The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 29, 1991
Filed:
Oct. 19, 1989
James R Mulder, Berrien Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Carl E Eichman, Lincoln Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A front-serviceable appliance of the type requiring removal of a cabinet top for servicing. The invention permits the use of a horizontally sliding cabinet top. The appliance includes resilient retaining clips that secure the cabinet top and simultaneously prevent accidental disconnection of a cabinet-top actuated electrical connection. Also included in a mounting for a water-inlet vacuum-break that allows the vacuum-break to pivot downwardly to provide clearance for sliding of the cabinet top for removal or replacement. The sliding cabinet top reduces vertical space required to gain service access, while the electrical connection eliminates the need for a separate fastener, thus greatly simplifying cabinet top actuation.