NZ575861A

NZ575861A - An appliance

Info

Publication number: NZ575861A
Application number: NZ575861A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Tony Robert Schipper
Original assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-26
Filing date: 2009-03-26
Publication date: 2009-07-31
Also published as: DE102009015010A1; AU2009201189A1; US20090243452A1

Abstract

An appliance comprising: a partition defining an exterior surface of the appliance, a decorative panel for mounting to the exterior surface, at least three adjustable mounting brackets each connected to either the exterior surface or the panel, and three or more channel portions each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets. Each channel portion is fixed to the other of the exterior surface and the panel than the respective mounting bracket is fixed to. Each adjustable mounting bracket includes an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion. The adjustable abutting members are adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plane.

Description

10057392216* ;NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 ;sp 1 ;16 ;m ;COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ;AN APPLIANCE ;We, FISHER & PAYKEL APPLIANCES LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand of 78 Springs Road, East Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: ;- 1 - ;FIELD OF THE INVENTION ;The field of the invention broadly relates to appliances with decorative panels mounted to the exterior. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART ;In general, the exterior of an appliance is finished in such a manner to attract potential customers and to be aesthetically pleasing. As a result, it is common for appliance manufacturers to produce products with a variety of different external finishes to provide for alternate tastes. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the visual effect appliances have on their surrounding environment. This is evidenced by the increasing number of appliances incorporating high cost finishing materials such as stainless steel or a wide array of coloured finishes. However, despite the vast range of consumer tastes, there are still only a small number of readily available appliance finishes. A number of attempts to address this issue have been previously proposed. ;Gross et al. in US 4,626,049 discloses the concept of a cabinet with built in refrigerator. In the proposed arrangement the cabinet and refrigerator have separate doors which pivot around different positions. When both doors are closed the refrigerator is concealed. The required connection between refrigerator and cabinet is complicated, however, as both doors move relative to each other during use. ;Ballarin et al. in EP 0 647 821, discloses a method of concealing an appliance wherein the appropriate decor is attached directly to the appliance. In particular, Ballarin teaches the incorporation of discreet fastening points recessed within the door of the appliance. The desired exterior decor can then be mounted to these fastening points and the fittings concealed from the user. This method of customization is simpler than that disclosed in Gross, however installation of the decorative panel requires precise alignment and accordingly is time consuming. ;Pelizzeri et al. in US patent US 6,536,856 teach an appliance with adjustable brackets for the purpose of mounting a decorative panel. This invention goes part way to alleviating the installation deficiencies of Ballarin et al. The panel is connected to the adjustable mounting brackets and the aligned with the surrounding cabinetry by using the camming arrangement provided. However the mechanism described to perform this function is complicated, employs a large number of parts and requires substantial modification of the appliance door. ;SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ;An object of the present invention is to provide an appliance with an improved mechanism for mounting a decorative panel or at least provide the public a useful choice. Another object is to provide an improved method for mounting a decorative panel to an appliance or at least provide the public with a useful choice. ;In a first preferred aspect the invention broadly consists in an appliance comprising: ;a partition defining an exterior surface of the appliance, ;a decorative panel for mounting to the exterior surface, ;at least three adjustable mounting brackets each connected to either the exterior surface or the panel, ;three or more channel portions cach adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets, each channel portion being fixed to the other of the exterior surface and the panel than the respective mounting bracket is fixed to, ;each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion, ;the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in said plane. ;In another preferred aspect the invention consists in an appliance comprising: ;a partition defining an exterior surface of the appliance, ;three or more adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to a decorative panel, ;three or more channel portions located on the exterior surface of the partition and each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets to collectively secure a decorative panel to the exterior surface, ;each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion, ;the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in said plane. ;In another preferred aspect the invention consists in a method of mounting a decorative panel to an appliance with channel portions located on an exterior surface comprising the steps of: ;1) hooking a decorative panel with a plurality with adjustable mounting brackets located thereon on to an external surface of an appliance so that at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets abuts with a channel portion on the appliance, ;2) adjusting at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets to align the decorative panel, ;and ;3) fastening the decorative panel to the appliance by further adjusting at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets until it is fully engaged with the respective channel portion to provide a substantially rigid connection to retain the panel in place. ;In another preferred aspect the invention consists in a kit of parts for mounting a decorative panel to an appliance comprising: ;a decorative panel for mounting to an exterior surface of the appliance, ;at least three adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to either the exterior surface or the panel, ;three or more channel portions each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets, each channel portion to be fixed to the other of the exterior surface and the panel than the respective mounting bracket is fixed to, ;each adjustable mounting bracket including in an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion in use, ;the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plain substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plain. ;In another preferred aspect the invention consists in a kit of parts comprising: ;a decorative panel for mounting to an exterior surface of an appliance, the appliance including three or more channel portions located on the exterior surface, ;at least three adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to the decorative panel and configured to interact with one of the channel portions, ;each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion in use, the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plain substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plain. ;This invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements, or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. ;The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims, means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting a statement in this specification and claims that includes "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. ;BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ;Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drawer style refrigerator incorporating the present invention. ;Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same refrigerator as pictured in Figure 1 with the exterior partition partially ajar. ;Figure 3 is a perspective view of a decorative panel incorporating the mounting brackets of the present invention. ;Figure 4 is a perspective view of the appliance from Figure 1, pictured with the adjustable mounting bracket engaged with the locating channel (shown without the decorative panel). ;Figure 5 is an exploded detail view of a preferred adjustable mounting assembly. ;Figure 6 is a side view of the mounting assembly of Figure 5. ;Figure 7 is a front view of the mounting assembly of Figure 5. ;Figure 8 is a perspective view of the appliance of Figure 1 picturing the fascia used to conceal the mounting brackets. ;Figure 9 is an schematic illustrating a preferred method of installation. ;DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ;Referring to Figures 1 through 4, an appliance 101 is pictured with a decorative panel 100 mounted to a partition or exterior surface 310. The appliance in this instance is a drawer style refrigerator. However, it is intended that the panel mounting mechanism described in this specification would be equally suitable for application to other appliances (for instance a hinged refrigerator or a dishwasher). In fact it is a distinct advantage of the panel mounting system disclosed that the mechanism be easily scalable such that it can be applied to a variety of different products. ;It is also preferable that the appliance 101 be fixed in place such that its position is not significandy altered during regular use. Such fixture may result solely from the weight of the appliance or alternatively may be provided by mechanical fasteners, which fix the appliance relative to its surroundings or adjacent cabinetry. ;Referring specifically to Figure 1, decorative panel 100 is illustrated mounted to an exterior surface of appliance 101. In this view appliance 101 is concealed by decorative panel 100. Both appliance 101 and decorative panel 100 are below the level of the bench top 102. Panel 100 is pictured with a handle 103 for accessing appliance 101. In a preferred embodiment panel 100 is secured substantially flush and aligned with the adjacent cabinetry. This is shown with respect to lower panel 104, but it is also desirable in regard to the cabinetry on either side which is not pictured. ;Appliance 101 may be provided with supports 105 or can alternatively be supported by either the existing cabinetry, or the floor as required. ;With reference to Figure 2, the appliance is partially open revealing the interior space of the appliance. It is only with the partition ajar that the appliance interior is visible. ;The adjustable mounting assemblies 311 of the present invention are pictured in Figure 3 connected to decorative panel 100. In the preferred embodiment, mounting assemblies 311 are connected to the interior side of panel 100 by mechanical fasteners. However it is anticipated that other substantially rigid methods of connection are feasible. Such methods may include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonding, injection moulding (particularly over-moulding) and fusion or welding depending on the material employed (plastic, metal etc). Alternatively the mounting assembly could be integrally formed with the exterior surface of partition 310. Panel 100 in combination with handle 103 and mounting assemblies 311 form panel assembly 312, which is pictured ready to connect to the front of appliance 101. In this embodiment two of the mounting assemblies 311 A, 31 IB are substantially aligned at the ;top of panel 100. In this format the two mounting assemblies 311A, 31 IB engage with two channel portions 420A, 420B on the upper section of partition 310. This engagement is pictured in more detail Figure 4. ;A single channel 420 is pictured in Figure 4 on the upper section of partition 310 running the width of the appliance partition. However it is envisaged that two separate channel sections could easily be substituted to achieve significandy the same result. Similarly the channel may extend around the entire perimeter of partition 310, including the vertical sections as shown in figure 4. It would be appreciated that such a configuration allows extra mounting assemblies to be employed around the entire perimeter. To encompass the various different alternatives without direct citation in each instance, reference is made to channel portions. The term channel portion throughout this specification is to be interpreted as a segment of channel with which a mounting bracket is intended to interact. It is anticipated that multiple channel portions 420A, 420B may reside on a section of channel 420. It is also anticipated that the channel portions need not be co-linear. ;With reference to Figure 5 an adjustable mounting assembly 311 is pictured in an exploded view. The pictured embodiment of adjustable mounting assembly 311 includes abutment 640, bracket 641, thread lock 642, and two fasteners 643. Side and front views of the mounting assembly 311 in Figure 5 are provided in Figures 6 and 7 respectively. ;In the pictured embodiment, mounting bracket 641 includes an aperture which is threaded in a complimentary manner to an exterior section of abutment 640. The threaded interface between abutment 640 and mounting assembly 311, permits adjustable extension of abutment 640 in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion. ;With reference to Figures 3 and 4, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As already described, two mounting assemblies 311 A, 31 IB are substantially aligned at the top of panel 100. During installation, abutments 640 of upper mounting assemblies 311 A, 31 I B are in direct contact with respective upper channel portions 420A, 420B of partition 310. This way the full weight of panel assembly 312 is supported while panel 100 is aligned with the surrounding cabinetry. In this position abutments 640 of upper mounting assemblies 311 A, 31 IB are restrained in a plane substantially parallel to that of the exterior surface of partition 310 by the respective lip sections of upper channel portions 420A, 420B. ;In this state, panel assembly 312 can be aligned horizontally, vertically and rotationally in a plane substantially parallel to exterior surface of partition 310. Horizontal adjustments can be made without any alteration of mounting assemblies 311. As lower mounting assembly 311C is not initially engaged, panel assembly 312 is not horizontally restrained by the mounting assemblies 311. Vertical adjustment of panel assembly 312 can be achieved by altering the length of abutment 640 between the channel portions 420A, 420B and the respective mounting brackets 641 in substantially equal amounts. ;Rotation adjustment of panel assembly 312 is achieved in a similar manner, except upper mounting assemblies 311A, 31 IB are adjusted independendy of one another. ;When panel assembly 312 is satisfactorily aligned with the surrounding cabinetry, lower mounting assembly 311C can be adjusted such that abutment 640 of lower mounting assembly 311C engages with the corresponding portion of the lower channel. This results in a substantially rigid connection between panel assembly 312 and appliance 101. It is the interface between abutments 640 and the respective channel portions that provide connection between exterior surface 310 and panel assembly 312. ;An alternate panel mounting method is presented in Figure 9. The method presented in this schematic is similar to that described above, except panel assembly 312 is removed from the exterior surface of partition 310 prior to adjustment of upper mounting assemblies 311A, 311B. The installer must therefore judge the necessary adjustment required to aligned panel 100 before removing panel assembly 312. This method is particularly applicable when there is not sufficient access to mounting assemblies 310 or major adjustments are required. ;When secured, panel assembly 312 is fixed in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of partition 310. Horizontal movement of panel assembly 312 is prevented by friction between abutments 640 and the respective channel portions. Vertical movement and rotation of panel assembly 312 is prevented by direct abutment. Appliance 101 may then be withdrawn or retracted by applying the appropriate force on handle 103. The applied force is transmitted through the interface between the mounting assembly 311 and the appliance 101. In particular, abutments 640 engage the lip of the respective channel portions in the direction of movement. It is preferred that abutments 640 and channel 420 be suitably sized to prevent play between panel assembly 312 and partition 310. ;The embodiment of the present invention described above therefore permits panel assembly 312 to be easily secured to appliance 101 without a complicated installation procedure. The configuration of mounting assemblies 311 and the respective channel portions permit 3 degrees of freedom (of which 2 are transnational and one rotational) with which to adjust panel assembly 312. ;- 9- ;As each mounting assembly 311 is independently adjustable, and the respective channel portions permit engagement at numerous horizontal locations, adjustable mounting assemblies 311 do not need to be precisely located on panel 100. Misalignment of mounting assemblies 311 during installation can be accounted for by appropriate adjustment of the abutments 640. The amount of adjustment available, and accordingly the accuracy required during installation, is determined by the length of abutments 640. ;Accordingly, the arrangement of adjustable mounting assemblies 311 pictured in Figure 3 is only an indication of the preferred arrangement. It is feasible to arrange the mounting assemblies such that there are two points of contact located on the lower surface of partition 310 and one point of contact on the upper surface. However, this embodiment requires that the weight of panel assembly 310 be supported by a single mounting assembly 311 during the installation process. In this situation upper mounting bracket 311 will act as a pivot point. This could introduce complications during installation if upper mounting assembly 311 is not in line with the centre of gravity of panel assembly 312, resulting in panel assembly 311 requiring additional support. ;It is anticipated that mounting assemblies 311 and corresponding channel portions 420 could be located vertically on panel 100 and appliance 101 respectively. Plowever, this embodiment requires that the user support the weight of panel assembly 312 during installation, which may be more difficult. ;It is also anticipated that additional brackets could be incorporated to prevent panel 100 from bowing when a force is applied to handle 103. This is particularly relevant with larger decorative panels, such as those associated with more traditional hinge style refrigerators, but is equally applicable to other appliances. Traditional hinge style refrigerators commonly have exterior surfaces which are significantly larger than those of the drawer style refrigerator pictured in Figures 1 and 2, and are also generally longer in a vertical direction than a horizontal direction. Tf no support is provided for the panel between the vertically separated horizontal sides of a traditional refrigerator, the panel could bow considerably when a force is applied to the panel (generally through the handle). To prevent substantial bowing in this situation, additional mounting assemblies may be used to brace the panel. As described earlier, these additional mounting assemblies could be located around the perimeter. ;With regard to hinged appliances, provisions may be required to compensate for the tight tolerances generally imposed by the surrounding cabinetry. Preferably such appliances incorporate a hinge that permits the moving partition to rotate within these constraints. In particular, it is desirable that the hinged axis, about which the partition rotates, be capable of moving to prevent clashing with the surrounding cabinetry. Hinges incorporating a four bar linkage hinge are commonly used for this ;- 10- ;purpose, however it is understood that alternate hinges that achieve the same functional could also be used. ;It is also feasible to use more than three mounting assemblies 311 to achieve the same functionality. However, to adequately secure panel assembly 312 a minimum of three points of contact are required. ;When panel assembly 312 is adequately aligned with the adjoining cabinetry and securely fastened to appliance 101, adjustable mounting assemblies 311 can be concealed by a fascia 830 as shown in Figure 8. Fascia 830 performs a primarily aesthetic function, but it is anticipated that it could incorporate a user interface to access various functions of the appliance. In the instance pictured, fascia 830 is attached by 'snap lock' connection. However various alternate methods of connection could easily be employed. It is desirable, although not essential, that fascia 830 be easily removable to provide access to adjustable mounting assemblies 311 during installation or adjustment. ;Although the embodiment of the present invention presented above describes the adjustable mounting assemblies 311 in relation to panel 100 and the respective channel portions in relation to exterior surface 310, it is anticipated that the location of these components be interchanged. In this situation adjustable mounting assemblies 311 would be attached to appliance 101 (through exterior surface 310), with the respective channel portions located on panel 100. ;Alternately some of the mounting assemblies 311 could be attached to the appliance 101 and others attached to the panel 100. In this instance the respective channel portions would be connected to the other of appliance 101 (through exterior surface 310) and panel 100. ;Where embodiments of the present invention include at least one channel portion connected to panel 100, it is desirable that these channel portions be oriented outwardly toward the exterior sides of panel 100. This then allows adequate access and adjustment of the respective mounting assemblies 311 from an outer position relative to appliance 101. Embodiments in which the channels are oriented inwardly toward the centre of panel 100 may require provisions to permit access to mounting assemblies 311. ;It should also be understood that although the preferred embodiment presented above describes the invention with particular reference to channel portions, other variations are also possible. Where specific reference is made to a channel, it should be understood that functional alternatives are also anticipated. Such instances include, but are not limited to, channels which incorporate least one surface of the object they are connected to (such as exterior surface 310 or panel 100) as part of the channel structure. It is also anticipated that a channel, as referenced in this specification, be comprised of a ;- 11 - ;recessed segment adjacent a substantially perpendicular abutting lip, or any other alternatives stemming from this type of structure. For the purpose of this specification these aspects should be interpreted as falling within the definition of "channel". ;It is equally anticipated that multiple channels could provide the substantially the same functionality. An example would be two individual channels that are sufficiently aligned and separated along the length of one of the horizontal edges of partition 310. It is also anticipated that there could be an equal number of channels 420 to mounting assemblies 311. It is also feasible that such a method of panel mounting be applied to an alternative surface of an appliance, not merely relating to a partition or door. ;Although it is preferable that the panel and mounting system are supplied with a compatible configured appliance, it is also anticipated that a kit of parts comprising the appropriate channel portions and mounting brackets could be used to retrofit a non-compatible appliance. ;It is also anticipated that an appliance manufactured in a compliant state (for example including the necessary channel portions on an appropriate outer surface), may incorporate a regular facia panel in place of an integrated or decorative panel. The decorative panel and required mounting assembly may then be sold as an optional upgrade kit to integrate the appliance into the purchaser's home. ;A kit of parts for retrofitting an appliance with a decorative panel would preferably comprise: ;a decorative panel for mounting to an exterior surface of the appliance, ;at least three adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to either the exterior surface or the panel, ;three or more channel portions each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets, each channel portion to be fixed to the other of the exterior surface and the panel than the respective mounting bracket is fixed to, ;each adjustable mounting bracket including in an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion in use, ;the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plain substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plain. ;Preferably each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentary threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, ;each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, the threaded ;- 12- ;interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channel portions. ;In the situation that the mounting arrangement and panel are supplied as an upgrade to a compatible appliance, the kit of parts would preferably comprise: ;a decorative panel for mounting to an exterior surface of an appliance, the appliance including three or more channel portions located on the exterior surface, ;at least three adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to the decorative panel and configured to interact with one of the channel portions, ;each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion in use, the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plain substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plain. ;Preferably each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentary threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, the threaded interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channel portions. ;A method of mounting a decorative panel to a compatible appliance incorporating the necessary channel portions using the mounting arrangement described above is illustrated in Figure 9 and comprises the steps of: ;1) hooking a decorative panel with a plurality with adjustable mounting brackets located thereon on to an external surface of an appliance so that at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets abuts with a channel portion on the appliance, ;2) adjusting at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets to align the decorative panel, ;and ;3) fastening the decorative panel to the appliance by further adjusting at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets until it is fully engaged with the respective channel portion to provide a substantially rigid connection to retain the panel in place. ;13- ;Preferably the mounting method further comprises sliding the panel in a direction transverse to the appliance to align the panel with surrounding cabinetry before fastening the panel to the appliance. ;Preferably the mounting arrangement supports the panel when it is hung on the appliance so that an installer can align the panel with the surrounding cabinetry without having to support the panel's weight. ;It is to be understood that this is just one embodiment of the present invention. It is anticipated various other alternate embodiments of the present invention are possible by incorporating different component variations which would still fall under the scope of the present invention. ;PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ;Preferably each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentarily threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, ;each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, ;the threaded interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channel portions. ;Preferably the channel portions are located on the exterior surface of the partition. ;Preferably at least three channel portions are aligned substantially horizontally. ;Preferably at least two mounting brackets prevent significant bowing of the panel when a force is applied to the panel to open the partition. ;Preferably at least two adjustable mounting brackets engage the appliance on an upper section of the partition and at least one adjustable mounting bracket engages the appliance on a lower section of the partition. ;Preferably the respective two or more upper channel portions are portions of a single channel located adjacent the top edge of the exterior surface. ;Preferably adjustment of the panel is possible while the panel is supported by one or more adjustable mounting brackets and the respective one or more channel portions. ;- 1.4- ;Preferably equal adjustment of the one or more adjustable mounting brackets supporting the panel results in translation of the panel in a first direction. ;Preferably the panel can slideably translate in a second direction. ;Preferably independent adjustment of the one or more adjustable mounting brackets supporting die panel results in rotation of the panel in said plane. ;Preferably the method of mounting the panel further comprises sliding the panel in a direction transverse to this appliance to align the panel with surrounding cabinetry before fastening. ;Preferably the method of mounting the panel further comprises sliding the panel in a direction transverse to this appliance to align the panel with surrounding cabinetry before fastening. ;- 15- *

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An appliance comprising: a partition defining an exterior surface of the appliance, a decorative panel for mounting to the exterior surface, at least three adjustable mounting brackets each connected to either the exterior surface or the panel, three or more channel portions each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets, each channel portion being fixed to the other of the exterior surface and the panel than the respective mounting bracket is fixed to, each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion, the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in said plane.

2. An appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentarily threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, the threaded interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channcl portions.

3. An appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the channel portions arc located on the exterior surface of the partition.

4. An appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least three channel portions are aligned substantially horizontally.

5. An appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least two mounting brackets prevent significant bowing of the panel when a force is applied to the panel to open the partition. - 16-

6. An appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least two adjustable mounting brackets engage the appliance on an upper section of the partition and at least one adjustable mounting bracket engages the appliance on a lower section of the partition.

7. An appliance in accordance with claim 6, wherein the respective two or more upper channel portions are portions of a single channel located adjacent the top edge of the exterior surface.

8. An appliance in accordance with claim 6, wherein adjustment of the panel is possible while the panel is supported by one or more adjustable mounting brackets and the respective one or more channel portions.

9. An appliance in accordance with claim 8, wherein equal adjustment of the one or more adjustable mounting brackets supporting the panel results in translation of the panel in a first direction.

10. An appliance in accordance with claim 8, wherein the panel can slideably translate in a second direction.

11. An appliance in accordance with claim 8, wherein independent adjustment of the one or more adjustable mounting brackets supporting the panel results in rotation of the panel in said plane.

12. An appliance comprising: a partition defining an exterior surface of the appliance, three or more adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to a decorative panel, three or more channel portions located on the exterior surface of the partition and each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets to collectively secure a decorative panel to the exterior surface, each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion, the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plane substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in said plane. - 17-

13. Ail appliance in accordance with claim 12, wherein each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentarily threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, the threaded interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channel portions.

14. An appliance in accordance with claim 12, wherein the channel portions are aligned substantially horizontally.

15. An appliance in accordance with claim 12, wherein at least two mounting brackets prevent significant bowing of the panel when a force is applied to the panel to open the partition.

16. An appliance in accordance with claim 12, wherein at least two adjustable mounting brackets engage the appliance on an upper section of the partition and at least one adjustable mounting bracket engages the appliance on a lower section of the partition.

17. An appliance in accordance with claim 16, wherein the two or more respective upper channel portions are portions of a single channel located adjacent the top edge of the exterior surface.

18. An appliance in accordance with claim 16, wherein adjustment of the panel is possible while the panel is supported by one or more adjustable mounting brackets and the respective one or more channel portions.

19. An appliance in accordance with claim 18, wherein equal adjustment of the one or more adjustable mounting brackets supporting the panel results in translation of the panel in a first direction.

20. An appliance in accordance with claim 18, wherein the panel can slideably translate in a second direction.

21. An appliance in accordance with claim 18, wherein independent adjustment of the one or more adjustable mounting brackets supporting the panel results in rotation of the panel in said plane. - 18-

22. A method of mounting a decotative panel to an appliance with channel portions located on an exterior surface comprising the steps of: 1) hooking a decorative panel with a plurality with adjustable mounting brackets located thereon on to an external surface of an appliance so that at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets abuts with a channel portion on the appliance, 2) adjusting at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets to align the decorative panel, and 3) fastening the decorative panel to the appliance by further adjusting at least one of the adjustable mounting brackets until it is fully engaged with the respective channel portion to provide a substantially rigid connection to retain the panel in place.

23. A method of mounting a decorative panel to an appliance in accordance with claim 22, further comprising sliding the panel in a direction transverse to this appliance to align the panel with surrounding cabinetry before fastening.

24. A method of mounting a decorative panel to an appliance in accordance with claim 22, wherein the mounting arrangement supports the panel when it is hung on the appliance so that an installer can align the panel with the surrounding cabinetry without having to support the panel's weight.

25. A kit of parts for mounting a decorative panel to an appliance comprising: a decorative panel for mounting to an exterior surface of the appliance, at least three adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to either the exterior surface or the panel, three or more channel portions each adapted to interact with one of the adjustable mounting brackets, each channel portion to be fixed to the other of the exterior surface and the panel than the respective mounting bracket is fixed to, each adjustable mounting bracket including in an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion in use, the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plain substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plain. - 19-

26. A kit of parts in accordance with claim 25, wherein each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentary threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, the threaded interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channel portions.

27. A kit of parts comprising: a decorative panel for mounting to an exterior surface of an appliance, the appliance including three or more channel portions located on the exterior surface, at least three adjustable mounting brackets adapted to connect to the decorative panel and configured to interact with one of the channel portions, each adjustable mounting bracket including an abutting member having adjustable extension in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective channel portion in use, the adjustable abutting members adapted to engage in the respective channel portions to collectively secure the panel in a plain substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the appliance and permit horizontal, vertical and rotational adjustment of the panel in the plain.

28. A kit of parts in accordance with claim 27, wherein each adjustable mounting bracket includes a threaded aperture adapted to engage with a complimentary threaded exterior section on a corresponding abutment to form a threaded interface, each threaded interface permitting the adjustable extension of the respective abutment, the threaded interfaces collectively providing a substantially rigid connection when the abutments are fully engaged with the respective channel portions.

29. An appliance as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

30. A kit of parts as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings

31. A method of mounting a panel or the exterior of an appliance as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings