LAUNDRY APPLIANCE INCLUDING OBLIQUE BELLOWS AND DOOR DEFLECTOR WITH HORIZONTAL BOTTOM

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to a laundry appliance, and more specifically, to a laundry appliance including oblique bellows and a door deflector having a horizontal bottom extending over the oblique bellows.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002]According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a front panel defining a front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet and is obliquely oriented relative to the front panel. A drum is disposed within the tub. An oblique bellows extends between the front opening and the tub opening to form a downwardly sloping surface. A front bellows opening at the front panel is parallel with the tub opening. Folds at a bottom of the oblique bellows engage an upper end of a coupling feature for engaging the tub opening to form a continuous surface for directing liquids directly toward the drum. A door assembly is operably coupled to the front panel via a hinge assembly and configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The door assembly includes a frame coupled to the hinge assembly and a deflector coupled to a rear side of the frame. A coupling edge of the deflector extends parallel with the front bellows opening to form an angled sealing interface between the oblique bellows and the door assembly when the door assembly is closed. A bottom of the deflector extends perpendicular to the vertical axis to reduce a gap between the deflector and the oblique bellows.

[0003]According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a front panel defining a front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. A center axis of the tub is vertically offset and defines an acute angle relative to a center axis of the front opening. An oblique bellows extends between the front opening and the tub. A door assembly is operably coupled to the front panel and configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The door assembly includes a frame. A deflector is coupled to a rear side of the frame. A bottom of the deflector extends perpendicular to the rotational axis to minimize a gap between the deflector and the oblique bellows. A center axis of a sealing interface between the deflector and the oblique bellows is parallel with the center axis of the tub.

[0004]According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet including a front panel defining a front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. A tub opening is vertically offset from the front opening. A center axis of the tub is vertically offset and positioned at an acute angle relative to a horizontal center axis of the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. An oblique bellows extends between the front opening and the tub opening. A front bellows opening at the front panel is parallel with the tub opening. A light source is disposed proximate to an outer surface of the oblique bellows and an inner surface of the front panel. The light source is configured to emit light through the oblique bellows. A door frame is operably coupled to the front panel and configured to rotate about a vertical rotational axis. A deflector is coupled to a rear side of the frame. The deflector includes a coupling edge extending parallel with the front bellows opening to form a sealing interface therebetween and a bottom extending horizontally over the oblique bellows and toward the drum. The bottom extends parallel to the horizontal center axis and perpendicular to the vertical rotational axis to reduce a gap between the deflector and the oblique bellows.

[0005]These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]In the drawings:

[0007]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a laundry appliance, according to the present disclosure;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance, according to the present disclosure;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance with an offset and oblique drum and a door deflector having a horizontal bottom extending over oblique bellows, according to the present disclosure;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a 12 o'clock position of a bellows and a top of a door assembly, according to the present disclosure;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions of a bellows and sides of a door assembly, according to the present disclosure;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a 6 o'clock position of a bellows and a bottom of a door assembly, according to the present disclosure;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a door assembly with a deflector having a horizontal bottom extending over oblique bellows, according to the present disclosure;

[0014]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a frame of a door assembly, a deflector of the door assembly, a bellows, and a tub, according to the present disclosure;

[0015]FIG. 9A is a rear perspective view of a door assembly having a deflector with a horizontal bottom, according to the present disclosure;

[0016]FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of a door assembly having a deflector with an outer wall at a top of the deflector and forming a horizontal bottom, according to the present disclosure;

[0017]FIG. 9C is a rear perspective view of a door assembly having a deflector with a horizontal bottom and an inner side forming a recessed region, according to the present disclosure;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance with an offset and oblique drum and a door deflector having a bottom extending over oblique bellows and perpendicular to a rotational axis of a door assembly, according to the present disclosure; and

[0019]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance with an offset and oblique drum and a door deflector having a horizontal bottom extending over oblique bellows and light sources for emitting light through the oblique bellows, according to the present disclosure.

[0020]The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021]The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a laundry appliance including oblique bellows and a door deflector with a horizontal bottom. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0022]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0023]The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a.” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0024]With reference to FIGS. 1-11, reference numeral 10 generally designates a laundry appliance 10, which includes a cabinet 12 having a front panel 14 defining a front opening 16. A tub 18 is disposed within the cabinet 12. A tub opening 20 is vertically offset from the front opening 16. The tub 18 is obliquely oriented relative to the front panel 16 with the front opening 16 vertically higher than an opposing rear end 22. A drum 24 is disposed within the tub 18 and obliquely oriented with a drum opening or drum curl 26 disposed vertically higher than an opposing rear end 28. An oblique bellows 30 extends between the front opening 16 and the tub opening 20. The cabinet-engaging or front end 32 of the oblique bellows 30 is vertically higher than a tub-engaging or rear end 34 of the oblique bellows 30 to form a downwardly sloping surface 36 between the front panel 14 and the tub 18. A front bellows opening 38 and a rear bellows opening 40 may extend parallel with one another and with the tub opening 20.

[0025]A door assembly 42 is operably coupled to the front panel 14, generally via a hinge assembly 44. The door assembly 42 is configured to rotate about a vertical rotational axis 46 between opened and closed positions. The door assembly 42 includes a frame 48 coupled to the hinge assembly 44 and a deflector 50 coupled to an inner or rear side of the frame 48. The deflector 50 includes a coupling edge 52 that extends parallel with the front bellows opening 38 to form an angled sealing interface between the oblique bellows 30 and the door assembly 42 when the door assembly 42 is in the closed position. A bottom 54 or 6 o'clock position 54 of the deflector 50 extends perpendicular to the vertical rotational axis 46 and extends outward from the rear side of the frame 48, as indicated by line 56. The bottom 54 or 6 o'clock position 54 of the deflector 50 extends parallel with a horizontal plane 58 or a floor 58 and over the oblique bellows 30 to reduce a gap 60 between the deflector 50 and oblique bellows 30.

[0026]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the laundry appliance 10 is illustrated as a front load washer with the front panel 14 of the cabinet 12 defining the front opening 16 for accessing the drum 24 and an interior of the laundry appliance 10. It is contemplated that the laundry appliance 10 can be a vertical axis washer, a horizontal axis washer, a top load washer, a front load washer, a combination washer-dryer, or other laundry appliance 10 without departing the teachings herein. The front opening 16 is disposed at a first height from a floor 58 or base surface for accessing the interior of the laundry appliance 10.

[0027]Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tub 18 and the drum 24 are positioned obliquely within the cabinet 12. In this regard, the tub opening 20 is vertically higher than the opposing closed end 22 of the tub 18 proximate to a rear panel 80, and the drum curl 26 is disposed vertically higher than the opposing end 28 that engages a drive assembly 82. The tub 18 and the drum 24 are disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the vertical axis 46 and an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 58, as well as line 56 indicating the bottom 54 of the deflector 50. The acute angle may be up to about 10° or, more particularly, up to about 5° relative to the horizontal plane 58.

[0028]The tub opening 20 and the drum curl 26 are disposed vertically lower than the front opening 16. In this regard, a top 86 or 12 o'clock position 86 of the front opening 16 is vertically above a top 88 or 12 o'clock position 88 of the tub opening 20. Similarly, a bottom 90 or 6 o'clock position 90 of the front opening 16 is vertically higher than a bottom 92 or 6 o'clock position 92 of the tub opening 20. The raised height of the front opening 16 compared to the obliquely oriented tub 18 may increase access for a user into the drum 24.

[0029]Additionally, a center axis 98 of the front opening 16 and, consequently, the door assembly 42 may be vertically higher than a center rotational axis 100 for the drum 24, which also forms the center axis 100 of the tub 18. The center axis 98 of the front opening 16 is generally a horizontal axis parallel with the floor 58 (i.e., extending at about 0°). As the tub 18 is disposed at the acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 58 and, consequently, the horizontal center axis 98, the rotational axis 100 and the center axis 98 are generally not parallel with one another. Further, given the offset relationship of the tub 18 and the front opening 16, the center axis 98 and the rotational axis 100 may not intersect within the appliance 10. In other words, the center axis 98 may remain higher than the rotational axis 100 along the depth of the appliance 10.

[0030]The vertically offset relationship between the front opening 16 and the tub opening 20 may orient the bellows 30 at the oblique angle to form the downward sloping surface 36, which may also be referred to as a watershed feature 36 at a 6 o'clock position 104 of the bellows 30. The bellows 30 is disposed adjacent to the front panel 14 and is typically coupled with the cabinet 12 along a perimeter of the front opening 16 at the front end 32 and is also typically coupled to the tub 18 along a perimeter of the tub opening 20 at the rear end 34. Accordingly, the bellows 30 extends between the cabinet 12 and the tub 18. It is contemplated that the bellows 30 can extend partially around the perimeter of either opening 16, 20 without departing the teachings herein. With the front opening 16 being vertically higher than the tub opening 20, the front end 32 of the bellows 30 is vertically higher than the rear end 34 of the bellows 30 to form the downward slope between the cabinet 12 and the tub 18.

[0031]Referring still to FIG. 3, the front bellows opening 38 at the front panel 14 is generally parallel with the rear bellows opening 40 at the tub opening 20. A center axis 106 through the bellows openings 38, 40 may be generally parallel with the center rotational axis 100. The center axis 106 of the bellows 30 may be vertically offset from the center rotational axis 100 based on the position of the front opening 16. In this regard, the bellows 30 forms an angled/oblique cylinder or oblique frustoconical shape that defines a downward angle or the downward sloping surface 36 between the front opening 16 and the tub opening 20 of the offset tub 18 to direct liquids into the drum 24. The bellows 30 is typically configured as a flexible gasket having a plurality of folds 110, 112. The flexibility of bellows 30 and the folds 110, 112 permit the tub 18 to move substantially independent of the cabinet 12.

[0032]Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the folds 110, 112 can be substantially the same around the bellows 30 or may be different in size, shape, number, or other aspects, based on the configuration and positioning of the tub 18 relative to the cabinet 12. The folds 110, 112 are arranged between the front end 32 that engages the cabinet 12 and the rear end 34 that engages the tub 18. The folds 110, 112 can form a substantially sinusoidal shape, oblique sinusoidal shape, S-shape, or the like. The folds 110, 112 typically include at least the first fold 110 proximate to the front end 32 and the second fold 112 proximate to the rear end 34. In the illustrated configuration, the first fold 110 extends from the front end 32 and further into the interior of the laundry appliance 10, and the second fold 112 extends from the first fold 110 and to the rear end 34.

[0033]The first fold 110 extends in a first direction and the second fold 112 extends in a second, generally opposing direction. As illustrated, the first fold 110 extends inward (e.g., toward a center of the appliance 10) and rearward allowing the first fold 110 to extend generally proximate to the deflector 50 when the door assembly 42 is closed. The first fold 110 extends away from the front panel 14 to reduce contact therebetween. The second fold 112 extends outward and forward, allowing the second fold 112 to be spaced from the tub 18. The folds 110, 112 are advantageous for minimizing and/or avoiding self-contact by the bellows 30 when in motion, such as during a laundry cycle. The reduced self-contact, consequently, reduces friction and surface wear of the bellows 30 that can result therefrom.

[0034]The bellows 30 has a rear profile at the rear end 34 that substantially aligns with the tub opening 20. Based on the engagement between the second fold 112 and the rear end 34, the rear bellows opening 40 may be slightly larger than the tub opening 20, which may provide increased access to the drum 24 while also directing liquids toward the tub 18 and/or drum 24. Additionally, at each of the 12 o'clock position 114, 3 o'clock position 116, 6 o'clock position 104, and 9 o'clock position 118 of the bellows 30, the folds 110, 112 may form a slightly different sinusoidal shape based on the offset position of the tub 18 and changing engagement location between the second fold 112 and a coupling feature 120 extending over the tub 18 edge forming the tub opening 20. The folds 110, 112 may gradually change shape between each of these positions.

[0035]As illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4, at a top or 12 o'clock position of the bellows 30, the second fold 112 is coupled to an outer edge of the coupling feature 120 extending over the tub 18 edge forming the tub opening 20. This outer engagement location can increase the height of the rear bellows opening 40 relative to the tub opening 20. This outer engagement location may also provide increased or clearer access to the drum 24. The engagement at the outer edge of the coupling feature 120 increases the width of the second fold 112 and, therefore, spacing between the folds 110, 112 and the tub 18. Further, this engagement location may move the second fold 112 further away from the tub 18 to reduce contact or engagement between the bellows 30 and the tub 18 during the laundry cycle, which can reduce surface wear on the bellows 30.

[0036]The first fold 110 extends along the deflector 50 when the door assembly 42 is closed and toward the interior of the drum 24 and defines a rounded curve. The bellows 30 then extend outward or toward an inner surface of the front panel 14, where a second rounded curve is formed (i.e., the second fold 112) before extending to the coupling feature 120. The first fold 110 may be longer, forming more of a cane or “J” shape, whereas the second fold 112 may be more of a “U” or “V” shape. The first and second folds 110, 112 may be disposed generally horizontally adjacent to one another.

[0037]As illustrated in FIG. 5, as the bellows 30 extend around the tub opening 20, the engagement location between the second fold 112 and the coupling feature 120 generally changes. For example, at the sides or 3 o'clock position 116 and the 9 o'clock position 118 of the bellows 30, the second fold 112 engages the coupling feature 120 at a more central location. Accordingly, the folds 110, 112 extend from the outer edge of the coupling feature 120 and toward the central location of the coupling feature 120 to narrow or decrease a width/diameter of the bellows 30 from proximate the top (e.g., the 12 o'clock position 114) to the sides (e.g., the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions 116, 118). This narrowing may assist with guiding liquid along an inner surface 122 and toward the 6 o'clock position 104 of the bellows 30. Further, narrowing or reducing space between the inner surface 122 and the coupling feature 120 may reduce locations along the bellows 30 where items or fluid can be retained.

[0038]The bellows 30 may be wider than the tub opening 20 at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions 116, 118. Generally, the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions 116, 118 of the bellows 30 are mirror images of one another. The first fold 110 may be narrower, defining a sharper curve and forming more of a “V” shape. The second fold 112 may be larger, forming an asymmetrical “U” or cane shape.

[0039]As illustrated in FIG. 6, as the bellows 30 extend toward the bottom 92 of the tub opening 20, the second fold 112 extends to couple to an inner edge of the coupling feature 120. In this way, the inner surface 122 of the bellows 30 forms a smooth, continuous surface with the coupling feature 120 to direct fluid into the tub 18, reducing or removing a pocket between the second fold 112 and the coupling feature 120 where fluid can be retained. Accordingly, liquids, such as water and detergent, are guided along the inner surface 122 of the bellows 30, toward the 6 o'clock position 104, and then into the tub 18 and/or drum 24.

[0040]The first fold 110 may be narrower than the second fold 112, with each of the folds 110, 112 having a more cane-shaped configuration. Additionally, at the 6 o'clock position 104, the first fold 110 and the second fold 112 may be more vertically stacked or aligned. The sinusoidal folds 110, 112 proximate to the 6 o'clock position 104 are advantageous for increasing the space between the bellows 30 and the front panel 14. Increasing this space is advantageous for minimizing contact between the cabinet 12 and the bellows 30 when the bellows 30 is in motion, which reduces surface wear on the bellows 30.

[0041]A lower portion of the bellows 30 with the 6 o'clock position 104 generally aligns with a bottom portion of the tub opening 20 with the 6 o'clock position 92. The second fold 112 is vertically higher than the engagement location at the inner edge of the coupling feature 120 to form a portion of the downwardly sloping surface 36. In other words, at the 6 o'clock position 104, there is an upper or raised engagement between the dynamic folds 110, 112 and the coupling feature 120 engaging the tub 18. The second fold 112 may engage the top edge of the coupling feature 120 to reduce or prevent a recess at the 6 o'clock position 104 that can allow for collection of fluids. The oblique bellows 30 with the upper/top engagement between the folds 110, 112 and the coupling feature 120 at the rear end 34 in the 6 o'clock position 104 may be advantageous for directing liquids directly toward the drum 24 and reducing liquids retained on the bellows 30. This configuration reduces barriers in a flow path for draining liquids to the drum 24 and/or a gap between the drum 24 and the tub 18. The bellows 30 can be adjacent or continuous with the bottom portion of the tub opening 20 to maintain the watershed feature 36 of the bellows 30. The watershed feature 36 of the bellows 30 allows fluid/liquid to drain from the bellows 30 and into the tub 18 and/or drum 24. The watershed feature 36 can reduce and/or eliminate other types of drains in the laundry appliance 10 that remove liquid and/or items from the bellows 30.

[0042]In certain aspects, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the front panel 14 may define a recessed region 130 around the front opening 16 that has a greater depth at a top portion than a bottom portion. In such examples, the interface between the front end 32 of the bellows 30 and the front panel 14 may be angled, such as an acute angle relative to and between the horizontal plane 58 and the vertical rotational axis 46. This angled cabinet-bellows interface may allow the bellows 30 to extend a substantially similar distance between the cabinet 12 and the tub 18 at the top 114 and the bottom 104 of the bellows 30, thereby forming a more cylindrical shape. The change in shape of the folds 110, 112 may be due more to the change in engagement location with the coupling feature 120 in this example (e.g., a change in height between an engagement with a front coupler and the engagement with the rear coupling feature 120).

[0043]Alternatively, due to the oblique orientation of the tub 18, the top 88 of the tub opening 20 may be farthest from the front panel 14, and the bottom 92 of the tub 18 may be closest to the front panel 14. In such examples, the bellows 30 may extend a shorter distance, providing for more overlap between the folds 110, 112 at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions 116, 118 compared to the 12 o'clock position 114. Further, the bellows 30 at the 6 o'clock position 104 extends the least distance, providing the most overlap between the folds 110, 112. In this example, the change in shape of the bellows 30 may be due to both the change in engagement location with the coupling feature 120 and different distances the bellows 30 extend to the tub 18.

[0044]The shape(s) of the bellows 30 allows for a predefined amount of movement for the tub 18 in all directions, which may be about 25 mm of movement. Each shape also assists with promoting fluid flowing along and from the inner surface 122 of the bellows 30 and into the tub 18 and minimizing items, such as laundry and fluid, from being trapped on the bellows 30, particularly at the 6 o'clock position 104. The front opening 16 being vertically offset or higher than the tub opening 20 assists with forming the downwardly sloping or watershed feature 36 of the bellows 30, particularly at the 6 o'clock position 104 for directing fluid to the tub 18 and or drum 24. Fluid typically flows along the inner surface 122 of the bellows 30 toward the 6 o'clock position 104 due to gravitational forces the configuration of the bellows 30 at the 6 o'clock position 104 having the watershed feature 36 minimizes fluid and items from being retained on the bellows 30 at this lowermost position. The bellows 30 is also advantageous for retaining laundry or other items within the tub 18 during the laundry cycle. The obliquely oriented bellows 30 can also allow for the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 to be lowered to a horizontal orientation to further deflect items away from the bellows 30 as described herein.

[0045]Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the laundry appliance 10 includes the hinged, rotating door assembly 42 operably coupled to the cabinet 12 for sealing the front opening 16 when the door is closed and for providing access to the drum 24 when the door is opened. The door assembly 42 includes the deflector 50 forming a “fishbowl” style projection that extends into the interior of the cabinet 12 when the door assembly 42 is closed. The door assembly 42 is a swing or hinged door that generally rotates about the vertical axis 46 though can be rotated about a horizontal axis without departing the teachings herein.

[0046]The door assembly 42 includes the frame 48 and the deflector 50. The frame 48 generally forms a geometric shape, such as a circle or oblong shape, that extends around the deflector 50. Accordingly, the deflector 50 is coupled to the rear side of the frame 48. In certain aspects, the deflector 50 may be centrally located on the frame 48. In other aspects, the deflector 50 may be off-center, such as raised relative to a center point, depending on the configuration of the cabinet 12 and the front opening 16. The frame 48 is coupled with the hinge assembly 44 at one side and includes a latch 132 on an opposing side for engaging a mating feature on the cabinet 12 and retaining the door assembly 42 in the closed position. The frame 48 may also include or define a handle 134 or a grasping location for the user to move the door assembly 42 between the opened and closed positions.

[0047]In the illustrated configuration, a top portion of the frame 48 has a greater thickness or depth than a bottom portion. This may correspond to the depths of the recessed region 130 to provide a generally flat front surface of the door assembly 42. The different depths at the top and bottom of the door assembly 42 may be advantageous for positioning the deflector 50 at a select angle as described herein. Further, the increased depth at the top may be advantageous for defining the handle 134, as well as providing more support to an area of the door assembly 42 that may be engaged more frequently by the user. With the different depths, a front of the frame 48 may generally be parallel with a front surface of the front panel 14 and the vertical axis 46, while a rear of the frame may be angled, extending generally parallel with the front bellows opening 38.

[0048]A front pane 136 may be coupled to the door assembly 42. The front pane 136 may be planar or have a curvature. The front pane 136 may extend generally parallel with the front surface of the front panel 14. The front pane 136 may close an opening of the frame 48 at the front of the door assembly 42, as well as provide a viewing location through the door assembly 42. In the illustrated configuration, the front pane 136 extends on a vertical plane (i.e., extending at about 90° relative to the horizontal plane 58) and generally parallel to the vertical rotational axis 46 of the door assembly 42. The door assembly 42 is configured to rotate about the vertical rotational axis 46, moving along a horizontal path generally parallel with the floor 58 between the opened and closed position. In various aspects, the vertical axis 46 extends at about 90° relative to the horizontal plane 58 and the center axis 98 of the door assembly 42.

[0049]The door assembly 42 disclosed herein is configured to deflect items away from the bellows 30 and reduce the gap 60 between the door assembly 42 and the bellows 30 to reduce items being trapped therebetween. The deflector 50 is coupled to the inner side of the frame 48, extending over the opening of the frame 48 on the opposing side of the frame 48 compared to the front pane 136. The deflector 50 includes the coupling edge 52, which is generally the front perimeter edge that engages the frame 48.

[0050]Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 7, the coupling edge 52 extends at an angle between the center axis 98 of the door assembly 42 and the vertical rotational axis 46. The angle is generally up to about 10° or, more particularly up to about 5° relative to the vertical axis 46 (i.e., between about 80° and 90° relative to the horizontal plane 58 and the center axis 98). In this regard, a first acute angle is defined between the vertical axis 46 and the coupling edge 52/the sealing interface, and a second acute angle is defined between the coupling edge 52/sealing interface and the bottom plane 56 of the deflector 50. Generally, the first acute angle is smaller than the second acute angle. Additionally, the coupling edge 52 and the sealing interface may extend along an axis that is perpendicular to the center axis 100 of the tub 18.

[0051]A top of the coupling edge 52 is offset or more rearward compared to a bottom of the coupling edge 52. The coupling edge 52 extends parallel with at least the front bellows opening 38. In certain aspects, the coupling edge 52 also extends parallel with the rear bellows opening 40 and the tub opening 20. Accordingly, a center axis 140 through an opening formed by the coupling edge 52 extends at an acute angle relative to the center axis 98 of the door assembly 42 and may also extend parallel to the center rotational axis 100. The center axis 140 of the deflector 50 may extend parallel with the center axis 106 of the bellows 30 and, in certain aspects, the opening formed by the coupling edge 52 of the deflector 50 and the front bellows opening 38 may be concentric. Due to the alignment between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 for forming the angled sealing interface, the center axis 140 of the deflector 50 may be the same as or aligned with the center axis 106 of the bellows 30.

[0052]This angled coupling edge 52 may assist with manufacturing the deflector 50 as a single component. For example, the coupling edge 52 may be formed by a draft angle during the manufacturing process of the deflector 50. The draft angle may be between about 3° and about 5°. The draft angle may correspond with the angle of the tub 18. The deflector 50 may be constructed of plastic material(s) or glass material(s) as a single component. Additionally, the deflector 50 with the angled coupling edge 52 may be manufactured with minimal or no parting lines. Having the deflector 50 with an edge that is parallel with the vertical axis 46 would result in a vertical connection between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 and may result in additional interference between the bellows 30 and the top of the door assembly 42 and may also increase manufacturing complexity, including the presence of parting lines.

[0053]The angled orientation of the coupling edge 52, which is parallel with the front bellows opening 38, forms the angled sealing interface between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 when the door assembly 42 is closed. The deflector 50 includes a sealing surface or rim 150 extending along at least a portion or substantially all of the coupling edge 52. The sealing rim 150 extends toward the center axis 140 of the deflector 50, defining an angled surface that engages the front end 32 of the bellows 30 to form the angled sealing interface. Having this interface be angled may reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the materials for the bellows 30 at the top portion while increasing the manufacturing efficiency of the deflector 50. Further, the angled interface assists with positioning the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 at the select angle for minimizing the gap 60 between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30.

[0054]Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 7, a top 152 of the deflector 50 extends a first depth/distance into the interior of the appliance 10 and from the frame 48, and the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 extends a second depth/distance into the interior and from the frame 48. The second depth is greater than the first depth. The deflector 50 includes an outer wall 154 extending from the rim 150 and an inner surface 156 extending between the top 152 and the bottom 54. The outer wall 154 may extend along the rim 150 to form a circular or oblong shape or, alternatively, may form a “U” shape such that the outer wall 154 may not extend at or to the top 152 of the deflector 50. With the outer wall 154, the first depth may be greater than without the outer wall 154 at the top 152. In other words, the first depth may be the depth of the sealing rim 150 or, alternatively, the first depth may be the depth of the sealing rim 150 and the outer wall 154. In certain non-limiting examples, the first depth may be between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, and the second depth may be between about 115 mm and about 135 mm (including the sealing rim 150 and the outer wall 154).

[0055]The top 152 of the deflector 50 may be sloped or angled downward (e.g., toward the center rotational axis 100). This sloped top 152 may assist with reducing or preventing items from becoming trapped or wedged between the top 152 of the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 and/or on a radial circumference of the deflector 50. Further, the sloped top 152 may assist with directing fluid along the deflector 50 and toward the drum 24.

[0056]Referring now to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, at the bottom 54 or the 6 o'clock position 54 of the deflector 50, the deflector 50 includes the relatively short sealing rim 150 for engaging the bellows 30 and the outer wall 154 extending from the sealing rim 150. The outer wall 154 extends horizontally, parallel with the floor 58/horizontal plane 58 and the center axis 98 of the door assembly 42. Further, the outer wall 154 extends generally perpendicular to the rotational axis 46 of the door assembly 42. In other words, the rotational axis 46 is vertical at about 90° and the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 extends horizontally at about 0° and into the interior of the appliance 10. The horizontal orientation and the perpendicular relationship between the bottom 54 and the rotational axis 46 maximize the deflecting capabilities of the deflector 50, minimize the gap 60 between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30, and allow the door assembly 42 to rotate about the vertical axis 46 without significant interference between the cabinet 12 and the deflector 50.

[0057]For example, for more traditional “fishbowl” doors the bottom extends at an upward acute angle which may result in more items contacting the bellows 30 and/or being trapped between the bellows 30 and the “fishbowl.” The bottom extending at a downward acute angle, closer to the bellows 30 would reduce or prevent the “fishbowl” from moving through the front opening 16 and, therefore, interfere with the opening and closing of the door assembly 42. A separate deflecting component extending over the bellows 30 may decrease manufacturing efficiency and can result in items getting trapped behind the deflecting component (i.e., between the deflecting component and the front panel 14).

[0058]Accordingly, the horizontal bottom 54 balances reducing the gap 60 with movement of the door assembly 42. For example, the horizontal bottom 54 of the deflector 50 may reduce the gap 60 by up to about 20% compared to a more traditional “fishbowl.” More traditional “fishbowls” may extend at an upward angle between about 20° and about 30° compared to the horizontal plane 58. This results in a difference between about 20° and about 30° compared to the deflector 50 extending horizontally (along line 56) described herein. The traditional “fishbowls” may have a space between the “fishbowl” and the bellows 30 of about 50 mm at the end of the first fold 110 of the bellows 30 and about 90 mm between the “fishbowl” and the coupling feature 120. In comparison, with the deflector 50 with the horizontal bottom 54, the gap 60 between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 may be about 15 mm at the distal end of the sealing rim 150, about 30 mm at the end of the first fold 110 of the bellows 30, and about 70 mm at the coupling feature 120.

[0059]Accordingly, the horizontal bottom 54 deflector 50 can reduce the size of the opening into the gap 60 to reduce or prevent items from entering this gap 60, as well as maintain the reduced size to reduce or prevent items from moving farther toward the front panel 14 or becoming trapped in the gap 60. This horizontal bottom 54 of the deflector 50 may balance the movement of the door assembly 42, providing the sealing interface, and reducing the gap 60 between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30. Using the oblique bellows 30, the horizontal bottom 54 deflector 50 can decrease the gap 60 where items would enter the gap 60 from the drum 24 and maintain a smaller gap 60 toward the front panel 14. Further, the horizontal bottom 54 of the deflector 50 can maintain a sufficient gap 60 to allow movement of the bellows 30 without significant contact with the deflector 50, while reducing the space where items can be caught. The measurements provided herein are merely exemplary for when the bellows 30 are stationary and are not meant to be limiting.

[0060]Referring still to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 extends horizontally into the interior of the cabinet 12 and over the bellows 30 when the door assembly 42 is in the closed position. The downward slope of the bellows 30 may be advantageous for minimizing the gap 60 with the deflector 50 while reducing contact with the deflector 50. For example, in an appliance with a tub that is not offset and/or oblique, the tub axis intersects with a door axis within the appliance. Additionally, the bellows assembly is straighter between opposing ends given the general height alignment between the opening to the tub and the front access opening. This causes the bellows assembly to be higher and closer to the door. Use of the horizontal bottom 54 deflector 50 with this configuration can result in contact between the deflector 50 and the bellows assembly, causing surface wear on the bellows assembly. In the configuration described herein, the lowering of the tub 18 and, consequently, lowering of the bellows 30 from the front end 32 to the rear end 34 allows space for the deflector 50 to be lowered to the horizontal orientation without causing significant contact with the bellows 30 as the bellows 30 moves.

[0061]The bottom 54 of the deflector 50 can also extend an increased distance into the interior compared to more traditional “fishbowls” based on the relationship with the oblique bellows 30 and oblique/offset tub 18. The bottom 54 of the deflector 50 can extend over the bellows 30, over the coupling feature 120, and past the drum curl 26. Accordingly, a distal end of the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 may extend into the drum 24, which may be advantageous for deflecting items away from the bellows 30. In non-limiting aspects, the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 may extend up to 1.5 inches into the drum 24. The lowered tub 18 may allow the deflector 50 to extend into the drum 24 without significantly affecting rotation of the drum 24 and reducing or preventing contact between the deflector 50 and the drum 24 and/or tub 18. Based on the shorter depth of the top 152 of the deflector 50, the top 152 of the deflector 50 may remain spaced from the drum 24, providing an angled, sloping deflector 50 for guiding fluid toward and into the drum 24.

[0062]The shallower, less deep top 152 of the deflector 50 may also be advantageous for providing space for deflecting fins 164 of the bellows 30. The bellows 30 may include the deflecting fins 164 arranged along the upper portion, generally between the 3 o'clock position 116 and the 9 o'clock position 118 (e.g., typically, one deflecting fin 164 between the 12 o'clock position 114 and each of the 3 o'clock position 116 and the 9 o'clock position 118). The deflecting fins 164 may be integrally formed with or coupled to the inner surface 122 of the bellows 30. The deflecting fins 164 extend radially inward and toward the deflector 50. The deflecting fins 164 may remain spaced from the deflector 50 and may reduce the space around the deflector 50 at the top of the laundry appliance 10 to deflect items toward the drum 24.

[0063]Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the top 152 of the deflector 50 and the inner surface 156 of the deflector 50 between the top 152 and the bottom 54 may have different configurations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the deflector 50 includes the sealing rim 150 forming the circular or oblong shape along the frame 48. The outer wall 154 extends along the lower portion of the sealing rim 150 and may not extend along the upper portion, thereby forming a “U” shape. The inner surface 156 extends as a continuous, generally flat surface between the sealing rim 150 at the top 152 and the distal end of the outer wall 154 at the bottom 54. This forms a continuous angled surface 156 along the rear side of the door assembly 42. This configuration may have a shallow top 152 and the inner surface 122 extending at a greater angle relative vertical (i.e., 90°).

[0064]As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the outer wall 154 may extend along the entire sealing rim 150 and be disposed at both the top 152 and the bottom 54 of the deflector 50. Accordingly, the top 152 of the deflector 50 in the configuration may have a greater depth than the configuration in FIG. 9A. Additionally, the inner surface 156 may extend at a shallower or lesser angle relative to vertical between the top 152 and the distal end of the bottom 54. The inner surface 156 may also be shorter extending from the deeper top 152 to the bottom 54.

[0065]As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the inner surface 156 may not form a flat surface between distal ends of the outer wall 154 at the top 152 and bottom 54. The inner surface 156 may form a recessed region, resulting in the outer wall 154 and/or the sealing rim 150 forming a raised border around the inner surface 156. The inner surface 156 may be sloped or curved or define multiple slopes or curves as the inner surface 156 extends from the top 152 to the bottom 54 of the deflector 50.

[0066]The outer wall 154 and the sealing rim 150 may guide a majority of the fluid or liquid along the deflector 50, resulting in different configurations for the inner surface 156. The liquid may flow along the outer wall 154 and toward the drum 24. The different depths of the top 152 may be advantageous for different configurations of the laundry appliance 10, as well as other features that may be included in the laundry appliance 10. The flat inner surface 156 may be utilized for more deflecting, while the recessed inner surface 156 may be utilized for increasing capacity within the laundry appliance 10. Each of the configurations of the deflector 50 includes the horizontal bottom 54 that extends perpendicular to the vertical rotational axis 46 of the door assembly 42 and extends into the drum 24. Accordingly, each of these configurations can be utilized to minimize the gap 60 with the bellows 30.

[0067]Referring again to FIGS. 2-9C, the relationship between the various components maximizes the efficiency of the laundry appliance 10. For example, the tub 18 is offset (e.g., lowered) relative to the front opening 16 and obliquely oriented to allow for greater access into the drum 24. Accordingly, the rotational axis 100 is vertically lower than the center axis 98 of the front opening 16 and the door assembly 42. The rotational axis 100 is also angled relative to the center axis 98 of the door assembly 42, which extends horizontally and parallel with the floor 58. This arrangement allows the oblique bellows 30 to extend between the front panel 14 and the offset, oblique tub 18, creating additional space below the deflector 50 while allowing movement of the tub 18. The frame 48 includes the increased thickness at the top, which assists with aligning the coupling edge 52 of the deflector 50 at the angle relative to vertical, which provides for the angled sealing interface between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 when the door assembly 42 is closed. The angled interface increases the manufacturing efficiency of both the bellows 30 and the door assembly 42.

[0068]Further, the deflector 50 includes the horizontal bottom 54, which reduces the gap 60 to the bellows 30 and can extend farther into the drum 24 to assist with deflecting items away from the bellows 30 while allowing movement of the bellows 30, tub 18, and drum 24 during operation. Further, the horizontal bottom 54 of the deflector 50 can extend and move through the front opening 16, allowing the door assembly 42 to move along a horizontal path as the door assembly 42 rotates about the vertical axis 46. Accordingly, the relationship between the bellows 30, the deflector 50, the front panel 14, and the tub 18 may be advantageous for lowering the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 to horizontal and reducing the gap 60 between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30, while reducing contact between the bellows 30 and the deflector 50.

[0069]Referring to FIG. 10, while it is generally contemplated that the rotational axis 46 is vertical at or about 90° and the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 is parallel with the floor 58 at or about 0°, the door assembly 42 may be rotated/angled depending on the configuration of the laundry appliance 10. For example, if at least a portion of the front panel 14 extends at an angle toward a rear of the cabinet 12 the vertical axis 46 on the angled portion may be angled between 0° and 90°. This vertical rotational axis 46 may angle the entire door assembly 42, keeping the same relationship of the components of the door assembly 42. Accordingly, the bottom 54 of the deflector 50 may extend perpendicular to the rotational axis 46 of the door assembly 42. In this configuration, the deflector 50 may extend at a downward acute angle relative to the floor 58 and along the bellows 30. Further, the center axis 98 of the door assembly 42 may be vertically offset from and parallel with the rotational axis 100 of the drum 24. This configuration may minimize the gap 60 with the bellows 30. This configuration may result in more contact between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 as the deflector 50 extends downward with the slope of the bellows 30.

[0070]Referring to FIG. 11, the laundry appliance 10 may also include one or more light sources 170 within the cabinet 12 and outside of the bellows 30. In this regard, the laundry appliance 10 may include one or more light sources 170 arranged proximate to an outer surface 172 of the bellows 30 and proximate to the front panel 14. The light sources 170 may be any practicable configuration of light sources 170, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light sources 170 may be coupled to the inner surface of the front panel 14 or another structure adjacent to the inner surface.

[0071]The light sources 170 are configured to emit light toward and/or through the bellows 30. The light sources 170 are generally configured to emit visible light and may be configured to emit light of one or more colors. The bellows 30 may be transparent, semitransparent, translucent, semitranslucent, or may otherwise allow light to at least partially pass or be directed therethrough. The material of the bellows 30 may allow at least some light transmission while reducing or preventing visibility through the bellows 30 to obscure the view of internal components by the user.

[0072]The construction of the bellows 30 may allow for backlighting the bellows 30 with the light sources 170. The bellows 30 may act as a “lampshade” for directing and/or diffusing light from the light source 170. Depending on the configuration and/or materials of the bellows 30, the bellows 30 may also act as a light guide for directing the light along the bellows 30 and around the front opening 16 and/or tub opening 20.

[0073]Additionally or alternatively, the light sources 170 may provide user feedback. Different light intensities and/or colors may be utilized to convey a variety of information. For example, the light source 170 may be configured to emit different colors or patterns of light to indicate the status of the laundry cycle. The light source 170 may also be configured to emit different colors or patterns of light to indicate the status of the laundry appliance 10, such as a “ready” mode, a “standby” mode, or an error. The light sources 170 may also be configured to adjust the intensity of emitted light to show timing for completion of the laundry cycle. For example, the emitted light may get brighter as the laundry cycle nears completion. The light sources 170 may also be activated based on different events, such as door opening events, door closure events, door lock events, cycle updates, etc. Different colors, intensities, patterns, directions, etc. of light and/or different light sources 170 around the bellows 30 may be utilized to convey different information.

[0074]The light sources 170 are placed in the “dry” space within the cabinet 12, outside of the bellows 30. Accordingly, waterproof covers or coatings for the light sources 170 may be omitted. Additionally, the light sources 170 remain outside the bellows 30, allowing holes through the bellows 30 for lights to be omitted. This may be advantageous for providing a better seal with the bellows 30. Accordingly, the light sources 170 may not penetrate the bellows 30, being maintained entirely on the outer side of the bellows 30. The light sources 170 may be placed at any position around the bellows 30 (e.g., at any “clock time” position). The emitted light may be at least partially transmitted through and/or along the bellows 30 while reducing or preventing the consumer from seeing through the bellows 30 to at least partially conceal the internal components of the laundry appliance 10.

[0075]With reference to FIGS. 1-11, use of the present device may provide a variety of advantages. For example, the door assembly 42 may include the deflector 50 with the coupling edge 52 disposed at the acute angle relative to the vertical rotational axis 46. This acute angle may allow the coupling edge 52 to be parallel with the front bellows opening 38 and, consequently, provide the angled sealing interface. The angled coupling edge 52 may increase the manufacturing efficiency of the deflector 50. Additionally, the deflector 50 has a shallower and angled top 152, which may provide increased space for the deflecting fins 164 while guiding fluid toward the drum 24. Further, the bottom 54, 6 o'clock position of the deflector 50 extends generally horizontally at about 90° relative to the rotational axis 46 of the door assembly 42. The horizontal bottom 54 of the deflector 50 may reduce the gap 60 between the deflector 50 and the bellows 30 to reduce or prevent items from being caught therebetween while allowing movement of the bellows 30 during operation and movement of the door assembly 42 between the opened and closed position. Additionally, the combination of the oblique bellows 30 and the horizontal bottom 54 of the deflector 50 provides sufficient space in the gap 60 for movement of the bellows 30 with the drum 24 and the tub 18 while reducing the space to reduce or prevent items being caught or trapped in the gap 60. Moreover, the oblique bellows 30 assists with providing the watershed feature 36 for directing fluid into the lowered or offset tub 18. Additional benefits and/or advantages may be realized and/worksheet.

[0076]The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all various aspects described therein.

[0077]According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a front panel defining a front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet and is obliquely oriented relative to the front panel. A drum is disposed within the tub. An oblique bellows extends between the front opening and the tub opening to form a downwardly sloping surface. A front bellows opening at the front panel is parallel with the tub opening. A door assembly is operably coupled to the front panel via a hinge assembly and configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The door assembly includes a frame coupled to the hinge assembly and a deflector coupled to a rear side of the frame. A coupling edge of the deflector extends parallel with the front bellows opening to form an angled sealing interface between the oblique bellows and the door assembly when the door assembly is closed. A bottom of the deflector extends perpendicular to the vertical axis to reduce a gap between the deflector and the oblique bellows.

[0078]According to another aspect, a rotational axis of a drum is vertically lower relative to a center axis of a door assembly.

[0079]According to yet another aspect, a tub and a drum are angled with a front opening vertically higher than an opposing end and vertically lower than a front opening.

[0080]According to yet another aspect, a bottom of a deflector extends into the drum.

[0081]According to yet another aspect, an oblique bellows forms a sinusoidal shape.

[0082]According to yet another aspect, a front surface of a frame extends parallel with a vertical axis. A bottom of a deflector extends parallel with a center axis of a front opening.

[0083]According to yet another aspect, a first acute angle is defined between a vertical axis and an angled sealing interface. A second acute angle is defined between the angled sealing interface and a bottom of a deflector.

[0084]According to yet another aspect, a light source is disposed proximate to an outer surface of an oblique bellows. The oblique bellows are at least one of at least partially translucent and at least partially transparent to allow light emitted from the light source to be directed therethrough.

[0085]According to yet another aspect, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a front panel defining a front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. A center axis of the tub is vertically offset and defines an acute angle relative to a center axis of the front opening. An oblique bellows extends between the front opening and the tub. A door assembly is operably coupled to the front panel and configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The door assembly includes a frame. A deflector is coupled to a rear side of the frame. A bottom of the deflector extends perpendicular to the rotational axis to minimize a gap between the deflector and the oblique bellows. A center axis of a sealing interface between the deflector and the oblique bellows is parallel with the center axis of the tub.

[0086]According to yet another aspect, a sealing interface extends along an axis that is perpendicular to a center axis of a tub.

[0087]According to yet another aspect, a front surface of a frame extends parallel with a rotational axis.

[0088]According to yet another aspect, a rotational axis is a vertical axis. A bottom of a deflector extends horizontally.

[0089]According to yet another aspect, a top of a deflector extends a first distance toward a tub and a bottom of the deflector extends a second distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0090]According to yet another aspect, an oblique bellows includes deflecting fins proximate to a top of a deflector.

[0091]According to yet another aspect, an oblique bellows forms an angled cylindrical shape between a front panel a tub. The oblique bellows defines a sinusoidal shape to form a watershed feature at a bottom thereof.

[0092]According to yet another aspect, a rotational axis is a vertical axis. An acute angle is defined between the vertical axis and a sealing interface.

[0093]According to yet another aspect, a light source is disposed between an oblique bellows and a cabinet proximate to an outer surface of the oblique bellows. The light source is configured to direct light through the oblique bellows.

[0094]According to yet another aspect, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet including a front panel defining a front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. A tub opening is vertically offset from the front opening. A center axis of the tub is vertically offset and positioned at an acute angle relative to a horizontal center axis of the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. An oblique bellows extends between the front opening and the tub opening. A front bellows opening at the front panel is parallel with the tub opening. A light source is disposed proximate to an outer surface of the oblique bellows and an inner surface of the front panel. The light source is configured to emit light through the oblique bellows. A door frame is operably coupled to the front panel and configured to rotate about a vertical rotational axis. A deflector is coupled to a rear side of the frame. The deflector includes a coupling edge extending parallel with the front bellows opening to form a sealing interface therebetween and a bottom extending horizontally over the oblique bellows and toward the drum. The bottom extends parallel to the horizontal center axis and perpendicular to the vertical rotational axis to reduce a gap between the deflector and the oblique bellows.

[0095]According to yet another aspect, an acute angle is defined between a vertical rotational axis and a sealing interface.

[0096]According to yet another aspect, an oblique bellows defines a sinusoidal shape and is at least one of transparent and semitransparent.

[0097]It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0098]For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0099]It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0100]It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.