cutting tool suitable for cutting the material from which the locator is made.

When performed on the device 1 according to the third embodiment, the step of adjusting the length L of the positioner 3 is performed by connecting a plurality of modular elements 4. In this respect reference is made to fig. 10, which shows the modular elements 4 in an exploded configuration with respect to the adjacent modular elements 4 to be connected thereto (with respect to the modular elements thereof located on the right and left sides).

The method comprises engaging the device 1 to a kick 21. The engagement of device 1 with kick 21 is performed by engaging first end 3a of locator 3 to holder 2, which has previously been engaged to kick 21 (see fig. 4), allowing device 1 to be fixed to kick 21. Engagement of holder 2 with kick 21 is schematically illustrated in fig. 3-as mentioned above, engagement of holder 2 with kick 21 may be performed by means of a plurality of screws 6. The step of adjusting the length L of the locator 3 is performed before engaging the device 1 to the kick 21.

The method further comprises engaging the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. As shown in the series of fig. 3, 4 and 5, the step of engaging the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 is performed after the device 1 has been engaged to the kick 21. The engagement of the device 1 with the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 is performed by engaging the restraining element 5, provided in the vicinity of the second end 3b of the locator 3, to an engaging member 101 provided at the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. In other words, the step of engaging the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 is carried out by constraining the locator 3 to the engaging member 101 by means of the constraining element 5. The constraint of the constraint element 5 on the engagement member 101 may be performed by snap-connecting the constraint element 5 to the engagement member 101. The constraint of the constraining element 5 on the engaging member 101 is performed by enclosing the engaging member 101 by means of the constraining element 5 (intentionally shaped like a ferrule). The result of this step is that the locator 3 is constrained near its second end 3b and is therefore engaged to the front 100a of the dishwasher 100.

In this way, i.e. by coupling the device 1 to the kick 21 and to the front 100a of the dishwasher 100, the device 1 is arranged with respect to the built-in dishwasher 100 and the kick 21 such that the first end 3a of the locator 3 is in the vicinity of the kick 21 and faces the kick 21 and the second end 3b of the locator is in the vicinity of the front 100a of the dishwasher 100 and faces the front 100a of the dishwasher 100 (see details of fig. 5 and 9).

The method may provide for securing two devices 1 to a single kick 21 and a corresponding portion of the front 100a of the dishwasher 100. Considering that each holder 2 of each of the two devices 1 can be engaged at or near a respective end 21b, 21c of a kick 21 defined along the longitudinal extension of the kick 21 (see fig. 3), it is possible to fix both devices 1 to a single kick 21 according to what has been described above.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention makes it possible to provide a device for fixing a kick to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher, wherein the configuration of the locator allows the kick to be mounted at a suitable distance from the dishwasher, since the locator is essentially a body whose length can be adjusted according to the desired position of the kick with respect to the dishwasher. Furthermore, the removable connection between the holder and the locator allows for a precise mounting of the kick, and also allows for easy removal of the kick from the dishwasher, for example for cleaning and maintenance operations.

The present invention enables at least the following further related advantages to be obtained.

First of all, the device 1 and the method according to the invention allow to fix the kick 21 to the built-in dishwasher 100 in a fast and efficient manner. This can be achieved by cutting one or more modular elements 4 of the monolithic positioner 3 or a part thereof (first and second embodiments) or connecting separate modular elements 4 of the positioner 3 (third embodiment).

Furthermore, by using the device 1 and by implementing the method according to the invention, it is possible to fix the kick 21 simply and securely to the built-in dishwasher 100.

Moreover, the device 1 and the method according to the invention allow the horizontal and vertical position of the device 1 and the continuous vertical positioning of the kick 21 to be easily adjusted.

The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and characterized by a combination of any and all of the various aspects described herein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a front portion having an engagement member. A kick extends along the front portion. The device is operatively coupled to the engagement member and operatively coupled to the kick. The apparatus includes a retainer operatively coupled to the kick, a locator operatively coupled to the retainer, and a plurality of modular elements extending from the locator and configured to adjust a length of the locator. Each modular element is removably coupled to an adjacent modular element, and a length defined by selectively removing at least one modular element at least partially defines a distance defined between the kick and the front.

According to another aspect, the locator includes a plurality of reference elements, each defining a discrete position with at least one modular element configured to be removed.

According to another aspect, the retainer includes an externally threaded portion that extends continuously along a main deployment direction of the retainer, and the externally threaded portion includes a plurality of modular elements defined along the main deployment direction.

According to another aspect, the retainer is operatively coupled to the externally threaded portion and configured to translate along the externally threaded portion.

According to another aspect, the holder comprises a reference surface and the male threaded portion comprises a cutting position, and the reference surface comprises a cutting reference at least partially defined by the cutting position of the male threaded portion.

According to another aspect, the reference surface of the retainer is operatively coupled to the kick adjacent the front.

According to another aspect, the device further comprises a restraining element operatively coupled to the positioner, and the device is coupled to the anterior engagement member via the restraining element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a lid assembly for a dishwasher includes a kick panel having an attachment surface. The retainer is operatively coupled to the attachment surface of the kick. A positioner is operatively coupled to the holder and has a modular element including a first modular element and a second modular element. The second modular element is removably coupled to the first modular element and the second modular element. The second modular element is removably coupled to the first modular element at discrete locations defined along the positioner.

According to another aspect, the retainer includes a ring portion defining a through-hole, and the ring portion is operatively coupled to the attachment surface of the kick.

According to another aspect, the first modular element and the second modular element are separate elements, and the first modular element is selectively and removably coupled to the second modular element.

According to another aspect, the first and second modular elements each comprise a socket and an engaging element, and the engaging element of the first modular element is selectively disposed within the socket of the second modular element.

According to another aspect, the locator defines a cutting location and the holder defines a cutting reference adjacent the cutting location.

According to another aspect, the first modular element is selectively removed from the second modular element at a cutting location.

According to another aspect, the retainer includes a receptacle and the retainer has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the retainer is selectively disposed within the receptacle of the retainer.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of coupling a kick to an appliance includes the step of providing a device including a locator having a first end and a second end and defining a primary deployment direction along the locator. The method further includes the step of adjusting the length of the positioner by selectively adjusting the positioner via the plurality of modular elements. The method also includes the steps of coupling the device to the kick near a first end of the locator and coupling the device to a front of the appliance near a second end of the locator.

According to another aspect, the method further comprises the step of adjusting the length of the positioner comprises removing at least one modular element from the plurality of modular elements.

According to another aspect, the method further comprises the step of removing at least one modular element comprises cutting the locator at a cutting location.

According to another aspect, the method further includes the step of the cutting positioner including positioning the holder adjacent the cutting location along the positioner and using the holder as a cutting reference.

According to another aspect, the method further comprises the step of adjusting the length of the positioner includes adding a modular element to the plurality of modular elements.

According to another aspect, the method further comprises the step of adding a modular element comprising positioning an engaging element of the modular element in a seat of one of the plurality of modular elements.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure and construction of other components described are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (and all forms thereof, coupled, and the like) generally refers to the connection of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or may be movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connections may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or separable in nature.

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

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

Claims (20)

1. An electrical appliance, comprising:

a front portion having an engagement member;

a kick extending along the front portion;

a device operatively coupled to the engagement member and operatively coupled to the kick, the device comprising:

a retainer operatively coupled to the kick;

a retainer operatively coupled to the holder; and

a plurality of modular elements extending from the locator and configured for adjusting a length of the locator, wherein each of the modular elements is removably coupled to an adjacent modular element, and wherein a length defined by selectively removing at least one of the modular elements at least partially defines a distance defined between the kick leg and the front portion.

2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the locator includes a plurality of reference elements, each defining a discrete position with at least one of the modular elements configured to be removed.

3. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the locator comprises an externally threaded portion extending continuously along a main deployment direction of the locator, and wherein the externally threaded portion comprises a plurality of the modular elements defined along the main deployment direction.

4. The appliance of claim 3, wherein the retainer is operatively coupled to the externally threaded portion and configured to translate along the externally threaded portion.

5. The appliance of claim 3, wherein the retainer includes a reference surface and the externally threaded portion includes a cutting location, and wherein the reference surface includes a cutting reference defined at least in part by the cutting location of the externally threaded portion.

6. The appliance of claim 5, wherein the reference surface of the holder is operatively coupled to the kick adjacent the front.

7. The appliance of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device further comprises a restraining element operatively coupled to the positioner, and wherein the device is coupled to the engagement member of the front portion via the restraining element.

8. A lid assembly for a dishwasher, comprising:

a kick having an attachment surface;

a retainer operatively coupled to the attachment surface of the kick;

a retainer operatively coupled to the holder and having modular elements, the modular elements including a first modular element and a second modular element, wherein the second modular element is removably coupled to the first modular element at discrete locations defined along the retainer; and

a constraining element operatively coupled to the positioner.

9. The cover plate assembly of claim 8, wherein the retainer includes a ring portion defining a through-hole, and wherein the ring portion is operatively coupled to the attachment surface of the kick plate.

10. The cover plate assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second modular elements are separate elements, and wherein the first modular element is selectively and removably coupled to the second modular element.

11. The cover plate assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second modular elements each comprise a socket and an engagement element, and wherein the engagement element of the first modular element is selectively disposed within the socket of the second modular element.

12. The cover plate assembly of claim 8, wherein the locator defines a cutting location, and wherein the retainer defines a cutting reference adjacent the cutting location.

13. The cover plate assembly of claim 12, wherein the first modular element is selectively removed from the second modular element at the cutting location.

14. The closure assembly of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the retainer includes a receptacle and the retainer has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the retainer is selectively disposed within the receptacle of the retainer.

15. A method of coupling a kick to an appliance, comprising the steps of:

providing a device comprising a positioner having a first end and a second end and defining a main deployment direction along the positioner;

adjusting a length of the positioner by selectively adjusting the positioner via a plurality of modular elements;

coupling the device to the kick near the first end of the locator; and

coupling the device to a front of the appliance near the second end of the locator.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adjusting the length of the retainer comprises removing at least one of the modular elements from the plurality of modular elements.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of removing at least one of the modular elements comprises cutting the locator at a cutting location.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein cutting the positioner includes positioning a holder along the positioner near the cutting location and using the holder as a cutting reference.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adjusting the length of the positioner includes adding a modular element to the plurality of modular elements.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of adding modular elements comprises positioning an engagement element of the modular element in a socket of one of the plurality of modular elements.

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