Child-safe door latching system for a cooking appliance
US6730882B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S292/69
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cooking appliance, such as a range, includes a cabinet within which is arranged an oven cavity that is adapted to be selectively closed by a pivotable door. A latching mechanism is provided to interconnect the door and the cabinet. The latching mechanism is movable between a locked position wherein the door is maintained closed and an unlocked position wherein the door can be pivoted to enable access to the oven cavity. The latching mechanism is operable in two distinct modes, i.e., a first mode wherein the latching mechanism is activated in conjunction with the operation of a self-clean cycle, and a second mode wherein the latching mechanism is operated independently of any other function of the cooking appliance. The second mode is particularly employed to prevent children from improperly utilizing the door as a stepping platform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.