Lid lock with magnetic anti-tamper feature
US8736406B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
15References
21Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/11
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A latch for a washing machine or other appliance provides two interengaging elements on a lid and housing each having a magnet oriented for mutual repulsion. Proper repulsion of the magnets is necessary to signal that the lid is properly closed such as may be used to determine if the appliance may be locked and safely operated, for example, in a clothes spinning mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.