U.S. patent application number 16/690947 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-25 for cavity connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Zachary J. Bruin-Slot, Robert Scott Donarski, Darrin H. McGee.
Application Number | 20210088223 16/690947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005444580 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210088223 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Bruin-Slot; Zachary J. ; et
al. |
March 25, 2021 |
CAVITY CONNECTOR
Abstract
A cooking appliance includes a heating cavity with a heat
source. A cavity connector is disposed within the heating cavity
and a rack is slidably coupled with a sliding structure disposed
within the heating cavity. A powered accessory has a connecting
plug and is engageable with the rack. The connecting plug is
configured to be in selective communication with the cavity
connector. A first locating assembly is configured to locate and
engage the powered accessory with the rack and is coupled to the
powered accessory. A second locating assembly is disposed between
the sliding structure and a pair of opposing sidewalls of the
heating cavity.
Inventors: |
Bruin-Slot; Zachary J.;
(Coloma, MI) ; Donarski; Robert Scott; (St.
Joseph, MI) ; McGee; Darrin H.; (Benton Harbor,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200088416 A1 |
March 19, 2020 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005444580 |
Appl. No.: |
16/690947 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15394896 |
Dec 30, 2016 |
10488055 |
|
|
16690947 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/166 20130101;
F24C 1/04 20130101; F24C 15/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/16 20060101
F24C015/16; F24C 1/04 20060101 F24C001/04; F24C 15/18 20060101
F24C015/18 |
Claims
1. A cooking appliance comprising: a heating cavity including a
heat source; a cavity connector disposed within the heating cavity;
a rack slidably coupled with a sliding structure disposed within
the heating cavity; a powered accessory having a connecting plug,
wherein the powered accessory is engageable with the rack and the
connecting plug is configured to be in selective communication with
the cavity connector; a first locating assembly configured to
locate and engage the powered accessory with the rack, wherein the
first locating assembly is coupled to the powered accessory; and a
second locating assembly disposed between the sliding structure and
a pair of opposing sidewalls of the heating cavity.
2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the cavity connector
is disposed in a rear wall of the heating cavity.
3. The cooking appliance of claim 2, further comprising: a third
locating assembly that extends from the rack and contacts the rear
wall of the heating cavity.
4. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the third locating
assembly is centrally disposed within a rear portion of the rack
and protrudes above an outer frame and rearwardly of the outer
frame.
5. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the powered accessory
includes a base pan and a resistive heating element.
6. The cooking appliance of claim 5, wherein the first locating
assembly includes an attachment hole and an alignment groove and
wherein the base pan may be slid forward until a pin of the powered
accessory engages the attachment hole.
7. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the first locating
assembly includes a pair of attachment members that define one or
more attachment holes encompassed by a tapered surface.
8. The cooking appliance of claim 5, wherein when the base pan is
in selective engagement with the rack, the resistive heating
element is in selective communication with the cavity
connector.
9. A cooking appliance comprising: a heat source in thermal
communication with a heating cavity; a cavity connector disposed
within an interior surface of the heating cavity, the cavity
connector being in communication with the heating cavity; a rack
defined by a plurality of wires coupled to a frame; a powered
accessory having a connecting plug, wherein the powered accessory
is engageable with the rack and the connecting plug is configured
to be in selective communication with the cavity connector; a first
locating assembly configured to locate the powered accessory on the
rack; a sliding structure coupled to the rack and disposed
proximate opposing vertical sidewalls of a pair of sidewalls of the
heating cavity; a second locating assembly disposed between the
sliding structure and the opposing vertical sidewalls; and a third
locating assembly disposed on a rear portion of the rack and a rear
wall of the heating cavity.
10. The cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein a control unit of
said cooking appliance is in communication with the cavity
connector and a user interface of said cooking appliance and the
control unit places the user interface of said cooking appliance in
signal communication with the powered accessory.
11. The cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein the first locating
assembly includes a first base structure disposed on a bottom
portion of a base pan, the first base structure defining a groove
therein and a second base structure disposed on the bottom portion
of the base pan separated from the first base structure and
extending between two adjacent wires of the plurality of wires of
the rack.
12. The cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein the powered accessory
includes a plurality of pins and the first locating assembly
includes a slot configured to receive the plurality of pins.
13. The cooking appliance of claim 11, wherein the groove defined
by the first base structure partially encompasses the plurality of
wires of the rack and includes at least one locking edge.
14. The cooking appliance of claim 11, wherein the first base
structure includes a first chamfered surface disposed outwardly of
the groove.
15. The cooking appliance of claim 11, wherein the first locating
assembly is configured as a pair of pins disposed on the bottom
portion of the base pan that may be disposed within apertures
defined by an attachment member on the rack.
16. The cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein the first locating
assembly includes a pair of attachment members that define one or
more attachment holes encompassed by a tapered surface.
17. An appliance comprising: a base pan configured to be
selectively engaged with a rack within a cavity of said appliance;
a first base structure disposed on a bottom portion of the base
pan, the first base structure defining a groove therein; a second
base structure disposed on the bottom portion of the base pan and
separated from the first base structure; a connecting plug in
communication with said appliance, wherein selective engagement of
the connecting plug with a cavity connector disposed within the
cavity of said appliance places a powered accessory in
communication with said appliance; and a locating assembly disposed
between a sliding structure and a wall of the heating cavity, the
locating assembly including a resilient component that is
configured to horizontally align the rack within the heating
cavity.
18. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the sliding structure is
coupled to the rack and is configured to move the rack into and
from the heating cavity.
19. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the locating assembly
extends from a rear portion of the rack to assist in preventing
over insertion of the connection plug within the connector.
20. The appliance of claim 17, further comprising: a plurality of
feet coupled to the base pan and defining the groove, wherein the
groove engages laterally extending surface wires of the rack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/394,896, filed on Dec. 30, 2016, entitled "CAVITY
CONNECTOR," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Accessory racks may be connected to appliances through a
connector disposed within the cooking cavity of the appliance. It
is desired for the connector to be locatable within the cavity.
SUMMARY
[0003] In at least one aspect, a cooking appliance includes a
heating cavity with a heat source. A cavity connector is disposed
within the heating cavity and a rack is slidably coupled with a
sliding structure disposed within the heating cavity. A powered
accessory has a connecting plug and is engageable with the rack.
The connecting plug is configured to be in selective communication
with the cavity connector. A first locating assembly is configured
to locate and engage the powered accessory with the rack and is
coupled to the powered accessory. A second locating assembly is
disposed between the sliding structure and a pair of opposing
sidewalls of the heating cavity.
[0004] In at least another aspect, a cooking appliance includes a
heat source in thermal communication with a heating cavity. A
cavity connector is disposed within an interior surface of the
heating cavity and is in communication with the heating cavity. A
rack is defined by a plurality of wires coupled to a frame. A
powered accessory has a connecting plug and is engageable with the
rack. The connecting plug is configured to be in selective
communication with the cavity connector. A first locating assembly
is configured to locate the powered accessory on the rack. A
sliding structure is coupled to the rack and disposed proximate
opposing vertical sidewalls of a pair of sidewalls of the heating
cavity. A second locating assembly is disposed between the sliding
structure and the opposing vertical sidewalls. A third locating
assembly is disposed on a rear portion of the rack and a rear wall
of the heating cavity.
[0005] In at least another aspect still, an appliance includes a
base pan configured to be selectively engaged with a rack within a
cavity of the appliance. A first base structure is disposed on a
bottom portion of the base pan and defines a groove therein. A
second base structure is disposed on the bottom portion of the base
pan and is separated from the first base structure. A connecting
plug is in communication with the appliance. Selective engagement
of the connecting plug with a cavity connector disposed within the
cavity of the appliance places a powered accessory in communication
with the appliance. A locating assembly is disposed between a
sliding structure and a wall of the heating cavity. The locating
assembly includes a resilient component that is configured to
horizontally align the rack within the heating cavity.
[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present device will be further understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the cooking appliance
incorporating a cavity connector, according to one embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the heating cavity of
the cooking appliance of FIG. 1 with the appliance door in an open
position;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the oven cavity of
FIG. 2 taken at area III;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a powered accessory
used in conjunction with the cavity connector for a cooking
appliance, according to various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a rack that is disposed
within the heating cavity, according to one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a rear bottom perspective view of the powered
accessory connection plug, according to one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a sliding structure
that is removably coupled to the rack having a locating assembly
coupled to the sliding structure, according to one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the sliding structure
and locating assembly of FIG. 7;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the locating assembly
of FIG. 7, according to one embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a resilient component
that is disposed within the locating assembly of FIG. 7, according
to one embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the resilient
component, according to one embodiment, taken along the line
XIA-XIA of FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the resilient
component, according to one embodiment, taken along the line
XIB-XIB of FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding structure,
according to one embodiment, taken along the line XII-XII of FIG.
7;
[0021] FIG. 13A is a bottom perspective view of a powered accessory
base pan having first base structures thereon;
[0022] FIG. 13B is a bottom perspective view of a powered accessory
base pan having first and second base structures thereon;
[0023] FIG. 14A is a bottom perspective view of the first base
structure, according to one embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 14B is a top perspective view of the first base
structure of FIG. 14A;
[0025] FIG. 14C is a bottom perspective view of the second base
structure, according to one embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 14D is a top perspective view of the first base
structure of FIG. 14B;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first base
structure, according to one embodiment, taken along the line XV-XV
of FIG. 13A;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the first base
structure, according to an alternate embodiment, taken along the
line XV-XV of FIG. 13A;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the powered
accessory having a pin that is removably coupled with an elongated
member disposed on the rack, according to one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the powered
accessory having the pin that cooperates with an alignment groove
that is defined by the elongated member disposed on the rack,
according to one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the powered
accessory having the pin that is insertable within an elongated
slot that is defined by the elongated member disposed on the rack,
according to one embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the powered
accessory having a pair of feet that cooperate with the rack,
according to one embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a rack that is disposed
within the heating cavity, according to one embodiment, having an
intersection point of two wires; and
[0034] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the first base structure,
according to one embodiment, defining first and second intersecting
grooves that are disposed over the two wires of FIG. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0035] For purposes of description herein the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as
oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device
may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined
in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
[0036] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be
exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[0037] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-22, reference numeral 10 generally
refers to a cooking appliance that includes a pair of opposing
sidewalls 12 and a rear wall 14 defining a heating cavity 16. The
heat source 18 is in thermal communication with the heating cavity
16. A cavity connector 20 is disposed within an interior surface 22
(e.g., the sidewalls 12 and/or the rear wall 14) of the heating
cavity 16. The cavity connector 20 is in communication with the
heating cavity 16. A rack 24 is coupled with a sliding structure
26. The sliding structure 26 is disposed proximate the opposing
sidewalls 12. A powered accessory 28 has a connecting plug 30. The
powered accessory 28 is engageable with the rack 24. The connecting
plug 30 is configured to be in selective communication with the
cavity connector 20. A first locating assembly 32 is configured to
locate the powered accessory 28 on the rack 24. A second locating
assembly 34 is disposed between the sliding structure 26 and the
opposing sidewalls 12. A third locating assembly 36 is disposed on
a rear portion 38 of the rack 24.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, according to the various embodiments,
the cooking appliance 10 may be configured as an oven that includes
the pair of sidewalls 12, the rear wall 14, and a door 44 to define
the heating cavity 16. The heat source 18 is in thermal
communication with the heating cavity 16. The heat source 18 can
include, but is not limited to, gas heat, convection heating,
electrically resistive elements, electrically inductive elements,
radiant heating, combinations thereof, and/or other similar heat
sources 18 for use within the heating cavity 16 of the cooking
appliance 10.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first rack 24 is disposed
within the heating cavity 16 and is coupled with a first sliding
structure 26 that is disposed proximate the opposing sidewalls 12.
A second rack 40 may be vertically offset from the first rack 24
and may be coupled with a second rack sliding structure 42 that is
disposed proximate the opposing sidewalls 12. The first and second
rack sliding structures 26, 42 can take the form of oven rack
glides, drawer glides, oven rack supporting protrusions, and other
similar rack supporting structures that are removably coupled
and/or securely fastened to the rack 24 and/or the opposing
sidewalls 12.
[0041] The cavity connector 20 is disposed within the interior
surface 22 of the heating cavity 16. The cavity connector 20 is in
communication with the heating cavity 16. In this manner, the
cavity connector 20 is accessible by the user within the heating
cavity 16. For example, in various embodiments, the cavity
connector 20 can be disposed within the rear wall 14 of the heating
cavity 16. It is also contemplated that the heating cavity 16 can
include a plurality of cavity connectors 20 disposed in various
positions of the heating cavity 16 to be accessed when the powered
accessory 28 is disposed in engagement with any one of the racks
24, 40. According to various embodiments, each rack 24, 40 can be
positioned in conjunction with a separate and dedicated cavity
connector 20 positioned for providing electrical power to the
powered accessory 28 when the powered accessory 28 is disposed in a
corresponding rack 24, 40.
[0042] The cavity connector 20 can be installed within the cooking
appliance 10 either during or after manufacture. When installed
after manufacture, it is contemplated that a spacer or plug 30 can
be installed within the heating cavity 16 of the appliance 10. When
the cavity connector 20 is installed, the spacer or plug 30 can be
removed and the cavity connector 20 inserted to be engaged,
attached, or otherwise placed in communication with the various
electrical, communications, and/or user interface systems of the
appliance 10.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the powered accessory 28 for use in the
cooking appliance 10 includes the connecting plug 30. The powered
accessory 28 is alternatively and selectively engaged with the
first rack 24, although, the powered accessory 28 may be engaged
with any one or more racks 24, 40 and in communication with any one
or more cavity connectors 20. When engaged with the first rack 24,
the sliding structures 26, 42 may move the rack 24 in the
forward/rearward direction 46 (i.e., from a position away from the
rear wall 14 to a position in close proximity to the rear wall 14
and vice versa). As the rack 24 is moved towards the rear wall 14,
the connecting plug 30 is placed in selective communication with
the cavity connector 20.
[0044] The powered accessory 28 can include a base pan 48 that may
be disposed on and/or engageable with any of the racks 24, 40. The
base pan 48 may include a resistive heating element that can be
placed in selective communication with the cavity connector 20. In
this manner, as the powered accessory 28 is engaged with one of the
racks 24, 40, the engaged or connected powered accessory 28 can be
placed in communication with the cooking appliance 10 via the
cavity connector 20.
[0045] The base pan 48 for the powered accessory 28 can be used in
conjunction with various accessory inserts. These accessory inserts
can include, but are not limited to, a grilling insert, a cooking
stone insert, a steaming insert, a smoker insert, a rotisserie
insert, a canning insert, a pressure cooking insert, a slow cooker
insert, an internal convection insert, sous-vide heater, a
deep-frying insert, an air-frying insert, an air roaster insert, an
air-crisper insert, a dedicated heating chamber insert,
combinations thereof, and other similar inserts. It is contemplated
that at least a portion of the accessory inserts can be used in
combination with the resistive heating element.
[0046] According to the various embodiments, each of the accessory
inserts can be used in conjunction with a dedicated powered
accessory 28, such that each of the at least one powered accessory
28 can have a dedicated insert used only for that powered accessory
28 (i.e. each insert has a dedicated base pan 48, the specific
insert has its own base pan 48, and/or the specific insert does not
need a base pan 48). Alternatively, the plurality of powered
accessories 28 can share common components, such as the base pan 48
that are interchangeable with respect to the insert being used.
[0047] The powered accessory 28 may include the one or more
locating assemblies to assist in coupling the connection plug 30 to
the connector as the accessory, disposed on the rack 24, is slid
into the heating cavity 16. In various embodiments, the first
locating assembly 32 is disposed on a bottom portion 50 (FIG. 13A)
of the powered accessory 28 and is configured to align the powered
accessory 28 on the rack 24 in a lateral direction 52 and/or in the
forward/rearward direction 46. The. second locating assembly 34 is
configured to align the powered accessory 28, and consequently the
connection plug 30, in the lateral direction 52. The sliding
structure 26 and features disposed on the opposing sidewalls 12 of
the heating cavity 16 may also vertically align the powered
accessory 28 in a vertical direction 54. The third locating
assembly 36 is disposed on the rack 24 and/or integrally formed
thereon and may prevent movement towards the rear wall 14 beyond a
predetermined position through contact between the third locating
assembly 36 and the rear wall 14.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rack 24 has an outside frame
56, which may be formed from one or more frame wires 58, frame
support wires 60, and a series of upper surface wires 62, which
generally run rearwardly to forwardly to provide a support surface
for the powered accessories that are placed on the rack 24. The
frame wire 58 may include raised lateral end portions 64, 66.
[0049] One or more partial length frame support wires 68 may extend
partially between the lateral end portions 64, 66 of the frame 56.
One or more of the upper surface wires 62 (e.g., wires 70) may
terminate at the partial length frame support wires 68 thereby
defining a void 72. The void 72, along with a forward portion 74 of
the frame 56, may be utilized as a handle for moving the rack 24
within and/or outside of the heating cavity 16.
[0050] The third locating assembly 36 may be centrally disposed on
the rear portion 38 of the rack 24, The third locating assembly 36
may be configured as one or more surface wire member extensions 78
that protrude above the frame 56 and/or rearwardly of the frame 56.
When the rack 24 is slid rearward within the heating cavity 16
(i.e., into the heating cavity 16), the third locating assembly 36
may contact the rear wall 14 of the heating cavity 16 to prevent
further insertion of the rack 24 into the heating cavity 16. Thus,
the third locating assembly 36 may help locate the rack 24, and in
some instances, the powered accessory 28 disposed on the rack 24,
in a forward/rearward direction 46 within the heating cavity 16.
Additionally, in various embodiments, the third locating assembly
36 may interact with the base pan 48, when the base pan 48 is
disposed on the rack 24. For example, the base pan 48 may contact
the third locating assembly 36 prior to sliding the rack 24 into
the heating cavity 16. In such instances, the base pan 48 may be
disposed in a position such that the cavity connector 20 and
connection plug 30 may mate as the rack 24 is slid into the heating
cavity 16.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the cavity connector 20 can
include a housing 80 made of a thermally insulating material, such
as a polymer, ceramic, silicone, or other material that can
withstand high temperatures. The cavity connector 20 can include at
least one electrical contact 82 within the housing 80. Likewise,
the connection plug 30 includes housing 84 and at least one
corresponding electrical tab 86 within the housing 84. The cavity
connector 20 and the connection plug 30 can be configured as a
male/female connection in which the cavity connector 20 and the
connection plug 30 may be configured as the male portion. The at
least one electrical contact 82 and the at least one electrical tab
86 can be made of any electrically conductive material, such as
metal, that is configured in the form of pins or blades and female
terminal sockets having a high temperature resistive material
wrapped around the female terminal. The at least one electrical
contact 82 and the at least one electrical tabs 86 can be capable
of handling electrical current in the approximate range of
approximately 5 amps to approximately 15 amps that can correspond
to heating cavity 16 temperature ranges of approximately 0.degree.
F. to approximately 500.degree. F., according to some embodiments.
In various embodiments, at least one operable door is disposed
forwardly of the electrical contacts 82.
[0052] According to the various embodiments, the electrical contact
82 of the cavity connector 20 can include a plurality of electrical
contacts 82 that correspond to the electrical tabs 86 of the
connecting plug 30. It is also contemplated that the electrical
tabs 86 of a particular connecting plug 30 for a corresponding
powered accessory 28 can include a predetermined pattern of
electrical tabs 86. This predetermined pattern of electrical tabs
86 engage the electrical contacts 82 of the plurality of electrical
contacts 82 of the cavity connector 20. In this manner, the
predetermined pattern of electrical tabs 86 engages the electrical
contacts 82 that correspond to the predetermined pattern. As such,
the predetermined pattern can serve to identify a particular
powered accessory 28 of a plurality of powered accessories 28 that
are alternatively and selectively engaged with the cavity connector
20. This configuration can serve as an accessory detection
mechanism disposed within the cavity connector 20.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 7-12, the second locating assembly 34 may
include a resilient component 88, such as a leaf spring, that is
disposed between the. sliding structure and one or more of the
opposing sidewalls 12 of the heating cavity 16. The second locating
assembly 34 may include a plate 90 that is removably, or
permanently, coupled to the rack 24 and/or the sliding
structure.
[0054] The resilient component 88 may be disposed within the plate
90, or integrally formed therewith. The resilient component 88 may
be coupled to an outer surface 102 of the plate 90 on a first side
92 of the resilient component 88 through the usage of a fastener,
such as a rivet. However, it is contemplated that the resilient
component 88 may be attached through any other mechanical fastener,
adhered thereto (e.g., welded), or otherwise coupled to the plate
90 in various embodiments. The resilient component 88 may be
configured from a metallic material that may be formed from a
planar sheet. Alternatively, any other material having resilient
characteristics and is capable of standing temperatures of
approximately 500.degree. F. without deforming may utilized,
according to some embodiments.
[0055] An opposing side 94 of the resilient component 88 may
include an upper portion 96 having a hemmed edge and a lower
portion 98 that may be disposed through a slot 100 defined by the
plate 90 and along an inner surface 104 of the plate 90. The lower
portion 98 may be configured as a guide tab 106. The guide tab 106
may slide along the plate 90 as the resilient component 88 is
disposed in a wide range of positions. Accordingly, an end portion
of the upper portion 96 may be disposed proximate the outer surface
102 of the plate 90 while the lower portion 98 is disposed
proximate the inner surface 104 to hold the resilient component 88
within the plate 90.
[0056] In use, as a contact portion 108 of the resilient component
88 contacts the sidewall 12 of the cavity 16, a curvature of the
resilient component 88 is altered. The first side 92 of the
resilient component 88 maintains a constant position while the
opposing side 94 of the resilient component 88 extends away from
the first side 92. Accordingly, the resilient component 88 presses
the sliding structure and/or the rack 24 away from the wall to
maintain the rack 24 in a substantially constant lateral position.
In various embodiments, the resilient component 88 may be of any
geometry and/or form to contact the sidewall 12 and the plate 90
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 13A-14D, the powered accessory 28 may
include the base pan 48. The first locating assembly 32 is disposed
on the bottom portion 50 of the base pan 48 and may include one or
more base structures 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-14D, the base
pan 48 may include a first base structure 112 that is configured to
partially encompass at least one wire 114 of the rack 24. A second
base structure 116 may have a flat top surface. The first and
second base structures 112, 116 may each include a pair of first
and second base structures 112, 116 that cooperate to maintain the
base pan 48 in a level position when disposed on a planar surface,
such as a countertop.
[0058] In order to consistently locate the base pan 48 on the rack
24, the first set of base structures may define a groove 118. The
groove may be centrally located, or offset from a centerline of the
first base structure 112. The groove 118 may be dimensioned to
partially encompass one or more of the wires 114 of the rack 24.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, the groove 118 is
configured such that the first base structures 112 partially
encompass one of the support wires 114. Accordingly, the base pan
48 may be disposed in a consistent forward/rearward direction 46
within the heating cavity 16. Each base structure may be configured
to have a width w.sub.1 that is less than a distance d.sub.1
between two adjacently disposed upper surface wires 62.
Accordingly, the base pan 48 may be disposed in a substantially
consistent lateral position when the first and second base
structures 112, 116 are disposed between the adjacently disposed
upper surface wires 62. The term "consistent," as used herein,
means that the base pan 48 may be placed in a substantially
constant position when disposed over the same wire 114 in multiple
instances. The base pan 48 may be laterally offset by a range of 10
millimeters and still be considered "consistently" disposed over
the wire 114.
[0059] The first and second base structures 112, 116 may be coupled
to the bottom portion SO of the base pan 48 through the usage of a
fastener, such as a pin 120. However, it is contemplated that the
first and/or second base structures 112, 116 may be attached to the
base pan 48 through any other mechanical fasteners, adhered thereto
(e.g., welded), or otherwise coupled to the base pan 48 in various
embodiments. In various embodiments, the first and/or second base
structures 112, 116 may be integrally formed with the base pan
48.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 15, the first base structure 112 defines
the centrally disposed groove 118 that is configured to partially
encompass the wire 114. As illustrated, the wire 114 may be
centrally disposed within the groove 118 such that two opposing
edges 122, 124 of the groove 118 each may function as locking
edges. According to various embodiments, the groove 118 has less
than one (1) millimeter of clearance between each of the edges 122,
124 and the wire 114. A top portion 126 of the groove 118 may be
disposed further from the wire 114 than the two opposing edges 122,
124.
[0061] Referring still to FIG. 15, a first chamfered surface 128 is
disposed outwardly of both sides of the groove 118. The chamfered
surface may assist in disposing the wire 114 within the groove 118.
A second chamfered surface 130 may be disposed outwardly and offset
from both of the first chamfered surfaces 128. The second chamfered
surface 130 may be configured to move the groove 118 further from
the groove 118 if the wire 114 is disposed under the second
chamfered surface 130 to notify a user of the misalignment of the
groove 118 to the wire 114. Moreover, the first chamfered surface
128 may help alleviate rearward misalignment of the groove 118 over
the wire 114. The second chamfered surface 130 may alleviate
forward misalignment of the groove 118 over the wire 114.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 16, the first base structure 112 may have
a saw-tooth pattern wherein a first edge of the groove 118 may be
the locking edge. First and second surfaces 134, 136 may define the
groove 118 therebetween. The first and second surfaces 134, 136 may
be substantially parallel. In some embodiments, the first surface
134 may alleviate forward misalignment of the groove 118 over the
wire 114. The second surface 136 may alleviate rearward
misalignment of the groove 118 over the wire 114.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 17-22, various alignment assemblies that
may be utilized as the first locating assembly 32 are exemplarily
illustrated. Each assembly may be used in conjunction with any
other alignment assembly provided herein, or independently
thereof.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 17, a pair of attachment members 138 is
coupled to the rack 24. The attachment members 138 define one or
more attachment holes 140. The attachment holes 140 may be
encompassed by a tapered surface 142. The bottom portion 50 of the
base pan 48 includes corresponding pins 120 and/or other engagement
features thereon. To ensure proper alignment of the base pan 48 to
the rack 24, the pins 120 are disposed within the attachment holes
140. It is contemplated that any number (one or more) attachment
members 138 may be utilized for removably attaching the base pan 48
to the rack 24.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 18, the attachment member 138 includes an
attachment hole 140 and an alignment groove 144. The powered
accessory 28 may include the pins 120 on the bottom portion 50
thereof that may be disposed within the groove 144. The base pan 48
may then be slid in a forward/rearward direction 46 until the pins
120 are disposed within the attachment hole 140 that is defined by
the attachment member 138.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 19, the attachment member 138 may define
an elongated slot 146. The elongated slot 146 may be partially, or
fully, encompassed by a tapered surface 142 (FIG. 17). A plurality
of pins 120 may be disposed on the bottom portion 50 of the powered
accessory 28. A pin 120 may be configured to be disposed at each
end portion of the elongated slot to maintain the base pan 48 in
proper placement on the rack 24.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 20, one or more feet 148 are coupled to
the base pan 48. The one or more feet 148 define a groove 150
therein that may be disposed over laterally extending upper surface
wires 62 of the rack 24. The one or more feet 148 may define a
width w.sub.2 that is less than the distance d.sub.1 between two
upper surface wires 62 of the rack 24. Accordingly, when the base
pan 48 is placed in a desired position, the one or more feet 148
are disposed between the upper surface wires 62 to maintain the
position of the base pan 48.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the base pan 48 may include
one or more first base structures 112 that define a first groove
118 that extends in a first direction 152 and a second,
intersecting groove 154 that extends in a second, perpendicular
direction 156 to the first groove 118. An intersection point 158 of
the first and second grooves 118, 154 may be disposed on the rack
24 at a point 160 in which two wires 162, 164 of the rack 24 also
perpendicularly intersect thereby holding the pan in a predefined
location. The first base structures 112 extend below the two wires
162, 164 of the rack 24 in various embodiments.
[0069] According to one aspect, a cooking appliance includes a
heating cavity with a heat source. A cavity connector is disposed
within the heating cavity and a rack is slidably coupled with a
sliding structure disposed within the heating cavity. A powered
accessory has a connecting plug and is engageable with the rack.
The connecting plug is configured to be in selective communication
with the cavity connector. A first locating assembly is configured
to locate and engage the powered accessory with the rack and is
coupled to the powered accessory. A second locating assembly is
disposed between the sliding structure and a pair of opposing
sidewalls of the heating cavity.
[0070] According to another aspect, a cavity connector is disposed
in a rear wall of a heating cavity.
[0071] According to yet another aspect, a third locating assembly
extends from a rack and contacts a rear wall of a heating
cavity.
[0072] According to still another aspect, a third locating assembly
is centrally disposed within a rear portion of a rack and protrudes
above an outer frame and rearwardly of the outer frame.
[0073] According to another aspect, a powered accessory includes a
base pan and a resistive heating element.
[0074] According to another aspect, a first locating assembly
includes an attachment hole and an alignment groove. A base pan may
be slid forward until a pin of the powered accessory engages the
attachment hole.
[0075] According to yet another aspect, a first locating assembly
includes a pair of attachment members that define one or more
attachment holes encompassed by a tapered surface.
[0076] According to another aspect, when a base pan is in selective
engagement with a rack, a resistive heating element is in selective
communication with the cavity connector.
[0077] According to still another aspect, a cooking appliance
includes a heat source in thermal communication with a heating
cavity. A cavity connector is disposed within an interior surface
of the heating cavity and is in communication with the heating
cavity. A rack is defined by a plurality of wires coupled to a
frame. A powered accessory has a connecting plug and is engageable
with the rack. The connecting plug is configured to be in selective
communication with the cavity connector. A first locating assembly
is configured to locate the powered accessory on the rack. A
sliding structure is coupled to the rack and disposed proximate
opposing vertical sidewalk of a pair of sidewalk of the heating
cavity. A second locating assembly is disposed between the sliding
structure and the opposing vertical sidewalk. A third locating
assembly is disposed on a rear portion of the rack and a rear wall
of the heating cavity.
[0078] According to another aspect, a control unit of a cooking
appliance is in communication with a cavity connector and a user
interface of the cooking appliance. The control unit places the
user interface of the cooking appliance in signal communication
with a powered accessory.
[0079] According to still another aspect, a first locating assembly
includes a first base structure disposed on a bottom portion of a
base pan. The first base structure defines a groove therein. A
second base structure is disposed on the bottom portion of the base
pan, separated from the first base structure, and extends between
two adjacent wires of a plurality of wires of a rack.
[0080] According to another aspect, a powered accessory includes a
plurality of pins and a first locating assembly includes a slot
configured to receive the plurality of pins.
[0081] According to yet another aspect, a groove defined by a first
base structure partially encompasses a plurality of wires of a rack
and includes at least one locking edge.
[0082] According to another aspect, a first base structure includes
a first chamfered surface disposed outwardly of a groove.
[0083] According to still another aspect, a first locating assembly
is configured as a pair of pins disposed on a bottom portion of a
base pan that may be disposed within apertures defined by an
attachment member on a rack.
[0084] According to another aspect, an appliance includes a base
pan configured to be selectively engaged with a rack within a
cavity of the appliance. A first base structure is disposed on a
bottom portion of the base pan and defines a groove therein. A
second base structure is disposed on the bottom portion of the base
pan and is separated from the first base structure. A connecting
plug is in communication with the appliance. Selective engagement
of the connecting plug with a cavity connector disposed within the
cavity of the appliance places a powered accessory in communication
with the appliance. A locating assembly is disposed between a
sliding structure and a wall of the heating cavity. The locating
assembly includes a resilient component that is configured to
horizontally align the rack within the heating cavity.
[0085] According to yet another aspect, a sliding structure is
coupled to a rack and is configured to move the rack into and from
a heating cavity.
[0086] According to another aspect, a locating assembly extends
from a rear portion of the rack to assist in preventing over
insertion of a connection plug within a connector.
[0087] According to still another aspect, a plurality of feet are
coupled to a base pan and define a groove. The groove engages
laterally extending surface wires of the rack.
[0088] A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the
present disclosure. For example, the locating assemblies provided
herein allow for simple and repeatable locating of a powered
accessory connection plug within a cavity connector. Moreover, the
locating assemblies provided herein may be manufactured at low
costs.
[0089] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described invention and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0090] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0091] Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the
same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the
desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to
achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable
of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Some
examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited, to
physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or
wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components
and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable
components.
[0092] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0093] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
* * * * *