Interchangeable door panels for dishwasher
US4732431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1986 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE06B5/006
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A door frame is provided comprising a pair of laterally spaced, vertically directed and parallel frame members defining channels opening laterally towards each other. A bottom frame member connects between the two side frame members and defines an upwardly opening channel. A decorative panel sheet is dimensioned so that it must be bowed slightly to present its opposite edges to the channels in the side frame members. Upon releasing the panel, the edges penetrate the channel and are confined against fore and aft shifting. The dimension between a control console on the top of the door and the bottom frame member is greater than the spacing between the upper and lower edges of the panel. This allows the panel to be unbowed without interference from the bottom frame member. With the panel assuming its flattened state the panel can be shifted downwardly into the channel in the bottom frame member. A retaining strip holds the upper edge of the panel against the control console. Preferably, the retaining strip is arranged to be snap fit into place so that it can be readily removed when it is desired to change the exposed face of the door.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.