초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a snap fit end cap for a control console positioned within a domestic appliance, particularly a washing or drying machine. Each of the end caps include mounting pins which extend through and support the control console. A stop surface is provided adjacent the mountin

The present invention relates to a snap fit end cap for a control console positioned within a domestic appliance, particularly a washing or drying machine. Each of the end caps include mounting pins which extend through and support the control console. A stop surface is provided adjacent the mounting pins to limit the penetration of the pins into the control console and to prevent inward movement of the end cap relative to the control console. Resilient fastening devices are also provided by the end caps. The fastening devices extend through apertures provided by the control console, a shoulder surface of the fastening devices engaging an inner surface of the control console to prevent removal of the fastening device once installed therein as well as to prevent outward movement of the end cap relative to the control console. The distance between the shoulder surface and the stop surface is generally equal to the thickness of the control console, trapping the console therebetween and preventing the end cap from moving relatively towards or away from the control console. The end caps of the present invention eliminate or otherwise greatly reduce the amount of labor and hardware necessary to attach the end caps to the control console of the appliance.

대표청구항 ▼

A snap fit end cap for an appliance control console, said control console extending between a pair of end caps and having a generally planar front face and a pair of lateral end portions being generally perpendicular to said front face, said end portions having a predetermined thickness, said end ca

A snap fit end cap for an appliance control console, said control console extending between a pair of end caps and having a generally planar front face and a pair of lateral end portions being generally perpendicular to said front face, said end portions having a predetermined thickness, said end cap comprising: means for securing the end cap to a top wall portion of an appliance cabinet; a stop surface for limiting inward movement of the end cap relative to the control console end portion, said stop surface defining a first plane; and, means for retention of said end cap on said control console end portion, said retention means engaging an inner surface of said control console to inhibit outward movement of said end cap relative to said control console, said retention means defining a second plane generally parallel to said first plane, wherein a distance between said first and second planes is generally equal to the predetermined thickness of the control console end portion whereby said end portion is trapped between said stop surface and said retention means and said end cap is thereby inhibited from moving relatively toward or away from said control console.