U.S. patent application number 11/157414 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for control knob assembly.
Invention is credited to Kenneth J. Jardine, Dan Nichols, Mark Steinman.
Application Number | 20060254573 11/157414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37417900 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060254573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steinman; Mark ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Control knob assembly
Abstract
A control knob assembly comprises a knob housing, a gripping
portion, and a control valve interface portion, wherein the control
valve interface portion is positionable in any one of a plurality
of positions relative to the knob housing, and wherein the control
valve interface portion is configured to be coupled to the gripping
portion.
Inventors: |
Steinman; Mark; (Lakewood,
CA) ; Jardine; Kenneth J.; (Huntington Beach, CA)
; Nichols; Dan; (Huntington Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37417900 |
Appl. No.: |
11/157414 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60679684 |
May 10, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/39N ;
126/39B |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 3/124 20130101;
G05G 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/039.00N ;
126/039.00B |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/12 20060101
F24C003/12 |
Claims
1. A control knob, comprising: a knob housing having an outer
surface, an inner surface, and one or more side portions, the one
or more side portions defining one or more openings between the
outer surface and the inner surface of the knob housing; one or
more gripping portions having one or more gripping surfaces and one
or more connectors, the gripping portions configured to be coupled
with the outer surface of the knob housing at the one or more side
portions, the one or more connectors configured to be positioned
within the one or more openings defined in the side portions of the
knob housing; and a control valve interface portion comprising a
core forming an elongated opening for receiving at least a portion
of a control valve stem, the control valve interface portion
configured to be coupled with the inner surface of the knob housing
and with the one or more connectors of the one or more gripping
portions.
2. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control knob is
configured to be coupled with a control valve of a cooking
appliance.
3. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the one or more side
surfaces comprise first and second generally concave opposing
surfaces.
4. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control valve interface
portion can be coupled with the knob housing in any one of a
plurality of configurations.
5. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the
knob housing defines one or more slots or grooves.
6. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the connectors comprise one
or more elongate pegs.
7. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control valve interface
portion comprises a base plate and a peripheral flange.
8. The control knob of claim 7, wherein the base plate comprises
one or more connectors for coupling the control valve interface
portion with the knob housing.
9. The control knob of claim 7, wherein the base plate comprises
one or more openings arranged such that the pegs of the gripping
portions can be coupled with at least some of the openings of the
base plate when the control valve interface portion is positioned
in one or more orientations relative to the knob housing.
10. The control knob of claim 7, wherein the peripheral flange of
the control valve interface portion extends from an outer portion
of the base plate and away from the knob housing when the base
plate is coupled with the knob housing.
11. A control knob, comprising: a knob housing having a first
surface and a second surface; a gripping portion configured to be
coupled with the first surface of the knob housing; and a control
valve interface portion comprising a core forming an elongated
opening for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem,
the elongated opening being defined by one or more inner surfaces
of the central core, at least a portion of one inner surface being
generally flat, the control valve interface portion configured to
be coupled with the knob housing in any one of a plurality of
positions, the orientation of the core relative to the knob housing
in a first position being different than the orientation of the
core relative to the knob housing in a second position, the control
valve interface portion configured to be coupled with the gripping
portion in any one of the plurality of positions.
12. The control knob of claim 11, wherein the control knob is
configured to be coupled with a control valve of a cooking
appliance.
13. The control knob of claim 11, wherein the gripping portion
comprises one or more elongate pegs.
14. The control knob of claim 13, wherein the control valve
interface portion comprises one or more openings arranged such that
the one or more pegs of the gripping portion can be coupled with at
least some of the openings when the control valve interface portion
is positioned in one or more of the plurality of positions relative
to the knob housing.
15. The control knob of claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the
knob housing defines one or more slots or grooves.
16. The control knob of claim 15, wherein the control valve
interface portion comprises a one or more pegs for coupling the
control valve interface portion with the one or more slots or
grooves of the knob housing, in one of the plurality of
positions.
17. A cooking appliance, comprising: a fuel source, a cooking
apparatus, a control valve having a control valve stem, the control
valve positioned between the fuel source and the cooking apparatus;
and one or more control knobs, comprising: a knob housing; one or
more gripping portions coupled with the knob housing; and a control
valve interface portion coupled with the knob housing, the control
valve interface portion comprising a core forming an elongated
opening, the core coupled with at least a portion of the control
valve stem, at least one of the one or more gripping portions
coupled directly to the control valve interface portion.
18. The cooking appliance of claim 17, additionally comprising one
or more bezels, the bezel having a base portion, an outer rim
portion, and an inner generally cylindrical flange portion.
19. The cooking appliance of claim 18, wherein the outer rim
portion and the inner generally cylindrical flange portion of the
bezel define a space for receiving at least a portion of a
peripheral flange extending from the control knob.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/679,684 (filed May 10, 2005),
the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by
reference herein and made a part of this specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present application generally relates to control knobs
for cooking appliances. More specifically, the present application
relates to control knobs for cooking appliances that are adaptable
to multiple valve stem orientations.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Cooking appliances, such as, for example, barbecues, ranges,
ovens, cook tops, burners, and grills, typically have one or more
control knobs that connect with a control valve that is positioned
within the cooking appliance. When the valve stem is positioned
within the opening in the core, rotation of the control knob
rotates the valve stem to open and/or close the valve. Thus, the
control knob allows a user to regulate fuel delivery for the
cooking appliance by manipulating the connected gas control valve.
The control valve typically includes a valve stem that has a
rounded portion and a flat portion or another suitable keying
configuration.
[0006] A typical control knob includes a core that is integrally
formed with an outer housing of the control knob. The core can
include an axial opening that has a rounded portion and a flat
portion to receive and cooperate with the valve stem. The
orientation of the flat portion of the opening relative to the
outer surface of the control knob can be different for different
gas control valves used on a single cooking appliance when the
valve is in an "off" position. Because control knobs typically have
gripping portions and other indicators that are positioned in a
particular orientation when in use on a cooking appliance, the
control knobs preferably are properly matched with the control
valves such that the knobs all have the same orientation in an
"off" position.
[0007] Control knobs having integrally formed metal cores can be
difficult to manufacture and a plurality of such knobs with cores
of differing orientations need to be manufactured. For example,
some control knobs are manufactured with an integrally formed solid
metal core and the opening, having the desired orientation relative
to the outer housing, is machined out of the core. Forming and
machining the control knobs in this manner is difficult, time
consuming, and expensive. Other control knobs are cast or formed
with the opening in the desired orientation relative to the control
knob housing. However, a different mold or process is needed to
form each desired orientation of the control knob, which also adds
significant costs. Still other control knobs have a generally
larger integrally formed core with a generally larger opening to
receive a core insert that comprises an opening that has a rounded
portion and a flat portion to receive and cooperate with the valve
stem. The core insert can be inserted into the core opening in a
desired orientation but typically is formed of a plastic material
that can deform over time. While the insert arrangement allows for
a standard control knob housing and can provide an opening having
the desired orientation, the manufacturing and assembly costs and
challenges associated with this type of control knob are also
high.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention disclosed herein includes the realization that
control knobs for cooking appliances can be improved and production
cost reduced by having a control knob assembly comprising a knob
housing, a gripping portion, and a control valve interface portion,
wherein the control valve interface portion is positionable in any
one of a plurality of positions relative to the knob housing, and
wherein the control valve interface portion is configured to be
coupled to the gripping portion. It is further recognized that
cooking appliances having an overlapping control knob and bezel
assembly can provide increased protection of the control knob for,
and can lend enhanced appearance to, the cooking appliance.
[0009] In one embodiment, a control knob comprises a knob housing
having an outer surface, an inner surface, and one or more side
portions. The one or more side portions define one or more openings
between the outer surface and the inner surface of the knob
housing. One or more gripping portions have one or more gripping
surfaces and one or more connectors. The gripping portions are
configured to be coupled with the outer surface of the knob housing
at the one or more side portions. The one or more connectors are
configured to be positioned within the one or more openings defined
in the side portions of the knob housing. A control valve interface
portion comprises a core forming an elongated opening for receiving
at least a portion of a control valve stem. The control valve
interface portion is configured to be coupled with the inner
surface of the knob housing in more than one orientation and with
the one or more connectors of the one or more gripping
portions.
[0010] In another embodiment, a control knob comprises a knob
housing having a first surface and a second surface. A gripping
portion is configured to be coupled with the first surface of the
knob housing. A control valve interface portion comprises a core
forming an elongated opening for receiving at least a portion of a
control valve stem. The elongated opening is defined by one or more
inner surfaces of the central core. At least a portion of one inner
surface is generally flat. The control valve interface portion is
configured to be coupled with the knob housing in any one of a
plurality of positions. The orientation of the core relative to the
knob housing in a first position is different than the orientation
of the core relative to the knob housing in a second position. The
control valve interface portion is configured to be coupled with
the gripping portion in any one of the plurality of positions.
[0011] In another embodiment, a cooking appliance comprises a fuel
source, a cooking apparatus, a control valve having a control valve
stem, the control valve positioned between the fuel source and the
cooking apparatus, and one or more control knobs. The one or more
control knobs comprise a knob housing. One or more gripping
portions are coupled with the knob housing. A control valve
interface portion is coupled with the knob housing. The control
valve interface portion comprises a core forming an elongated
opening. The core is coupled with at least a portion of the control
valve stem. At least one of the one or more gripping portions is
coupled directly to the control valve interface portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will be better understood with reference to
preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. The illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and are
not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing a cooking appliance having a control
knob and bezel assembly.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, showing another cooking
appliance having a control knob and bezel assembly.
[0015] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a control valve of the cooking
appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the control
knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or
1B.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the control
knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or
1B.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the control knob and
bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0019] FIG. 6 is another exploded side view of the control knob and
bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0020] FIG. 7 is another exploded side view of the control knob and
bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0021] FIG. 8 is another exploded side view of the control knob and
bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of the control knob and bezel assembly
of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the control knob and bezel
assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a side view of the control knob and bezel
assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B that shows the
control knob having a portion recessed into the bezel assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a control knob assembly
110 for a cooking appliance 100A, 100B having certain features,
aspects and advantages of the present invention is described below.
The control knob assembly 110 for the cooking appliance 100A, 100B
represents an application for which many features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention provide particular advantages.
Nevertheless, certain features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention can be used with other types of appliances.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cooking appliances 100A,
100B comprise one or more control knob assemblies 110. In FIG. 1A,
the illustrated cooking appliance 100A is a range. In FIG. 1B, the
illustrated cooking appliance 100B is a barbecue grill. The control
knob assemblies 110 described herein can be used with many cooking
appliances, such as, for example, ranges, ovens, cook tops,
burners, and grills. In some embodiments, control knob assemblies
110 can be used in still other applications. For example, many of
the features and advantages described herein with reference to a
control knob assembly 110 for cooking appliances 100A, 100B are
also applicable to other types of control knobs and/or dials,
including, for example, control knobs for mechanical and electrical
devices and equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, the control
knob assembly 110 cooperates with a control valve positioned within
the cooking appliance to allow a user to regulate fuel delivery for
the cooking appliance 100A, 100B by manipulating the knob assembly
110.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, a control valve 120 has an inlet portion
122, an outlet portion 124, a valve portion 126 and a valve stem
128. The illustrated control valve 120 is positioned between a fuel
source, e.g., a propane tank, and a cooking apparatus, e.g., a
burner. Rotation of the valve stem 128 controls the opening and
closing of the valve portion 126 to regulate fuel delivery to the
cooking apparatus. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the
valve stem 128 preferably has a generally rounded portion 130 and
one or more generally flat edge portions 132, 134. The control knob
assembly 110 is configured to be coupled with the valve stem 128 of
the control valve 120. Rotation of the control knob assembly 110
rotates the valve stem 128 to open and/or close the control valve
120;
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3-10, a control knob assembly 110
comprises a knob housing 112, one or more gripping portions 114,
116 configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112, and a
control valve interface portion 118 configured to be coupled with
the knob housing 112 and the one or more gripping portions 114,
116. In some embodiments, the control knob assembly additionally
comprises a bezel 136.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the illustrated knob housing 112 has
an outer surface 150 and an inner surface 152. In the illustrated
embodiment, the knob housing 112 has a generally cylindrically
shaped base portion 154 that tapers to a raised oblong shaped
central portion 156. The knob housing 112 comprises first and
second curved opposing side portions 160, 162 between the generally
cylindrically shaped base portion 154 and the raised oblong shaped
central portion 156. As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the first and second
opposing side surfaces 160, 162 are generally concave surfaces. In
some embodiments, the knob housing 112 comprises one or more
additional side surfaces 164, 166. In the illustrated embodiment,
third and fourth opposing side surfaces 164, 166 of the knob
housing 112 comprise traction-increasing elements 168. In the
illustrated arrangement, the traction-increasing elements 168 are
in the form of raises ribs or ridges. Other suitable
traction-increasing elements can be provided to assist a user in
microadjustments of the knob.
[0030] In other embodiments, the outer surface 150 of the knob
housing 112 can have other suitable configurations. For example, in
some embodiments, the base portion 154 of the knob housing 112 has
a generally oblong shaped base portion having flat and/or curved
portions. In some embodiments, the raised central portion 156 can
have other suitable shapes, such as, for example, a generally
rectangular shape, a generally circular shape, a generally diamond
shape, a generally hourglass shape. In some embodiments, the outer
surface 150 of the knob housing 112 comprises one or more flat
surfaces between the base portion 154 and the raised central
portion 156. In still other embodiments, the knob housing 112
tapers uniformly from the base portion 154 to the raised central
portion 156. In some embodiments, one or more side portions 160,
162, 164, 166 between the base portion 154 and the raised central
portion 156 are not tapered.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 152 of the
knob housing 112 defines a cavity generally corresponding to the
shape of the outer surface 154 of the knob housing 112.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the knob housing 112 has a
generally hollow shape. In one arrangement, the knob housing is
generally solid without much, if any, cavity.
[0032] The knob housing 112 preferably is configured to be coupled
with one or more gripping portions 114, 116. In some embodiments,
one or more openings 170, 172, 174, 176 are defined in the knob
housing 112. As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7, first and second openings
170, 172 are defined in the first side portion 160 of the knob
housing 112. Third and fourth openings 174, 176 are defined in the
second side portion 162 of the knob housing 112.
[0033] The knob housing 112 preferably is configured to be coupled
with a control valve interface portion 118. As shown in FIG. 4, the
inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112 defines one or more slots
and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186.
[0034] In one embodiment, the knob housing 112 comprises metal. In
some embodiments, the knob housing 112 is cast and/or machined. In
other embodiments, the knob housing 112 can comprise plastic,
stone, composite, or other suitable materials or combinations of
materials. In some embodiments, the knob housing 112 can be molded,
shaped and/or otherwise formed.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3-9, one or more gripping portions 114,
116 are configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112 and the
control valve interface portion 118. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate first and
second gripping portions 114, 116. Each gripping portion preferably
comprises a curved gripping surface 200, 202 and one or more
connectors. The curved gripping surfaces 200, 202 of the gripping
portions 114, 116 are sized and configured to be positioned
generally adjacent the curved opposing side portions 160, 162 of
the knob housing 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors
comprise one or more elongate pegs 204, 206, 208, 210. The pegs
204, 206, 208, 210 are sized and configured to be aligned with, and
positioned within, the openings 170, 172, 174, 176, respectively,
defined in the first and second side portions 160, 162 of the knob
housing 112. When the curved gripping surfaces 200, 202 are
positioned generally adjacent the curved opposing side portions
160, 162 of the knob housing 112, the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210
preferably extend through the openings 170, 172, 174, 176,
respectively, of the knob housing 112 into the cavity defined by
the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112. The pegs 204, 206,
208, 210 preferably are sized and configured to be coupled with the
control valve interface portion 118. In one preferred
configuration, the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 secure the control valve
interface portion 118 to the knob housing 112 and can be deformed
to hold the control valve interface portion 118 to the knob housing
112.
[0036] In some embodiments, other suitable connectors can be used
to couple the gripping portion 114, 116 with the knob housing 112
and the control valve interface portion 118. For example, a latch
connector, a clip connector, a wrap-around connector, a button
connector, and/or a pin connector can be used in some embodiments.
Moreover, fasteners of any suitable configurations can be used to
couple the gripping portion 114, 116 with the knob housing 112.
[0037] The gripping portions 114, 116 preferably comprise a plastic
material, a composite material, or another suitable material. In
some embodiments, the gripping portions 114, 116 can be molded,
shaped, cast, machined, and/or otherwise formed.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3-8 and 10, the control valve interface
portion 118 is configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112
and the gripping portions 114, 116. In one embodiment, the control
valve interface portion 118 comprises a base plate 250, a central
core 252 and a peripheral flange 254. In the illustrated
embodiment, the base plate 250 has a generally circular shape and
is sized and configured to generally align with, and be coupled
with, the base portion 154 of the knob housing 112. In one
embodiment, the base plate 250 comprises one or more locators for
orienting the control valve interface portion 118 with the knob
housing 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the locators comprise a plurality
of pegs 260, 262, 264, 266 extending from a surface of the base
plate 250. The pegs 260, 262, 264, 266 are configured to be aligned
with, and inserted within, the slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184,
186, respectively, defined in the inner surface 152 of the knob
housing 112.
[0039] In some embodiments, the locators are arranged such that the
control valve interface portion 118 can be coupled with the knob
housing 112 in any one of a plurality of configurations. For
example, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 152 of the knob
housing 112 comprises four slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186
positioned symmetrically about the perimeter of the knob housing
112. The base plate 250 comprises four pegs 260, 262, 264, 266
positioned symmetrically about the perimeter of the base plate 250.
Each peg 260, 262, 264, 266 is configured for alignment with any
one of the slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186 of the knob
housing 112. Accordingly, during assembly of the control valve
interface portion 118 with the knob housing 112, the control valve
interface portion 118 can be positioned in one of a plurality of
configurations by rotating the interface portion 118 relative to
the control knob housing 112 such that the pegs 260, 262, 264, 266
are aligned with the slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186 when
the control valve interface portion 118 is in the desired
orientation relative to the knob housing 112.
[0040] In some embodiments, the base plate 250 defines a plurality
of openings. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10, at least some of the
openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 are sized and
configured to receive and/or be coupled with the pegs 204, 206,
208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116. The base plate 250
preferably comprises a plurality of openings 270, 272, 274, 276,
278, 280, 282, 284 arranged such that the pegs 204, 206,.208, 210
of the gripping portions 114, 116 can be coupled with at least some
of the openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 when the
control valve interface portion 118 is positioned in one or more
orientations relative to the knob housing 112. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the base plate 250 comprises four pairs of
openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 sized and
configured to receive the two pairs of pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 of
the gripping portions 114, 116. In one configuration, the four pegs
204, 206, 208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116 will be
coupled with two pairs of openings 270, 272, 278, 280 on opposite
sides of the base plate 250, while two pairs of openings 274, 276,
282, 284 will not be coupled with the pegs. In another
configuration, for example, where the control valve interface
portion 118 is rotated by a quarter turn relative to the knob
housing 112, the four pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 of the gripping
portions 114, 116 will be coupled with the other two pairs of
openings 274, 276, 282, 284 on opposite sides of the base plate
250.
[0041] In some embodiments, the base plate 250 comprises one or
more openings 290, 292, 294, 296 that are larger than the openings
270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 for receiving and coupling
with the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210. The larger openings 290, 292,
294, 296 preferably are provided to limit the amount of material
required to form the base plate 250. In other embodiments, larger
openings are not provided.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3-8 and 10, the central core 252 is
positioned in a central portion of the base plate 250. First and
second portions 300, 302 of the central core 252 preferably extend
from first and second opposite surfaces 286, 288 of the base plate
250. When the base plate 250 is coupled with the knob housing 112,
the first portion 300 of the central core 250 extends from the
first surface 286 of the base plate 250 toward the cavity defined
by the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112. The second
portion 302 of the central core 252 extends from the second surface
288 of the base plate 250 away from the knob housing 112. At least
a portion of the central core 252 forms an elongated opening 310
for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem. The
elongated opening 310 preferably is defined by one or more inner
surfaces of the central core 252, at least a portion of one inner
surface being generally flat.
[0043] In some embodiments, the orientation of the central core 252
relative to the knob housing 112 determines the relative
positioning of the control knob 110 on the cooking appliance 100A,
100B. For example, the orientation of control valves and valve
stems can vary for different cooking appliances. In some
embodiments, the control valve interface portion 118 comprising the
central core 252 configured to interface with the valve stem 128,
can be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the knob
housing 112, such that the control knob 110 is positioned in a
desired orientation relative to the cooking appliance 100A, 100B.
Having the ability to configure the orientation of the central core
252 relative to the knob housing 112 during the assembly process
reduces the complexity and expense associated with manufacturing
specialized control knobs.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the peripheral flange 254 of the
control valve interface portion 118 extends from an outer portion
of the base plate 250 and away from the knob housing 112 when the
base plate 250 is coupled with the knob housing 112. The peripheral
flange 254 has a generally cylindrical configuration in the
illustrated embodiment. In one embodiment, the peripheral flange
254 comprises graphics, e.g., laser etched graphics.
[0045] In one embodiment, the control valve interface portion 118
comprises metal. In some embodiments, the control valve interface
portion 118 is cast and/or machined. In other embodiments, the knob
housing 112 can comprise plastic, stone, composite, or other
suitable materials or combinations of materials. In some
embodiments, the knob housing 112 can be molded, shaped and/or
otherwise formed.
[0046] FIGS. 3-10 illustrate the bezel 136 according to one
embodiment. The bezel 136 preferably is coupled with an outer
surface of the cooking appliance 100A, 100B. At least a portion of
the control valve 120 preferably extends from the cooking appliance
100A, 100B through the bezel 136. For example, in some embodiments,
the valve stem 128 extends through an opening in the bezel 136. The
bezel 136 preferably cooperates with the control knob assembly 110
described herein. The control knob assembly 110 preferably is
coupled with the valve stem 128 of the control valve 120. For
example, when the control knob 110 of the illustrated embodiment is
fully assembled, the opening 310 defined in the central core 252 is
aligned with and inserted over the valve stem 128 of the control
valve 120. When coupled with the control valve 120, a user
manipulating the control knob 110 can regulate the delivery of fuel
to the cooking appliance 100A, 100B.
[0047] In one embodiment, the bezel 136 comprises a base portion
330, an outer rim portion 332, and an inner generally cylindrical
flange portion 334. The base portion 330 preferably is configured
to be coupled with the cooking appliance 100A, 100B. In one
embodiment, at least a portion of the bezel 136 is configured to
receive a fastening element, such as, for example, a screw, to
couple the bezel 136 with the cooking appliance 100A, 100B.
[0048] In some embodiments, the base portion 330 of the bezel 136
defines a plurality of openings, with at least one of the openings,
for example, a central opening 336, being sized and configured to
receive and/or be coupled with at least a portion of the control
valve 120. In some embodiments, other openings are relatively
larger than, and/or relatively smaller than, the central opening
336 and are configured to limit the amount of material required to
form the base portion 330 of the bezel 136.
[0049] The outer rim portion 332 and the inner generally
cylindrical flange portion 334 preferably define a space 338
therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the peripheral
flange 254 extending from the control knob 110. In one embodiment,
the surface 340 of the outer rim portion 332 near the control knob
110 is curved. The extension of the peripheral flange 254 between
the outer rim 332 and the cylindrical flange 334 of the bezel 136
provide increased protection for the cooking apparatus 100A, 100B
and helps to protect the control knob assembly 110 and cooking
appliance from foreign objects and/or spills that could damage or
affect the connection between the control knob 110 and the control
valve 120.
[0050] The bezel 136 also contains an indicator system 400. The
indicator system 400 preferably comprises a light source/holder
assembly 402 and a light pipe 404. In one embodiment, the light
source is an LED. In another embodiment, the light source is a neon
light. The light source/holder assembly 402 provides an electrical
connection between any suitable light source and the electrical
system of the appliance. When the light source is turned on, the
light from the light source is transmitted through the light pipe
404 and is visible to users of the appliances. For instance, the
light source can be used to indicate that a burner has been turned
on. The light pipe 404 preferably has an upper surface 406 that is
curved. The curved upper surface 406 helps to direct spills away
from the light pipe 404 and the use of the light pipe 404, which
protrudes from the bezel 136, helps to eliminate a location in
which liquids can pool.
[0051] In one embodiment, the bezel 136 comprises metal. In some
embodiments, the bezel 136 is cast and/or machined. In other
embodiments, the bezel 136 can comprise plastic, stone, composite,
or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. In some
embodiments, the bezel 136 can be molded, shaped and/or otherwise
formed.
[0052] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. In particular, the skilled artisan will
appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain
advantages, features and aspects of the embodiments described
herein may be realized in a variety of other applications, many of
which have been noted above. The skilled artisan can readily adapt
the principles and advantages described herein to a variety of
other applications. Additionally, it is contemplated that various
aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced
separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and
that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features
and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present
invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular
disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined
only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
* * * * *