US3392720A

US3392720A - Accessory trim means for domestic appliance

Info

Publication number: US3392720A
Application number: US609446A
Authority: US
Inventors: George R Sherman
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 1967-01-16
Filing date: 1967-01-16
Publication date: 1968-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 1985-07-16

Description

J ly 16. 1968 5. R. SHERMAN 3,392,720

ACCESSORY TRIM MEANS FOR DOMESTIC APPLIANCE Filed Jan. 16, 1967 INVENTOR. GEORGE R. SHERMAN ms ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,392,720 ACCESSORY TRIM MEANS FUR DOMESTIC APPLIANCE George R. Sherman, Louisville, Ky., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed Jan. 16, 1967, Ser. No. 609,446 4 Claims. (Cl. 126211) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a free-standing kitchen appliance such as domestic range that is adapted to be positioned in a kitchen cabinet and countertop structure, and particularly to the design of side trim strips and vertically adjustable means for fastening the trim strips in place to close the gap between the side edges of the cooktop and the adjacent edges of the countertop. The side trim strips are elongated and of inverted L-shape with a series of vertically spaced horizontal ridges on the inner face of the lower portion of the trim strip. One or more spring clips are mounted on each side of the appliance for receiving the lower portion of the trim strip so that the trim strip may be forced down into tight contact with the top surface of the edge of an adjacent cabinet and countertop structure.

This invention is an improved modification of the accessory trim means disclosed and claimed in the patent of George A. Scott No. 3,169,518, which is also assigned to the General Electric Company, the assignee of the present invention.

There is a definite trend in the design of kitchen appliances to provide more oven models that are capable of being built into the wall of the kitchen, and notching out or separating the kitchen cabinet and countertop structure for receiving a complete appliance therein. The trend toward a one-piece built-in range incorporating a combined cooktop and oven was pioneered by the :design of William Nielsen as disclosed in his Patent 3,051,160 which is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In the Nielsen design, the range was solely a built-in model in that it could not stand on the floor, but was adapted to be suspended from the side edges of the countertop. A more universal design would be to provide a range that could either be used as a free-standing range or one that could be adapted to appear as if it were built into the kitchen counter. The latter design is the preferred design to receive the accessory trim means of the present invention, where the range is manufactured as a freestanding model with a cabinet-matching panel positioned under the oven door, and special trim strips capable of being attached to the two sides of the cooktop by clip members for closing the gap between the side edges of the cooktop and the adjacent edges of the countertop.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide accessory trim means for opposite sides of the top surface of a domestic appliance where the trim means is vertically adjustable to compensate for varying heights of countertop.

A further object of the present invention is to provide accessory trim means for the side edges of the cooktop of a domestic range where the front end of the trim means may be fashioned to conform to the front edge profile of the countertop.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide separate spring clip members for holding the trim strips of the class described to the side edges of the cooktop of a domestic range.

The present invention, in accordance with one form thereof, is adapted to be usable with a domestic appliance such as a range that includes a combined cooktop and oven wherein there is a narrow spacing in the side walls of the range body between the cooktop and th oven. Trim means are provided at each side of the cooktop for over-lying the adjacent edge of the countertop. Each trim means comprises at least one spring clip member and an elongated, angular trim strip, where the clip member is adapted to be inserted into the narrow spacing between the cooktop and the oven and held therein against removal. The trim strip has a horizontal top flange and a vertical bottom flange where the bottom flange is adapted to be held against the side of the cooktop by means of the clip member. There is a vertically adjustable tongue and groove mating relationship between the bottom flange of the trimstrip and the clip member so that the trim strip may be vertically adjusted with respect to the top surface of the adjacent edge of the countertop. A further modification is to have the bottom flange of the trim strip terminate adjacent the front edge of the countertop, while the top flange of the trim strip is extended so that it may be folded down and under the front edge of the countertop. Fastening means are adapted to hold the folded-under end of the trim strip to the underside of the countertop.

My invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a free-standing electric range positioned in a space created between two kitchen cabinet and countertop modules, and showing vertically adjustable trim strips along the two side edge of the cooktop of the range as is embodied by the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a detailed cross-sectional, fragmentary view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 at the right side of the range to show the interrelation between the elongated trim strip and the spring clip member and the relative position of the side of the cooktop with the side of the countertop.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional, side view taken on the line 33 of FIGURE 2 to show the nature of the front end of the trim strip and how the top flange is folded down and under the front edge of the countertop and fastened thereto.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of one of the spring clip members in its unsprung condition before it is assembled to the side of the range for holding the elongated trim strip in place.

Turning now to a consideration of the drawing and in particular to FIGURE 1, there is shown one type of freestanding electric range 10 with which the present invention is adapted to be used. Located on both sides of the range is a kitchen cabinet and countertop module 11 that are shown as identical pieces for the sake of simplicity except that the doors are reversed; but, of course, there are innumerable variations and combinations of kitchen cabinet designs with utensil drawers and storage shelves and the like. The storage shelves (not shown) would be located in the cabinet portion 11 and would be acesssi-ble upon opening the front cabinet door 13. The cabinet 11 is covered with a fiat countertop 14 of laminated plastic material or the like such as Textolite. Moreover, the back edge of the countertop 14 is provided with a raised molding 15 so as to prevent the spillage of liquids and food crumbs behind the cabinet 11. The lower edge of the front of the cabinet 11 is recessed as at 16 so as to provide a recessed toe-kick that allows a person to stand close to the front of the counter with the feet partially underlying the front wall of the cabinet.

While the domestic range 10 is shown as an electric range, it will readily be apparent to those skilled in this art that the type of heating means for the range is not critical as it could just as well be a gas range without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, there is nothing in this invention to limit its use to the range art for it could be used with other free-standing kitchen appliances such as automatic clothes washers and dryers, automatic dishwashers, compact refrigerators and perhaps domestic incinerators and hot water heaters. The kitchen cabinets 11 are generally built in modular form minus the countertop 14 so that the lower cabinet structure may be assembled in place and fastened both to the floor, to the wall and to each other. Finally the countertop 14 is placed thereover and fastened in place.

The range has a top cooking surface or cooktop and an underlying oven 21 that is adapted to be closed by a front-opening drop door 22. The cooktop 20 is provided with a plurality of surface heating means 24, which in the case of an electric range would be an electrical resistance heating element, or in the case of a gas range would be a gas burner. Along the back edge of the cooktop 20 is shown a backsplash 25 that is a raised structure to serve as a control housing with a front control panel 26, as is somewhat conventional in this art. Such a control panel would include controls for both the heating elements 24 and the oven 21; for example, a multiple pushbutton switch 28 for each surface unit, and a combined oven selector switch and thermostat 29 for the oven. The oven door has an elongated handle 31 mounted on the door adjacent the top free edge thereof. Located beneath the oven 21 is a storage drawer 32 for storing kitchen utensils such as pots, pans and cookie sheets and the like. In some range models, this storage drawer 32 might be provided with a false front panel such as a wood grain panel that would match the wood grain of the cabinet module 11 so this range .10 would appear to be suspended from or built into the cabinet structure and matching the modern decor of the newest kitchen designs.

As mentioned previously, the range 10 has a range body that includes the cooktop 20 and the underlying oven 21. Looking at at FIGURE 2, it should be noticed that the cooktop 20 is provided with a down-turned side Wall 33 which has its lower edge folded inward to form a flange 34. Moreover, the side wall of the oven body 21 has its top edge folded inward to form a matching flange 36 to serve as a support for spacers (not shown) for support of the flange 34 of the cooktop 20. Screw fastening means (not shown) are attached between the cooktop and the oven body to combine these two elements into a unitary range body. These fastening means serve to provide a slight spacing 35 between the

flanges

34 and 36.

In the illustration in FIGURE 1, the two kitchen cabinet and countertop modules 11 are of identical design and they are merely spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the width of the range 10. Accordingly, the range may he slid into place between the two cabinet modules 11 until the range is flush against the wall of the kitchen. It is well to provide some means for trimming or closing the space or gap created between the side edge of the cooktop 20 and the adjacent edge of the countertop 14.

Up to this point the description of the kitchen cabinets 1.1 and the range 10 are of generally standard designs and the details have been given to explain the environment in which the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to be used. The use of some trim means is desirable between the side edge of the cooktop 20 and the adjacent edge of the countertop 14 not only to provide a better appearance, but also to serve the utilitarian function of preventing liquids and food crumbs from falling between the side of the range and the counter. It is diflicult to clean under and around a range unless it is provided with rollers to facilitate the ease of moving the range out of its normal position. While this invention is shown with trim means at both sides of the range, it will be understood by those skilled in this art that frequently ranges are built at the end of a counter run, hence, the trim means would only be necessary along one side, and the opposite side of the range would be exposed at all times.

The trim means of the present invention is identical for both sides of the range, therefore, it is felt necessary to describe only one such means in detail. The trim means comprises at least one spring clip member 40, near the rear of the range, and an elongated trim strip 41. The nature of the clip member 40 is best seen in the unsprung condition of FIGURE 4 as being of thin spring stock of angular form that is normally in the form of an acute angle with a lower base leg 43 and an upwardly inclined finger portion 44 that rises from one end of the base leg 43. The opposite end of the base leg 43 is formed with a slight turned-over hook end 45. This clip member 40-is adapted to be installed with the base leg 43 confined within the slight spacing 35 between the flange 34 of the cooktop and the flange 36 of the oven body as is best seen in FIGURE 2. Notice that the hook end 45 of the base leg of the clip member is caught behind the free edge of the flange 34 of the cooktop 20 and serves as a holding means, while the upright finger 44 has been deflected into a generally perpendicular stance so as to be spring biased against the side wall 33 of the cooktop. This spring action tends to raise the hook end slightly into a locking position. Notice that the inner surface of the raised finger 44 of the clip member is provided with a lanced tab or barb 47 which is down-turned. Also, the top edge of the finger 44 is tapered or rolled outward as at 49.

Now, turning to a consideration of the trim strip 41, as best seen in FIGURE 2, it is an inverted L-shaped member with a decorative finish having a horizontal top flange 51 and a vertical bottom flange 52. The inner surface of the bottom flange 52 is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced horizontally extending ridges or corrugations 53 which extend for the complete length of the flange 52. This vertical bottom flange 52 of the trim strip 41 is adapted to be held against the side wall 33 of the cooktop 20 by means of the vertical finger 44 of the clip member 40. The barb or tab 47 of the clip member would tend to slide over the corrugations or ridges 53 as the trim strip 41 is forced down into the space between the cooktop 20 and countertop 14 until the top flange 51 of the trim strip rests upon the top surface of the countertop 14. The trim strip is held in this position because the tab 47 will not slide down over the corrugations to allow the trim strip 41 to move upwardly. While only one clip member 40 is shown for the trim strip 4.1, it will be understood that additional clip members could or would be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As for the front treatment of the trim strip 40, the vertical bottom flange 52 of the trim strip is substantially flush with the front edge of the countertop as is best seen at 55 in FIGURE 3, while the top flange 51 of the trim strip is extended so that it may be folded down and under the front edge of the countertop. A suitable screw opening 57 would be provided in the free end of the top flange 51 and a wood screw 58 is shown in dotted line for extending through the opening 57 and into the countertop 14 for making a permanent connection of the trim strip 41 to the countertop. The trim strip 41 is made with an oversized length so that the rear end may be cut off to custom fit the length to the individual countertop.

Modifications of this invention will occur to those skilled in this art, therefore, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that it is intended to cover all modifications which are Within the true spirit and scope of this inven tion as claimed.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A free-standing range comprising a range body that includes a combined cooktop and oven body wherein the cooktop is provided with a plurality of surface heating means and the oven is disposed directly beneath the cooktop, there being a slight gap in the side walls of the range body between the cooktop and the oven, the range being adapted to be positioned in a kitchen cabinet and countertop structure; the invention comprising trim means for closing the gap between the side edge of the cooktop and the adjacent edge of the countertop, said trim means comprising at least one clip member confined in the gap in each side wall between the cooktop and the oven, each clip member having an upwardly directed finger in close relationship with the side of the cooktop, and an inverted L-shaped trim strip for each side of the range, each trim strip having a horizontal top portion to overlie the adjacent edge of the countertop and a vertical lower portion that is sandwiched between the side of the cooktop and the upwardly directed finger of the clip member, there being a vertically adjustable interlocking means for the vertical lower portion of the trim member and the upwardly directed finger of the clip member, said interlocking means comprising at least one barb on one of the members and a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal ridges on the other member.

2. A free-standing range comprising a range body that includes a combined cooktop and oven body wherein the cooktop is provided with a plurality of surface heating means and the oven is disposed directly beneath the cooktop, there being a slight gap in the side walls of the range body between the cooktop and the oven, the range being adapted to be positioned in a kitchen cabinet and countertop structure; the invention comprising trim means for closing the gap between the side edge of the cooktop and the adjacent edge of the countertop, said trim means comprising at least one clip member and a trim strip at each side of the cooktop, the clip member being an angular piece with a horizontal lower portion confined in the gap between the oven and cooktop and a generally vertical finger portion in close proximity to the side of the cooktop, the trim strip being an elongated angular member with a horizontal top portion and a vertical bot tom portion that is held against the side of the cooktop by the vertical finger of the clip member, there being a vertically adjustable tongue and groove mating relation ship between the vertical finger of the clip member and the vertical bottom portion of the trim strip, the front end of the trim strip having an extended horizontal top portion that is adapted to be formed across and under the front edge of the cooktop, and fastening means adapted to attach the folded-under end of the top portion of the trim strip to the underside of the countertop.

3. A domestic range comprising a range body that includes a combined cooktop and oven wherein the cooktop is provided with a plurality of surface heating means and the oven is disposed directly beneath the cooktop, the range being adapted to be positioned against a kitchen cabinet and countertop structure; the invention comprising trim means between at least one side of the range and the adjacent edge of the countertop, said trim means comprising at least one clip member and an elongated trim strip, the clip member being a spring member with an upwardly directed finger portion which is biased into a generally vertical position and means for attaching the clip member to the side of the range body, the trim strip being an inverted right angular member with a horizontal top flange and a vertical bottom flange, a lanced tab formed on the upwardly directed finger portion of the clip member, the inner surface of the vertical bottom flange of the trim strip having a series of vertically spaced horizontal ridges for cooperation with the said lanced tab, whereby the trim strip may be positioned with its vertical bottom flange held against the side of the cooktop by the finger portion of the clip member, the top flange of the trim strip being generally flush with the top surface of the cooktop and the top surface of the countertop.

4. A domestic range having a range body that includes a combined cooktop and oven wherein the cooktop is provided with a plurality of surface heating means and the oven is disposed directly beneath the cooktop, there being a narrow spacing in the side walls of the range body between the cooktop and the oven, the range being adapted to be positioned in a kitchen cabinet and countertop structure; the invention comprising trim means between each top side edge of the range and the adjacent edge of the countertop, each trim means comprising at least one clip member and an elongated trim strip, the clip member being an angular spring member formed at an acute angle with a horizontal leg having a hook on the free end thereof, this leg of the clip being adapted to be located in the narrow spacing between the cooktop and oven and held against removal by the hooked end, the clip member also having an upwardly directed finger portion that is biased against the side of the cooktop, the trim strip being an elongated angular member having a horizontal top flange and a vertical bottom flange, the inner surface of the vertical bottom flange having a series of vertically spaced horizontal corrugations, while the finger portion of the clip member has a down-turned barb for engagement in the valleys between the corrugations of the trim strip so that the trim strip may be adjusted vertically with respect to the clip member until the top flange of the trim strip rests down on the countertop, the bottom flange of the trim strip adapted to extend to the front edge of the countertop while the top flange of the trim strip is extended so that it may be folded down over and under the front edge of the countertop, and fastening means adapted to attach the folded-over end of the trim strip to the underside of the countertop.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,994,317 8/1961 More. 3,169,518 2/1965 Scott 126-39 3,229,310 1/1966 Ensch.

FREDERICK L. MATTESON, 1a., Primary Examiner. E. G. FAVORS, Assistant Examiner.