Patent Publication Number: US-2023145985-A1

Title: Pocket handle screwless design

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to appliances, and more particularly to appliance handles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In manufacturing, such as manufacturing appliances, parts can be put together in stages or steps. Each component added to a manufacturing piece can add a step to assembly and installation of the components into the manufacturing piece. Additionally, having many components in a manufacturing piece can complicate or extend repair time. For example, placing parts together by the use of screws takes time, both during manufacturing and when making repairs. 
     Door handles, such as pocket door handles, can be a separate piece of material. Such may be beneficial due to structure, cost, or features desired. Handles of this kind may be inserted into a front panel of a door from the inner side of the front panel. In some doors, such as dishwasher doors, this step must be performed prior to installing the door’s inner panel with the front panel. This can result in an involved manufacturing process. A handle installed this way may be installed with several screws, which are each an extra part to source, each takes valuable installation time, and generally slow the process as screws may need to be aligned into their screw holes. Furthermore, installing a handle from the inside surface of the door panel does not allow the installer to have the benefit of added stability from the inner panel. In other words, the front door panel alone may not be as stable or sturdy as the door when both the panels are together, so more time may be needed to install parts while the front and inner door panels are not together. 
     Accordingly a door handle that is installed on a door panel without the use of a screw would be useful. Furthermore, a handle that could be installed from the outside surface of the door would also be desirable. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a household appliance is provided. The household appliance may include a cabinet. The cabinet may include a plurality of panels. The cabinet may define an internal chamber therein. The household appliance may further include a door mounted on the cabinet to selectively restrict access to the internal chamber in a closed position. The door may extend along the vertical direction in the closed position between a top lip and a bottom lip. The door may include a front panel and an interior panel. The front panel and the interior panel may define a door cavity between the front panel and the interior panel. The front panel may include a handle cavity edge. The front panel may define a handle cavity at the handle cavity edge. The handle cavity edge may include a plurality of flanges angled into the door cavity. The household appliance may further include a handle disposed in the handle cavity. The handle may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The handle may define a recess extending into the door cavity between the front panel and the interior panel. The handle may further include a plurality of snaps located on a periphery of the inner surface. The one or more snaps of the plurality of snaps may be lodged against one or more corresponding flanges of the plurality of flanges to attach the handle to the front panel of the door. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a household appliance is provided. The household appliance may include a cabinet. The cabinet may include a plurality of panels. The cabinet may define an internal chamber therein. The household appliance may further include a door mounted on the cabinet to selectively restrict access to the internal chamber in a closed position. The door may include a front panel and an interior panel. The door may define a door cavity defined between the front panel and the interior panel. The front panel may include a handle cavity edge. The front panel may define a handle cavity at the handle cavity edge. The handle cavity edge may include a plurality of flanges angled into the door cavity. The household appliance may further include a handle attached to the door in the handle cavity. The handle may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The handle may define a recess at the handle cavity that extends into the door cavity between the front panel and the interior panel. The handle may further include a plurality of snaps located on a periphery of the inner surface. One or more snaps of the plurality of snaps may be lodged against one or more corresponding flanges of the plurality of flanges to attach the handle to the front panel of the door. The handle may further include a front lip. The front lip may extend beyond the handle cavity edge and onto the front panel. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    provides a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    provides a side, section view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    provides a front elevation view of an exemplary door of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary pocket handle of the exemplary door of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    provides a front elevation view of the exemplary pocket handle of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary pocket handle of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  7    provides a rear elevation view of the exemplary pocket handle of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  8    provides a rear perspective view of a portion of the exemplary pocket handle of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  9    provides an underside plan view of the exemplary pocket handle of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  10    provides a side perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary clip of the exemplary handle of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  11    provides a side perspective view of the exemplary clip of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    provides a perspective rear view of an exemplary back of the exemplary door of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  13    provides an alternate perspective rear view of the exemplary back of the exemplary door of  FIGS.  3  and  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    provides a side section view of the exemplary pocket handle and exemplary door of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  15    provides a cross-sectional, perspective view of the exemplary pocket handle and exemplary door of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  16    provides a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary clip of  FIG.  9    and a portion of the exemplary door of  FIG.  3   ; and 
         FIG.  17    provides an alternate cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary clip of  FIG.  9    and a portion of the exemplary door of  FIG.  3   . 
     
    
    
     Use of the same of similar reference numerals in the figures denotes the same or similar features unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin. 
     As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles. Such may be after completion of the wash cycle or may be a cycle unto itself. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “cleaning cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, or a drain cycle. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. The term “rinse fluid” refers to a fluid used for rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water and may include other additives such as rinse aid solutions. The term “quick-wash” is intended to refer to the various features described in exemplary embodiments of the invention and does not limit the invention to any particular time period for using such features. The term “wash” is intended to refer or reference the fluid or process of adding detergent to water to remove dirt and particles from articles to be washed. The term “rinse” is intended to refer or reference the fluid or process of using water and potentially rinse aid additives to remove residual soil, detergents, or other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles. 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance  100  that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the dishwasher appliance  100  includes a cabinet  102  ( FIG.  2   ) having a tub  104  therein that defines a wash chamber  106 , wash chamber  106  being an interior chamber. As shown in  FIG.  2   , tub  104  extends between a top  107  and a bottom  108  along a vertical direction V, between a pair of opposing side walls  110  along a lateral direction L, and between a front side  111  and a rear side  112  along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another. 
     In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance  100 , e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance  100 . By contrast, cabinet  102  may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet  102 . It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     The tub  104  includes a front cabinet opening (not shown) and a door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ), wherein the wash chamber  106  is sealed shut for washing operations, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher  100 . Door is mounted on cabinet  102  to selectively restrict access to the internal chamber (e.g., wash chamber  106 ) in a closed position. Door includes handle  200 , which will be described in more detail below. Latch  156  is used to lock and unlock door  120  for access to wash chamber  106 . 
     At least one rack assembly is slidably positioned within wash chamber  106  and is configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning. For the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , opposing tub side walls  110  accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, upper and lower guide rails  124 ,  126  are mounted on tub side walls  128  and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies  130  and  132 . Each of the rack assemblies  130 ,  132  may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members  134  (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies  130 ,  132  are shown in  FIG.  2   ). Each rack assembly  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown), in which the rack  130  or  132  is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ), in which the rack  130  or  132  is located inside the wash chamber  106 . This rack movement is facilitated by rollers  135  and  139 , for example, mounted onto racks  130  and  132 , respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly  132  for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the racks  130 ,  132 . Although guide rails  124 ,  126  and rollers  135 ,  139  are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies  130 ,  132 , it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, dishwasher appliance  100  may accommodate a different number of rack assemblies and supporting guide rails. For example, dishwasher appliance  100  may accommodate only first rack assembly  130  with accompanying guide rails. In another example, dishwasher appliance  100  may accommodate a third rack assembly (not pictured) with accompanying guide rails. The third rack assembly may be located vertically above rack assemblies  130 ,  132 . 
     At least one spray assembly is located in wash chamber  106  and is configured to direct wash fluids onto at least one rack assembly for washing articles located therein. For the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  2   , dishwasher appliance  100  further includes a plurality of spray assemblies  144 ,  148 ,  150  for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber  106 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , dishwasher appliance  100  includes a lower spray-arm assembly  144  that is rotatably mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash chamber  106  and above a tub sump assembly  180  so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly  132 . Additionally or alternatively, a mid-level spray-arm assembly  148  may be located in an upper region of the wash chamber  106  and may be located in close proximity to upper rack  130 . Also additionally or alternatively, an upper spray assembly  150  may be located above the upper rack  130 . 
     The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies  144 ,  148  and the upper spray assembly  150  may be part of a fluid circulation assembly  152  for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub  104 . The fluid circulation assembly  152  may also include a recirculation pump  154  positioned in a machinery compartment  140  located below the tub sump assembly  180  (e.g., bottom wall) of the tub  104 . Pump  154  may receive fluid from sump assembly  180  to provide a flow to fluid circulation assembly  152 , or optionally, a switching valve or diverter (not shown) may be used to select flow. In some embodiments, a heating element  170  can be used to provide heat during e.g., a drying cycle. 
     Each spray-arm assembly  144 ,  148  may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing fluid received from pump  154  onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies  130  and  132 . The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies  144 ,  148  can provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the spray-arm assemblies  144 ,  148  and the operation of spray assembly  150  using fluid from pump  154  provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. 
     The dishwasher  100  is further equipped with a controller  137  to regulate operation of the dishwasher  100 . The controller may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  137  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     The controller  137  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  137  may be located within a control panel area  121  of door  120  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . In some such embodiments, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the controller  137  and various operational components of dishwasher  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom  122  of door  120 . Typically, the controller  137  includes a user interface panel/controls  136  through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher  100 . In some embodiments, the user interface  136  represents a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In additional or alternative embodiments, the user interface  136  includes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface  136  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface  136  may be in communication with the controller  137  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a cloud-server that may include a database or may be, e.g., a cloud-based data storage system and may also include image recognition and processing capabilities including artificial intelligence as further described below. For example, appliance  100  may communicate with cloud-server over the Internet, and appliance  100  may access via WI-FI®, such as from a WI-FI® access point in a user’s home or through a mobile device. Alternatively, dishwasher appliance  100  may be equipped with such image recognition and processing capabilities as part of controller  137  or other components onboard appliance  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher appliance  100 . The exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2    is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface  136 , different configurations, including providing one or more rack assemblies  130 ,  132  and one or more spray assemblies  144 ,  148 , to dishwasher appliance  100  may be used, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies  130 ,  132  different spray assemblies  144 ,  148  and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, dishwasher appliance  100  is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitable household appliance. Thus, present subject matter may further be used with other household appliances having different configurations such as microwave ovens, washing machine appliances, dryer appliances, refrigerator appliances, etc. Dishwasher appliance  100  will be described below, with the understanding that other embodiments may include or be provided as another suitable household appliance (e.g., defining an internal chamber). 
     Turning to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , door  120  includes a front panel  202  and an interior panel  204 . Door  120  extends between front panel  202  and interior panel  204  in the transverse direction T, extends between a top lip  206  and a bottom lip  208  in the vertical direction and extends laterally between side panels  210  when in the closed position. As shown, door  120  defines a door cavity  212 , the door cavity  212  defined as between front panel  202  and interior panel  204 , door cavity  212  extending transversely into the door when the door is in the closed position. Door cavity  212  is internal to door  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, door further includes a front surface  216 . Front surface  216  is an outward surface of front panel  202 , and the transversely forward surface of door  120  when door  120  is in the closed position. It is noted that directions discussed with respect to  FIGS.  2  through  17    are hereafter defined in relation to door  120  in the closed position ( FIG.  2   ), as such directions may be analogous, unless otherwise indicated, to those described above with respect to the tub  104  and cabinet  102 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present description may advantageously allow a handle to be installed on door  120  from front surface  216  of front panel  202 . Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein may advantageously facilitate installation a handle without the use of screws. In other words, the connection between the handle and the rest of the door  120  may be notably free of any screws. Exemplary embodiments may be useful for easier installation or repair or replacement of the handle on the door  120  due, for example, to front panel assembly location or the lack of use of screws during installation. 
     Door cavity  212  extends internal to door  120 . In some embodiments, door cavity  212  extends transversely between front panel  202  and interior panel  204 . In some embodiments, door cavity  212  extends laterally and transversely within door  120 , with front panel  202  and interior panel  204  defining two of the edges thereof. Door cavity  212  is defined as the space interior to door  120 . Door cavity  212  is within door  120 . Door cavity  212  is defined transversely forward by front panel  202  and transversely rearward by interior panel  204 . Door cavity  212  is transversely in front of wash chamber  106  when door  120  is in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, front panel  202  defines a handle cavity edge  214 , which may be a terminal edge or lip of front panel  202  radially inward from the perimeter or an outer edge of front panel  202 .For instance, handle cavity edge  214  may extend continuously about a void radially inward from an outer edge of front panel  202 . The void about which handle cavity edge  214  extends may, at least in part, define a handle cavity  220 . Handle cavity edge  214  may, in turn, extend around handle cavity  220 . Additionally or alternatively, front panel  202  may define a handle cavity  220  at handle cavity edge  214  (as shown in  FIG.  14   ). As shown in  FIG.  3   , handle cavity  220  extends vertically and laterally when door  120  is in the closed position. In some embodiments, handle cavity  220  further extends transversely into (e.g., as part of) door cavity  212 . In some embodiments, handle cavity edge  214   defines at least a portion of the handle cavity  220 . In some embodiments, handle cavity edge  214  defines a portion of handle cavity  220  with door cavity  212 . 
     On front panel  202 , door  120  further includes handle  200 . Handle  200  attaches to handle cavity edge  214 . In some embodiments, handle  200  is disposed in handle cavity  220 . Handle  200  may be located only partially inside handle cavity  220  to be disposed within handle cavity  220 . Portions of handle  200  may be external to handle cavity  220 , as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, handle  200  defines a recess  222 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of handle  200  extends into door cavity  212 . In some embodiments, handle  200  surrounds handle cavity edge  214 . As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , handle may be located in a vertical upper half of front panel  202 . In some embodiments, handle  200  covers a majority of a length of front panel  202 . For example, handle  200  may extend lengthwise across front panel  202  (e.g., such that handle  200  extends proximate to side panels  210  on either side). In certain embodiments, handle  200  may have a different location or size, depending on the needs of those particular embodiments. Optionally, handle  200  may be further characterized as a recessed or pocket handle, with a recess  222  extending into door  120 , the recess  222  defined by handle  200 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  4  through  11   , handle  200  is attached to door  120  at handle cavity edge  214 . Handle  200  further is attached by snaps  230  attaching to one or more corresponding flanges  240 . Snaps  230  attach handle  200  to front panel  202  of door  120 . As shown, handle  200  is not attached to door  120  with screws. In some embodiments, handle  200  is advantageously attached to door  120  without a screw (e.g., directly securing the handle  200  to door  120 ). In some embodiments, handle  200  allows a user to open or close door  120  on cabinet  102 . 
     Handle  200  includes an outer surface  224  and an inner surface  226  (e.g., outer surface  224  may be defined as the surface on handle  200  that is visible or touchable when handle  200  is installed on door  120  whereas inner surface  226  may be the surface internal to door  120  and not visible or touchable when handle  200  is installed on door  120 ). Handle  200  further includes a handle interior panel  228 , a handle exterior panel  232 , a handle lip  234  and a handle pocket panel  236 . As shown especially in  FIG.  7   , and as will be described in greater detail below, handle  200  further includes a plurality of snaps  230  located on a periphery of the inner surface  226 . Handle lip  234  extends around outer surface  224  of handle  200 , extending beyond handle cavity edge  214  and on to front panel  202 . In some embodiments, handle lip  234  is proud of front panel  202 . Furthermore, handle  200  defines recess  222 , which extends into door cavity  212 . Handle  200  parts will be described in more detail below. 
     Recess  222 , defined by handle  200 , is a void located on handle  200  that extends into, and sometimes upwards and into door  120 . Recess  222  allows a user to grasp handle  200 , inserting a hand, or a portion of a hand, into handle  200 , to use handle  200  to move door  120  (e.g., open or close door  120 ).. When assembled, recess  222  extends transversely into door  120 . In some embodiments, recess  222  further extends vertically behind front panel  202  and into door cavity  212  (as is shown in  FIG.  14   ). In some embodiments, recess extends vertically behind front surface  216  of door  120 . Recess  222  extends beyond front panel  202  in transverse and vertical directions T and V. Additionally or alternatively, recess  222  may extend vertically into the door  120 , extending internally beyond front panel  202 . In some embodiments, recess  222  is formed by outer surface  224  extending transversely behind front panel  202  at handle cavity edge  214 . In certain embodiments, outer surface  224  extends vertically above handle cavity edge  214  and transversely behind front panel  202 . 
     Recess  222  is generally defined by outer surface  224 . Outer surface  224  generally extends inward from handle cavity edge  214 , and may also extend behind handle cavity edge  214 , and said extension inward and sometimes behind defines recess  222 . For instance, recess  222  may be further defined by outer surface  224  on handle interior panel  228  and handle pocket panel  236 . In some embodiments, recess  222  permits a user to insert a hand into recess  222  to grasp handle  200  and pull or push door  120  open or closed. 
     When assembled, outer surface  224  is located external to door  120 . Outer surface  224  includes the outer surface on handle exterior panel  232 , handle lip  234 , and handle pocket panel  236 . In some embodiments, outer surface  224  includes the surface located inside recess  222  that is accessible from front panel  202 . Outer surface  224  is attached to front surface  216  at handle cavity edge  214 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  4  and  14   , handle interior panel  228  extends into door cavity  212 , transversely behind handle exterior panel  232  and behind front panel  202  of door. Handle interior panel  228  connects to handle exterior panel  232  and to handle pocket panel  236 , forming a continuous handle surface on outer surface  224  of handle  200 . In optional embodiments, handle interior panel  228  further defines recess  222 , as handle interior panel  228  extends into door cavity  212  and defines the back and inner walls that define recess  222 . 
     Inner surface  226  is located internal to door  120 . In certain embodiments, inner surface  226  includes the plurality of snaps  230 . In particular, the plurality of snaps  230  may be located around the periphery of inner surface  226 . Generally, he periphery of surface  226  is an area that when the handle is installed, is disposed roughly around or along handle cavity edge  214 . In some embodiments, snaps  230  are located on a majority of the periphery of inner surface  226 . For example, snaps  230  may be located along the periphery of inner surface  226  In some embodiments, snaps  230  are located on all sides of the periphery of the inner surface  226 . For example, snaps  230  may be located on an upper, bottom, and opposing sides of inner surface  226 , the upper, bottom, and opposing sides comprising the periphery of inner surface  226 . Snaps  230  may be located along periphery, spaced apart at intervals along the periphery of inner surface  226 . In certain embodiments, snaps  230  are located at discrete positions along the periphery of inner surface  226 . 
     Turning generally to  FIGS.  6  through  17   , snaps  230  are attached to the inner surface  226  of handle  200  around the periphery of the inner surface  226 . As shown in  FIGS.  6  through  8   , snaps  230  may be placed along a lower lateral length  248  of inner surface  226  of handle  200 , spaced apart along lower lateral length  248 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more snaps  230  may further be placed along vertical sides  250  of inner surface  226  of handle  200 . In some embodiments, snaps may further be placed along an upper lateral length of inner surface  226  of handle  200  (not shown). In some embodiments, and snaps may be located on lower lateral length  248  and vertical sides  250 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , snaps  230  lodge against corresponding flanges  240  to attach handle  200  to front panel  202  of door  120 . In some embodiments, snaps  230  are placed in intervals along lower length  248  and along vertical sides  250 . In certain embodiments, the plurality of snaps  230  is 3 or more snaps. In certain other embodiments, the plurality of snaps is 9 or more snaps. More snaps  230  may be desired, for example, for different applications and may vary according to the size of handle  200 , the size of snaps  230 , or the desired strength, depending on specific embodiments. 
     As will be described in detail below, snaps  230  may have several parts. For instance, snap  230  may include at least one wedge  252 ,  254 . In further embodiments, snap  230  includes a dual wedge made up of wedges  252 ,  254 . Additionally or alternatively, snap  230  may include a support bar  256 , as shown in  FIGS.  9  through  11   . In optional embodiments, notches  260  may be placed on either side of snaps  230  (e.g., to allow one or more snaps  230  to flex during installation of handle  200 ). 
     As shown especially in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , in certain embodiments, snaps  230  include one or more wedges  252 ,  254 . Wedges  252 ,  254  may form dual wedge  253 . Dual wedge  253  is located on an outer surface of snap  230 , with each wedge forming a side of snap  230 . Generally, dual wedge  253  extends roughly orthogonal to handle lip  234 . Furthermore, dual wedge  253  further extends along inner surface  226  of handle  200 . In certain embodiments, each dual wedge  253  located on lower lateral length  248  extends roughly orthogonal to handle lip  234  and to lower lateral length  248 . In turn, in certain embodiments, each dual wedge  253  located on vertical sides  250  may extend roughly orthogonal to handle lip  234  and to vertical sides  250 . In some embodiments, dual wedge  253  may be internal to notches  260 , which will be described hereafter. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , each wedge  252 ,  254  in dual wedge  253  includes a wedge ridge  262 , a wedge peak  264 , and a wedge ramp  266 . In some embodiments, dual wedge  253  is connected to support bar  256 . As shown, wedge ramp  266  may be connected to support bar  256  at a ramp edge  268 . 
     In certain embodiments, each wedge  252 ,  254  has a simple mountain or plateau type shape, beginning with wedge ridge  262  rising from inner surface  226 , wedge ridge  262  gradually increasing in its extension from inner surface  226  until it meets with wedge peak  264 . Wedge peak  264  may be a portion of wedge  252 ,  254  that extends in a consistent length from inner surface  226 . Wedge ridge  262  begins at the end of wedge peak  264 , gradually declining to ramp edge  268 . As such, in certain embodiments, wedge  252 ,  254  takes on a taper on either edge, namely wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266 , with wedge peak  264  between wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266 . 
     In some embodiments, wedge peak  264  may be a corner between wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266 , forming a vertex between each of wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266 . Though not shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , wedge  252 ,  254  may form a “V” shape in some embodiments. For example, wedge  252 ,  254  may begin with wedge ridge  262  rising from inner surface  226 , wedge ridge gradually increasing in its extension from inner surface  226  until it reaches wedge peak  264 . Wedge peak  264 , in this example, may form a point or peak that forms a maximum length of wedge  252 ,  254  from inner surface  226 . Wedge ridge  262  then may begin at the end of wedge peak  264 , gradually declining to ramp edge  268 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, wedge ridge  262  has a tapered shape, the tapered shape advantageously aiding in sliding handle  200  into handle cavity  220  during installation of handle  200 . Similarly, wedge ramp  266  has a tapered shape that may allow snap  230  to lodge with flange  240  during installation of handle  200  in handle cavity  220 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, tapered shape of wedge ramp  266  aids in securing flange  240 , lodging it with snap  230  at ramp edge  268  when handle  200  is in final, assembled position. 
     In different embodiments, different angles, or severity of tapered shape in wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266  may be used. In general, tapered shape of wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266  generates a highest vertex or ledge at wedge peak  264  and decreases toward inner surface  226  at ends (e.g., ramp edge  268  and a ridge edge  270 ) of wedge ridge  262  and wedge ramp  266 . 
     As shown especially in  FIGS.  4 ,  9 ,  10 , 12 , and  16   , dual wedge  253  each includes a support bar  256 . Support bar  256  may generally be a bar extending from inner surface  226 , extending generally orthogonal from inner surface  226 . In some embodiments, support bar  256  is perpendicular to dual wedge  253 . Support bar  256  may further be orthogonal from the tapered shape of wedge ridge  262 . As shown, support bar  256  connects each wedge  252 ,  254 , extending between wedge  252  and wedge  254  in dual wedge  253 . Additionally or alternatively, support bar  256  extends from each ramp edge  268  on wedge  252  and wedge  254 . Generally, support bar  256  extends orthogonally from each wedge ramp  266  of wedge  252  and wedge  254 . 
     In some embodiments, each support bar  256  is lodged with each flange  240 . Flange  240  may shave off a portion of support bar  256  during installation of handle  200 , lodging flange  240  in outer bar surface  272 , as shown in  FIG.  16   . In the illustrated embodiments, lodging flange  240  in outer bar surface  272  on support bar  256  adds strength to retention force of connection between flange  240  and snap  230 . Furthermore, support bar  256  may aid in prevention of snaps  230  being sheared off during assembly of handle  200  into door  120 , providing added stability to snaps  230  and aligning wedges  252 ,  254  with flange  240  during placement of handle  200  into door  120 . 
     During use, a plurality of notches  260  may aid in flexibility of snaps  230 . Notches are shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  6 ,  8  through  13 , and  17   . Notches  260  are a portion of lower lateral length  248  or vertical sides  250  that extend out into door cavity  212  less than snap  230  or surrounding lower lateral length  248 . Notches  260  may take a “v” shape in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, notches  260  may be a slit between snaps  230  and remaining lower lateral length  248  or vertical sides. In additional or alternative embodiments, notches  260  may have a U-shape. Optionally, notches may be defined as a trapezoid removed from lower lateral length  248  or vertical sides  250 . 
     Generally, each snap  230  may be adjacent to at least one notch  260  of the plurality of notches  260 . In some embodiments, each snap  230  is surrounded by two notches, one on either side of snap  230 . In certain embodiments, notches  260  on either side of each snap  230  permit flex of each snap  230 . Each snap  230  may flex relative to lower lateral length  248  or vertical sides  250 . Such flexing can allow handle  200  to secure into door  120  during installation, as snap  230  flexes opposite to flanges  240 , which, as will be described in more detail below, may also be configured to flex during installation of handle  200  in door  120 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, snaps  230  may flex inwardly, in a direction away from handle cavity edge  214 , during installation of handle  200  into door  120 . Notches  260  allow movement of snaps  230  during installation of handle  200 . In some embodiments, upon completion of installation of handle  200 , snaps  230  are lodged with flanges  240 . Following installation, snaps  230  may remain in place with flanges  240 . 
     Turning especially to  FIGS.  12 ,  13 ,  16  and  17   , flanges  240  are aligned with snaps  230 . Additionally or alternatively, the handle cavity edge  214  includes a plurality of flanges  240  angled into door cavity  212 . Generally, one or more snaps  230  are lodged against one or more corresponding flanges  240  of the plurality of flanges  240  to attach handle  200  to front panel  202  of door  120 . Each flange  240  extends from handle cavity edge  214 , angled inward, into door cavity  212 . Flanges  240  are arranged around handle cavity edge  214 , each flange  240  positioned to align with a final position of each snap  230  on handle  200 . In some embodiments, flanges  240  may be arranged along a bottom lateral length  276  of handle cavity edge  214 . In certain embodiments, flanges  240  are arranged along side lengths  278  of handle cavity edge  214  and to bottom lateral length  276 . Additionally or alternatively, flanges  240  may be arranged along a top lateral length  280  of handle cavity edge  214 . 
     In some embodiments, flanges  240  are formed as a portion of door front panel  202 . For instance, front panel  202  may be a single piece of formed metal, including sheeted metal, extruded metal, stamped metal, or forged metal, with flanges  240  formed as a part of front panel  202  during metal forming of front panel  202 . In alternative embodiments, flanges  240  are attached to front panel  202  as discrete members at handle cavity edge  214 . 
     According to some embodiments, each flange  240  has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, when viewed from the side facing the handle  200 . Further, each flange  240  has a flange edge  282 . Flange edge  282  is attached to snap  230 . In some embodiments, flange edge  282  lodges into snap  230 . As shown, flange edge  282  lodges into wedge ramp  266  at ramp edge  268 . In embodiments where snap  230  includes support bar  256 , flange edge  282  may lodge into support bar  256  (as shown in  FIGS.  12  and  16   ). During installation of handle  200  into door  120 , flange edge  282  may shear off a minimal portion of snap  230 , including a portion of ramp edge  268 , lodging flange edge  282  into snap  230 . Additionally or alternatively, flanges  240  may be angled into door cavity  212 . As shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , flanges  240  may be angled at an angle α with respect to the vertical direction V. Angle α is an acute angle. 
     In some embodiments, flanges  240  could include as few as three flanges, such as one on the bottom lateral length  276 , and two located on either side length  278  of handle cavity edge  214 . In some embodiments, flanges  240  could include more than three flanges  240 , such as about 10 flanges or about 20 flanges. In certain embodiments, snaps  230  could correspond to the number of flanges  240  in appliance  100 . In additional or alternate embodiments, there could be more snaps  230  than there are flanges  240 , with multiple snaps  230  aligned with each flange  240 . Generally, flanges  240  and snaps  230  are aligned such that each snap  230  is lodged against a flange  240  when handle  200  is installed in door  120 . 
     Optionally, flanges  240  may flex away from handle  200  and snaps  230  during installation. In some embodiments, flanges  240  return to their original angle α when handle  200  is fully installed in door  120 . Similarly, snaps  230  may flex away from flanges  240  during installation, with the aid of notches  260  allowing snaps  230  to flex. As shown, snaps  230  return to their original position when handle  200  is fully installed in door  120 . In certain embodiments, flanges  240  shave off a portion of snaps  230  during installation of handle  200 , and lodge flange edge  282  slightly into wedge ramp  266  of snap  230  in final installation position of handle  200 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, handle  200  may include a front lip  284 . Front lip  284  may be located along a length of handle lip  234 . In certain embodiments, front lip  284  is a portion of top lateral length  280 . In some embodiments, front lip  284  is located in between snaps located along top lateral length  280 . In additional or alternative embodiments, front lip  284  may extend the full length of top lateral length  280 . 
     In some embodiments, front lip  284  extends beyond handle cavity edge  214  and onto front panel  202 . As shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , front lip  284  covers a portion of front surface  216  at handle cavity edge  214 . Front lip  284  is attached to front surface  216  proximate to handle cavity edge  214 . Front lip  284  is proud of front surface  216 . As such, front lip  284  is proud of front panel  202  and door  120 . Front lip  284  is transversely forward of front surface  216 . Additionally or alternatively, front lip  284  is transversely forward of front panel  202  and door  120 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  14  and  15   , inner surface  226  includes a front edge  242 . Front edge  242  is located along handle cavity edge  214 . When assembled, front edge  242  extends beyond handle cavity edge  214 . Front edge  242  is located transversely behind front lip  284 . Front edge  242  extends transversely behind a length of handle lip  234 , front edge  242  aligning with front lip  284 , front lip  284  and front edge  242  extending roughly parallel to one another in a lateral direction L. For instance, front lip  284  may be a portion of top lateral length  280  with front edge  242  running parallel and transversely behind front lip  284 . 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, handle  200  defines a U-shaped cavity  244  between front lip  284  and front edge  242 . As shown, handle cavity edge  214  may be secured in U-shaped cavity  244 . In some embodiments, front lip  284  seats a portion of handle cavity edge  214  in U-shaped cavity  244 . In the illustrated embodiment, U-shaped cavity  244  extends the length of front lip  284  and front edge  242 . For instance, U-shaped cavity  244  may extend between snaps  230  along top lateral length  280 . In certain embodiments, U-shaped cavity  244  extends the length of top lateral length  280 . In additional or alternate embodiments, snaps  230  may be placed next to U-shaped cavity  244 , front edge  242  and front lip  284 . In turn, flanges  240  may be placed next to U-shaped cavity along handle cavity edge  214 . 
     In some embodiments, handle  200  is further attached to door  120  by way of a U-shaped cavity  244  formed by a front edge  242  and a set of ribs  246  on handle outer surface  224 . In certain embodiments, front edge  242  is at least partially defined by a plurality of ribs  246 . Each rib  246  is spaced apart along handle cavity edge  214 . In some embodiments, each rib  246  is equidistant from the other ribs. In certain embodiments, ribs  246  are placed closer or farther apart from one another at different portions of front edge  242 . 
     Generally, ribs  246  are located behind U-shaped cavity  244 . In some embodiments, ribs  246  are located transversely inward from U-shaped cavity  244 . As shown, front edge  242  may include a transversely forward rib edge  290  of each rib  246 . Rib edge  290  extends roughly orthogonal to front panel  202 . Rib edge  290  and front lip  284  further seat a portion of handle cavity edge  214  in U-shaped cavity  244 . For example, rib edge  290  and front lip  284  may seat top lateral length  280  of handle cavity edge  214 . In some embodiments, rib edge  290  forms a leg of U-shaped cavity  244 , such as a transversely backwards side leg. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , each rib  246  includes a back edge  292 . Back edge  292  connects rib  246  to handle interior panel  228 . In the illustrated embodiment, a lead in taper  294  extends between back edge  292  and rib edge  290 , lead in taper  294  including a length stretching vertically above the rest of rib  246 . Generally, lead in taper  294  connects front edge  242  to back edge  292 . For instance, lead in taper  294  may extend toward the internal chamber (e.g., wash chamber  106 ) . In some embodiments, lead in taper  294  may slant from an upper position  296  on handle interior panel  228  to a lower position  298  at rib edge  290  and front edge  242 . 
     Ribs  246  are shaped as fins abutting front panel  202 . In some embodiments, ribs  246  are shaped to guide handle  200  into door  120  during installation. In certain embodiments, ribs  246  are further shaped to support and aid in preventing handle  200  from falling out of door  120  when handle  200  is fully installed. During use, snaps  230  in connection with flanges  240 , and ribs  246  in connection with handle cavity edge  214  may notably add strength to overcome a force to open door  120  using handle  200 . 
     According to the arrangement, handle  200  may be rotated into door  120  during installation of handle  200  into door  120 . In some embodiments, handle  200  connects ribs  246  and top lateral length to handle cavity edge  214  first, and then rotates the remaining lengths of handle  200 , with accompanying snaps  230 , into place, aligning flanges  240  to snaps  230 , until handle  200  is installed with handle lip  234  abutting handle cavity edge  214  and proud of front surface  216 . 
     In certain embodiments, ribs  246  may be replaced by a wall (not shown) that extends along handle cavity edge  214 , front edge  242  extending along a transversely front facing side (not shown) of the wall. In certain embodiments, the U-shaped cavity  244  with ribs  246  or wall (not shown) may be used on more than one side of handle  200  (e.g., top lateral length  280 , vertical sides  250 ), with flanges  240  and snaps  230  used on the remaining side or portions of sides (e.g., lower lateral length  248 ), the combination of U-shaped cavity  244  and snaps  230  and flanges  240  holding handle  200  in door  120 . Other combinations of snaps  230  and flanges  240  on some sides of handle  200  with ribs  246  and U-shaped cavity  244  used on the remaining sides of handle  200  may also be used in certain embodiments. 
     As previously mentioned, in some alternate embodiments, recess  222  may not be present, with pocket for handle  200  extending only transversely and not vertically into door cavity  212 . In such embodiments, handle lip  234  may have a plurality of snaps on all sides with handle cavity edge  214  including a corresponding plurality of flanges on all sides. In some such embodiments, there may be no U-shaped cavity  244  along a side of handle  200 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.