Adapter retrofit by replacement component

• US 8,053,935 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2008
• Issued: 11/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Viswanathan, Ameresh B., McCoy, Richard A., Knight, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): RUTLAND WALLIS, MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US12/341,129
• Publication Number:
  US 20100157511A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,051 Days
• Field of Search: 307/154, 623/31
• US Class Current: 307/154
• 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, the retrofit component comprising:

a kick plate comprising at least one attachment point configured for removably mounting the kick plate to a lower portion of the appliance;

a first electrical interface connected to the kick plate 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.

2. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment point is configured for removably mounting the kick plate to the appliance at a preexisting mounting location along a lower portion of the appliance.

3. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source of electrical service is an electrical storage device located near the kick plate.

4. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source of electrical service is a second electrical interface that is a proximity interface that is configured for removably mounting to the appliance, and wherein the first electrical interface is a proximity interface that is configured to receive the electrical service from the second electrical interface when the first electrical interface is in proximity to the second electrical interface.

5. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the appliance includes a housing and a closure moveably mounted to the housing, the closure being movable between an open position remote from the housing and a closed position proximate to the housing, and the kick plate is capable of being removably mounted to the housing at the attachment point below the closure.

6. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the kick plate is configured for replacing a prior kick plate of the appliance.

7. The retrofit component as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second proximity interface configured for removably mounting to the appliance.

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

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

an attachment interface provided in association with the replacement kick plate and disposed such that a user can use the attachment interface to affix a new component to the replacement kick plate; and

a power supply interface provided in association with the replacement kick plate for supplying power to the new component when the new component is affixed to the attachment interface;

wherein when the prior kick plate is replaced by the replacement kick plate, the mechanical function is supplied to the appliance by the replacement kick plate and power may be supplied to the new component from the power supply interface.

9. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 8, wherein the replacement kick plate is configured to attach to the lower portion of the appliance.

10. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 8, 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.

11. The retrofit component as claimed in claim 8, wherein the attachment interface includes at least one of a magnetic communication surface, an adhesive surface, a hook-and-loop fastener 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.