ADAPTER RETROFIT BY REPLACEMENT COMPONENT

• US 20100157511A1
• Filed: 12/22/2008
• Published: 06/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: VISWANATHAN, AMERESH B., KNIGHT, JOHN M., MCCOY, RICHARD A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,053,935 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/600
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 1/00 Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings E05B5/00, E05B7/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 1/0084 Handles or knobs with displays, signs, labels pictures, or the like displays on locks E05B17/226; displays on keys E05B19/0088
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/0083 Sound emitting devices, e.g. loudspeakers

Abstract

An appliance having various mechanical components that can be replaced with a component that provides power or data to the appliance. The component being replaced includes handles, trim pieces, face plates, or the like. The source of power to the new mechanical component comes from an external source which can also provide data.

Claims

1. A retrofit component for an appliance comprising:

a replacement mechanical component that replaces a prior mechanical component that was affixed to an appliance; and

a power supply interface provided in association with the replacement mechanical component.

2. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a power adaptor.

3. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second interface for receiving power.

4. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an interface for receiving a consumer electronic device.

5. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a consumer electronic device integral with said replacement component.

6. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first proximity interface connected to the replacement component and capable of receiving an electrical service from a second proximity interface that is separate and proximate from the replacement component.

7. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an attachment point configured for removeably mounting the retrofit component to the appliance at a preexisting mounting location along a closure of the appliance.

8. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retrofit component performs at least one useful function in addition to communicating electrical service to a consumer electronic device, the useful function replacing an appliance function performed by the appliance.

9. A retrofit component for a fixed structure, the retrofit component comprising:

at least one attachment point configured for removeably mounting a retrofit component to a fixed structure, the fixed structure having a function;

a first electrical interface connected to the retrofit component and capable of receiving an electrical service from a source of electrical service and further being capable of communicating with the electrical service; and

a device interface in communication with the electrical source of electrical service and the first electrical interface, wherein the device interface is configured for communicating the electrical service to a consumer electronic device;

wherein the retrofit component performs at least one useful function in addition to communicating the electrical service to the consumer electronic device.

10. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the useful function replaces the function performed by the fixed structure.

11. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the function performed by the fixed structure is the same as the useful function of the retrofit component.

12. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one attachment point is configured for removably mounting the retrofit component to the fixed structure at a preexisting mounting location along the fixed structure.

13. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the useful function is selected from one of providing a handle, providing a decorative feature, and providing a drip pan.

14. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the source of electrical service is an electrical storage device located near the retrofit component.

15. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the source of electrical service is a second electrical interface that is a proximity interface that is configured for removably mounting to the fixed structure, and wherein the first electrical interface is a proximity interface that is configured to receive the electrical service from the second electrical interface.

16. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fixed structure includes a closure moveably mounted to the fixed structure, the closure being movable between an open position remote from the fixed structure and a closed position proximate to the fixed structure, and the retrofit component capable of being removably mounted to the closure at the attachment point.

17. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retrofit component is configured for replacing a portion of the fixed structure.

18. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retrofit component is selected from one of a handle, a knob, an ice and water bezel, an ice and water dispenser drip pan, a decorative door trim, a finished door covering and a badge.

19. The retrofit component as recited in claim 9, further comprising a second proximity interface configured for removably mounting to the fixed structure.

20. A retrofit component system for a fixed structure that is a host, the host including a closure moveably mounted to the host, the closure being movable between an open position remote from the host and a closed position proximate to the host, the retrofit component comprising:

a main body capable of being mounted to the closure and including at least one attachment point configured for removably mounting the retrofit component to the closure at a preexisting mounting location along the closure;

a first proximity interface connected to the closure, the first proximity interface capable of receiving an electrical service;

a second proximity interface mounted to the host, the first proximity interface configured to receive the electrical service from the second proximity interface; and

a device interface configured for communicating the electrical service to a consumer electronic device;

wherein the main body performs at least one useful function in addition to communicating the electrical service to the consumer electronic device, the useful function replacing a host function performed by the host;

wherein the first proximity interface is configured to receive the electrical service from the second proximity interface when the closure is in proximity to the host.

21. A retrofit component for a domestic home appliance for performing a physical operation on an article comprising:

a replacement mechanical component for supplying a mechanical function to an appliance that can replace a prior mechanical component that, when affixed to a portion of the appliance, supplies the mechanical function; and

an attachment interface provided in association with the replacement mechanical component,

wherein when the prior mechanical component is replaced by the replacement mechanical component, the mechanical function is supplied to the appliance by the replacement mechanical component, and

wherein the attachment interface is disposed such that a user can use the attachment interface to affix a new component to the replacement mechanical component.

22. The retrofit component of claim 21, wherein the replacement mechanical component is configured to attach to the portion of the appliance.

23. The retrofit component of claim 21, wherein the portion is one of a door, a dispenser, an appliance top surface, a grill, and a finished covering surface for covering the interior of an appliance.

24. The retrofit component of claim 21, wherein the replacement mechanical component is one of a refrigerator door hinge, an appliance door handle, an ice and water bezel, an ice and water dispenser drip pan, a decorative door trim, a finished door covering and a badge.

25. The retrofit component of claim 21, further comprising a power supply interface provided in association with the replacement mechanical component for supplying power to the new component when the new component is affixed to the attachment interface.

26. The retrofit component of claim 21, further comprising at least one of a consumer electronic device, an adapter for a device, a mounting bracket, a battery housing, a communication device, a user interface, and a holder for holding a component.

27. The retrofit component of claim 21, wherein the attachment interface includes at least one of a magnetic communication surface, an adhesive surface, a Velcronic communication surface, a threaded surface configured to mechanically communicate with a compatible threaded component, a gripable surface configured to provide at least two points for attaching two portions of a gripping device, a slot for holding a portion of a component, a ledge for holding a portion of a component, a clasp, a bolt, a screw, a hook, a shelf, a frame, a pouch, a drawer, and a vice.