METHOD OF PROVIDING A REPLACEMENT COMPONENT

• US 20100161519A1
• Filed: 12/22/2008
• Published: 06/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: MCCOY, RICHARD A.
• Application Number:
  US12/341,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20100161519A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/500
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49817 with other than ancillary treating or assembling

Abstract

A method of providing a retrofit component for a host comprises the steps of removing a mechanical component from a host and replacing the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component that is operable to provide power to a consumer electronic device. 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. Instructions can be provided to the consumer so as to instruct the consumer on how to install the new mechanical component to the host.

Claims

1. A method of providing a retrofit component for an appliance comprising the steps of:

removing a mechanical component from an appliance; and

replacing the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component that is operable to provide power to a separate electrical device.

2. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising another step of providing an interface for receiving power.

3. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising another step of providing an electrical service.

4. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising another consumer electronic device independently operable from said new mechanical component.

5. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of offering said new mechanical component for sale to a customer.

6. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said separate electrical device is a portable consumer electric device.

7. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of supplying documentation about the retrofit component to a customer.

8. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said new mechanical component has a function that is in addition to a function of the mechanical component.

9. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the new mechanical component is one of a handle, a hinge, an appliance surface, trim component, drip pan, ice dispenser, and badge.

10. A method of providing a retrofit component for an appliance comprising the steps of:

offering a retrofit component for sale to a customer;

supplying the retrofit component to a customer; and

wherein the retrofit component is a mechanical component that is configured to have a consumer electronic device associated therewith.

11. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of supplying information to a customer about how to install the retrofit component.

12. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 10, wherein the retrofit component is one of a handle, trim member, water dispenser, a hinge, an appliance surface, and a logo.

13. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of providing an electrical source in communication with said retrofit component.

14. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of providing another consumer electric device.

15. A method of providing a retrofit component for a host comprising the steps of:

removing a mechanical component from a host; and

replacing the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component that is operable to provide power to a consumer electronic device.

16. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 15, wherein said host is an appliance.

17. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 15, wherein said new mechanical component includes an adapter for receiving said consumer electronic device.

18. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 15, further comprising the step of providing an electrical source in communication with said new mechanical component.

19. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 15, further comprising the step of providing instructions to a consumer so as to inform the consumer on how to replace the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component.

20. The method of providing a retrofit component as claimed in claim 15, further comprising the step of providing another consumer electronic device that receives a service from said new mechanical component.

21. A method of providing a retrofit component for a component of an appliance having a useful function comprising the steps of:

offering a retrofit component for sale to a customer;

supplying the retrofit component to a customer;

supplying information to a customer about how to install the retrofit component; and

wherein the retrofit component supplies the useful function and a different user function unrelated to the appliance.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the useful function is one of delivering media content, component holding, component charging, and component storage.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the steps of:

offering other components for sale that can be affixed to the retrofit component;

supplying the other components to a customer; and

supplying information to a customer about how to affix the other component to the retrofit component.