Appliance doors having integrated lighting and controls
US8567976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/04
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention is an integrated control system for use with various home appliances, such as washing machine, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the like. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the integrated controls are incorporated into a polycarbonate clear door panel, and incorporate proximity switches and controls to provide control and operation of the applicance. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are optionally incorporated into a door handle for the appliance in an area out of sight such that only the light produced by the LEDs is seen and illuminates a handle for opening the door of the appliance. Additionally, opaque glass technology may be incorporated into one or more surfaces of the appliance which enables an opaque panel to become transparent to view the content of the interior of the appliance, such as a refrigerator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.