DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001 ] The present invention generally finds application in the field of accessories for household appliances and particularly relates to an easy- mount system for built-in appliances.

The invention also relates to a method for easy mounting of a household appliance using the above mentioned system.

Background art

[0002] Household appliances are known, such as ovens, dishwashers, washing machines or the like, which are designed to be built into a specially- formed installation compartment in kitchen furniture or similar structures.

[0003] These household appliances are generally heavy and cumbersome and their installation in the compartment is often highly cumbersome for the operator.

[0004] In an attempt to obviate this drawback, known guide devices or systems are designed to be applied to the walls of the compartment and the appliance respectively for easy mounting and maintenance of the latter.

[0005] Generally, these systems comprise one or more pairs of fixed guides, which are mounted to the side walls of the compartment and are adapted for slidable coupling with respective movable guides stably attached to the appliance.

[0006] Alternatively, the pairs of fixed and movable guides may be secured to the bottom wall of the compartment and the appliance.

[0007] For instance, US860251 0 discloses guide devices for built-in appliances, consisting of a pair of fixed rails stably secured to the bottom wall of the compartment and a pair of movable elongate elements secured to the bottom wall of the appliance.

[0008] The shape of the movable elongate elements is complementary to that of the rails, for slidable engagement therebetween and insertion of the appliance into the compartment.

[0009] DE1 02005028740 discloses a guide system with a pair of rigid brackets adapted to be secured to the side walls of the compartment in vertical positions, and each comprising a plurality of extensions that project toward the interior of the compartment. Each extension has specially shaped grooves for slidably receiving an elongate profile located on the lateral surface of the household appliance in a horizontal position. Furthermore, the extensions have a small width, i.e. considerably smaller than the width of the appliance, to define a plurality of sliding points with the elongate profile.

[0010] The system comprises a plurality of extensions secured to the surface of the compartment and spaced by a predetermined distance from each other for the profile to be able to be supported and slide throughout the depth of the compartment.

[0011] Nevertheless, a first drawback of these arrangements is that this system does not allow cantilever positioning of the appliance relative to the compartment, which will restrict access by an operator during connection or maintenance of the appliance.

[0012] This is because these guide devices do not allow to support a built-in appliance just inserted at the entry of the compartment, because the weight of the appliance causes a deformation of the guides, thereby hindering the sliding movement of the elongate elements in the rails.

[0013] Furthermore, these arrangements are relatively cumbersome, as the fixed and movable guide elements are fixed to the walls of the compartment and the device in a projecting position.

[0014] Therefore, the compartment must have a larger size for the guide systems to be entirely accommodated therein, and this may be a dramatic limitation if the appliance is designed to be installed in narrow environments such as camping trailers, boats, motor caravans or the like.

Disclosure of the invention

[0015] The main object of the present invention is to obviate the above drawbacks, by providing an easy-mount system for mounting built-in appliances into an installation compartment, that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

[0016] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an easy- mount system for built-in appliances that can speed up and simplify insertion and removal of an appliance into and from the installation compartment.

[0017] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an easy- mount system for built-in appliances that can stably hold the appliance in a cantilever position from the compartment for long periods of time to facilitate installation or maintenance by an operator.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-mount system for mounting built-in appliances into an installation compartment, that has a reduced implementation complexity and relatively low costs.

[0019] Another important object of the invention is to provide an easy-mount system for mounting built-in appliances into an installation compartment, that has relatively small dimensions, such as to allow appliances to be mounted in compartments formed in narrow environments such as camping trailers, boats, motor caravans and the like.

[0020] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by an easy-mount system for mounting built-in appliances into an installation compartment as defined in claim 1 .

[0021 ] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for easy mounting built-in appliances into an installation compartment as defined in claim 1 1 .

[0022] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent upon reading of the detailed description of a preferred, nonexclusive embodiment of an easy-mount system and method for mounting a built-in appliance into an installation compartment according to the invention, which are described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an easy-mount system for mounting an appliance into an installation compartment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a first detail of Fig. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the first detail of Fig. 2;

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the first detail of Fig. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a second detail of Fig. 1 ; FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the second detail of Fig. 5;

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of the second detail of Fig. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a household appliance inserted in an installation compartment and having the system of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of a portion of Fig. 8, in which the first detail of Fig. 2 and the second detail of Fig. 5 are mutually coupled;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first detail of Fig. 2, partially coupled to the second detail of Fig. 5;

FIG. 1 1 is a block diagram of the steps of the inventive method for easy insertion of an appliance into an installation compartment.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0024] Referring to the above mentioned figures, there is shown an easy- mount system for mounting an appliance into an installation compartment, which is generally designated by numeral 1 .

[0025] Particularly, the system 1 may be used for easy mounting of built-in appliances E, such as, for instance, ovens, dishwashers, cooktops, washing machines or the like, into corresponding installation compartments V formed in a kitchen or other similar structures.

[0026] Conveniently, as best shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the easy-mount system 1 of the invention comprises at least one pair of fixed guide elements 2, which are designed to be secured to the side walls W, W of an installation compartment V.

[0027] The installation compartment V may have substantially parallel side walls W, W and the fixed guide elements 2 may comprise first through holes 3, as best shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4, which are adapted to allow insertion of screw means, not shown, for causing the fixed guide elements 2 to be secured to their corresponding side walls W, W.

[0028] The fixed guide elements 2 may comprise a first elongate profile 4, having a central portion 5 adapted to be secured to its respective wall W, W of the compartment V and a pair of lateral sliding portions 6.

[0029] The central portion 5 may comprise a substantially flat rear face 7, which is designed to contact its respective side wall W, W of the compartment V, whereas the lateral portions 6 may project out of the central portion 5.

[0030] Particularly, the first profile 4 may be made of metal and may extend along a first longitudinal axis L .

[0031] Furthermore, the first through holes 3 may be formed at the central portion 5 and may be arranged along the longitudinal extent of the first profile 4.

[0032] Conveniently, the first profile 4 may have a length equal to or smaller than the depth p of the compartment V. Therefore, the fixed guide means 2 may be as long as the first profile 4.

[0033] Preferably, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair of lateral sliding portions 6 of each fixed guide element 2 may be in symmetrical positions with respect to the central portion 5.

[0034] Conveniently, each lateral sliding portion 6 may have a flat section 8, which is connected to the central portion 5 through an intermediate connecting portion 9 and a substantially longitudinal end edge 10, which is joined to the flat section 8.

[0035] Furthermore, the flat section 8 may be joined to a peripheral section 1 1 which defines the longitudinal end edge 10.

[0036] Particularly, the peripheral section 1 1 may be substantially flat and inwardly inclined at a first predetermined inclination angle a, and the end edge 10 may project out of the rear face 7 of the central portion 5 to a predetermined distance d-i .

[0037] The connecting portion 9, as best shown in FIG. 3, may be substantially flat and outwardly inclined at a second predetermined inclination angle α', which is substantially equal and opposite to the first inclination angle a of the peripheral section 1 1 .

[0038] The system 1 of the invention further comprises at least one pair of movable guide elements 12, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5 to 9, which are adapted to be associated with the side surfaces A, A' of the built-in appliance E and to be slidably coupled to the pair of fixed guide elements 2.

[0039] Particularly, the side walls A, A' are substantially mutually parallel and define a maximum width s of the appliance E.

[0040] Advantageously, the movable guide means 1 2 are designed with such a shape as to be able to be accommodated within corresponding elongate grooves R formed in the side walls A, A' of the appliance E.

[0041 ] Particularly, the movable guide elements 1 2 are embedded in the grooves R to be entirely contained within the side walls A, A' of the appliance E in such a manner to leave the maximum width s thereof substantially unchanged.

[0042] Thanks to the presence of the grooves R, the movable guide means 1 2 will be flush with the walls A, A' and the latter will have no lateral projection that might increase the maximum width s of the appliance E.

[0043] The movable guide means 1 2 may be associated with the side surfaces A, A' of the appliance in a substantially horizontal position, parallel to the fixed guide elements 2.

[0044] Particularly, the slidable coupling relationship of the movable guide elements 1 2 to the fixed guide elements 2 may be established along respective sliding surfaces 1 3, 1 3'.

[0045] Preferable, each movable guide element 1 2 comprises a second profile 14 which extends along a second longitudinal axis L ₂ and has a specially shaped middle portion 1 5 defining an elongate cavity 1 6 for slidably receiving the first profile 4.

[0046] Like the first profile 4, the second profile 14 may also be preferably made of metal or the like.

[0047] Preferably, the second profile 14 has a length l ₂ substantially equal to the length of the first profile 3. Therefore, the movable guide means 12 are as long as the second profile 14.

[0048] Furthermore, the sliding surfaces 13, 1 3' continuously extend along the entire length , l ₂ of their corresponding guides 2, 1 2. Thus, the appliance E may be inserted and supported in cantilever fashion in the compartment V in a horizontal position as it is being mounted, possibly along a limited section of its length.

[0049] The cavity 1 6 of the second profile 14 may comprise a pair of edge portions 1 7, whose shape substantially mates the shape of the pair of lateral sliding portions 6 of the first profile 4.

[0050] Particularly, as best shown in FIG. 6, the cavity 1 6 may comprise a substantially flat bottom wall 1 8, parallel to a respective side wall A, A' of the appliance E, and designed to be coupled to the flat section 8 of its respective lateral sliding portion 6 of the first profile 4.

[0051 ] The bottom wall and the edge portions 1 7 will be adapted to define a longitudinal opening 1 8', continuously extending all along the extent of the elongate cavity 1 6.

[0052] Furthermore, the edge portions 1 7 of the cavity 1 6 are joined to the bottom wall 1 8 and outwardly inclined at a third inclination angle a", substantially equal to the first inclination angle a, to be coupled to the peripheral sections 1 1 of the lateral sliding portion 6.

[0053] Thus, as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flat section 8 and the inclined peripheral section 1 1 define the sliding surfaces 1 3 of the fixed guide elements 2, whereas the bottom wall 1 8 and the edge portions 1 7 of the cavity 1 6 define the sliding surfaces 1 3' of the movable guide element 1 2.

[0054] In a peculiar aspect of the invention, as best shown in FIG. 1 0, the sliding surfaces 1 3, 1 3' continuously extend in a straight direction in the mutual coupling zone of the fixed and movable guide elements 2 and 1 2.

[0055] This will allow the appliance E to be inserted and supported at least partially in cantilever fashion in the installation compartment V in a horizontal position during mounting thereof.

[0056] The linear and continuous extention of the sliding surfaces 1 3, 1 3' will allow the weight of the appliance E to be supported even when the latter is only partially inserted in the compartment V, for easier installation and maintenance by an operator.

[0057] Conveniently, as shown in FIG. 1 0, when the first profile 4 is inserted in the cavity 1 6, the first longitudinal axis L may be substantially parallel and its height aligned to the height of the second longitudinal axis L ₂ .

[0058] The second profile 14 may have a plurality of extensions 1 9 at ts edge portions 1 7, which are directed toward the interior of said cavity 1 6 and are adapted to interact with the end edges 1 0 of the lateral sliding portions 6 to hold the first profile 4 in the cavity 1 6, thereby preventing the second profile 14 and the appliance E from rotating about the second longitudinal axis L ₂ .

[0059] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the extensions 1 9 may be evenly arranged in mutually facing positions along the longitudinal extent of the edge portions 1 7 and may further extend substantially parallel to the bottom wall 1 8 of the cavity 1 6.

[0060] The mutual interaction of the extensions 1 9 with the end edges 1 0 of the lateral sliding portions 6 will cause the first profile 4 to be held within the cavity 1 6 of the second profile 14.

[0061 ] The cavity 1 6 may further be designed of such a size as to allow the first profile 4 to be tightly fitted therein, with a small clearance.

[0062] Particularly, the extensions 1 9 may be adapted to interact with the end edges 10 of the lateral sliding portion 6 to limit the transverse clearance of the first profile 4 in the cavity 1 6.

[0063] Advantageously, as best shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the second profile 14 may comprise a pair of end portions 20, which are joined to the cavity 1 6 and adapted to be secured to the frame T of the appliance E.

[0064] The second profile 14 may comprise end portions 20, each having a longitudinal section 21 joined to the edge portion 1 7 of the cavity 1 6, and a substantially flat transverse section 22.

[0065] One of the transverse sections 22 of the end portions 20 may comprise a plurality of second through holes 23, which are designed to promote connection of the second profile 14 to the frame T of the appliance E by insertion of connecting screws or bolts 24, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0066] Conveniently, the end portions 20, the longitudinal section 21 and the transverse section 22 may have shapes and sizes other than those as shown in the figures, to fit the particular shape of the frame T of the appliance.

[0067] Advantageously, as previously mentioned, the frame T of the appliance may have a plurality of grooves R for receiving and embedding respective second profiles 14 such that the movable guide elements 1 2 may be integrated in the appliance E.

[0068] Furthermore, the cavity 1 6 of the second profile 14 may be recessed relative to the side surface A, A' to prevent the formation of lateral projections and reduce the bulk of the appliance E.

[0069] In the configuration of the invention as shown in the figures, the appliance E is of combined type, i.e. comprising a cooktop P, a grill oven H-i , and a methane gas oven or the like H ₂ .

[0070] Furthermore, each side surface A, A' of the appliance E comprises three grooves R for accommodating corresponding movable guide elements 1 2.

[0071 ] Conveniently, as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the three movable guide elements 1 2 of each side surface A, A' are adapted to be slidably coupled to three corresponding fixed guide elements 2 which are stably secured to the side wall W, W of the compartment V.

[0072] Furthermore, the three movable guide elements 1 2 may have second profiles 14 slightly differing in size and shape. For example, a second profile 14 with no terminal portion 20 may be accommodated at the grooves R formed at the center of the corresponding side surface A, A'.

[0073] In a further aspect, the invention relates to an easy-mount method for mounting a built-in appliance E into an installation compartment V formed in furniture or similar structures, as represented in the block diagram of FIG. 1 1 .

[0074] Particularly, this method uses a mounting system 1 as described above and comprises a step of a) providing at least one pair of substantially parallel and horizontal elongate grooves R on the side surfaces A, A' of an appliance E.

[0075] For example, in the illustrated configuration of the invention, three pairs of elongate grooves R are formed at the side surfaces A, A' of an appliance E.

[0076] A step is then provided of b) accommodating and embedding the second profiles 14 in the pairs of grooves R formed in the side walls A, A' of the appliance E and a step of c) fixing them to the appliance E.

[0077] Conveniently, the second profile 14 may be fixed to the appliance E using screws or bolts 24.

[0078] The method further comprises a step of d) securing at least one pair of first profiles 4 to the side walls W, W of the compartment V.

[0079] The first profiles 4 will be secured to the side walls W, W of the compartment V in positions substantially facing the second profiles 14 and at the same height from the ground as the latter.

[0080] Next, the method includes a step of e) aligning the appliance E to the compartment V and at least partially inserting the first profiles 4 into the second profiles 14.

[0081 ] The partial insertion of the first profile 4 into the second profile 14 allows the appliance E to be maintained in a cantilever position relative to the compartment V thereby assisting the operator in his/her installation and/or maintenance tasks.

[0082] The method also comprises a step of f) causing the first profiles 4 to slide in the second profiles 14 to complete the insertion of the appliance E into the compartment V thereby causing it to be partially or fully built into the kitchen or the structure.

[0083] The system and method of the invention fulfill the intended objects and mainly allow easy installation of a built-in appliance, while allowing its weight to be supported even when it is in a cantilever position relative to the compartment.

[0084] The system and method of the invention are susceptible to a number of changes or variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the annexed claims.

[0085] All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention. [0086] While the system and method of the invention have been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Industrial applicability

[0087] The present invention may find application in industry, because it can be manufactured on an industrial scale in factories for production of household appliances and may be used in various contexts for industrial and commercial applications.