Patent Description:
Household appliances sometimes include a component that is selectively insertable and removable from a remainder of the appliance, such as the cabinet. However, there is a problem in that the associated mechanism to secure and release the component is sometimes sub-optimally complex and expensive. Relevant prior art may be found in document <CIT>. The document discloses an oven with a push-push latch for a water tank.

The present disclosure addresses that problem with a securement and release assembly that includes a sliding locking member that can selectively latch into a push-push latch. The sliding locking member remains attached to the securement and release assembly and engages with the water reservoir and the push-push latch as the water reservoir is inserted into the oven to secure the water reservoir coupled to the oven. Upon a subsequent push of the water reservoir into the oven, the push-push latch releases the locking member, and a spring of the securement and release assembly causes the locking member to push the water reservoir and partially eject the water reservoir from the oven. As the water reservoir is retracted from the oven, the locking member disengages from the water reservoir.

According to the invention, an oven for cooking food comprises: (a) a cabinet; (b) a platform attached to the cabinet, the platform comprising a track; (c) a push-push latch attached to the platform, the push-push latch comprising a mating feature receiver; (d) a locking member slidably coupled to the track of the platform, the locking member comprising (i) a first member and a second member extending from a junction, the first member and the second member separated by an angle, (ii) a mating feature extending from the first member configured to interact with the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, (iii) a projection extending from the second member, (iv) a latched state where the mating feature is inserted into the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch and latched therein, and (v) an unlatched state where the mating feature is not latched within the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch; (e) a spring comprising (i) a first end attached to the first member of the locking member and (ii) a second end attached to the platform; (f) a water reservoir comprising (i) a recess configured to engage with the projection extending from the second member of the locking member, (ii) an inserted state, (iii) a retracted state, the water reservoir being disposed further into the appliance in the inserted state than in the retracted state, and in the retracted state, the water reservoir is at least partially ejected from the appliance, and (iv) a chamber configured to hold water; (g) a cooking chamber configured to accept food for cooking; and (h) a steam generating system configured (i) to obtain water from the water reservoir when the water reservoir is in the inserted state and (ii) to transform the water into steam for subsequent delivery to the cooking chamber; wherein, when the water reservoir is in the inserted state and the locking member is in the latched state, the projection extending from the second member of the locking member is engaged with the recess of the water reservoir, the projection and the recess resisting movement of the water reservoir away from the inserted state; wherein, as the water reservoir transitions from the retracted state to the inserted state, the water reservoir pushes the first member of the locking member (i) causing the locking member to tilt and the projection of the locking member to engage with the recess of the water reservoir, (ii) causing the locking member to slide along the track of the platform until the mating feature extending from the first member of the locking member to enter the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch thereby placing the locking member in the latched position, and (iii) causing the first end of the spring to move towards the second end of the spring thus energizing the spring; and wherein, a force pushing the water reservoir further into the oven after being in the inserted state and subsequent release of the force cause (i) the locking member to take the unlatched state, unlatched from the push-push latch, (ii) the spring to push the locking member along the track of the platform away from the push-push latch with the locking member pivoting so that the projection extending from the second member disengages from the recess of the water reservoir, and (iii) the water reservoir to at least partially ejected from the oven and when the water reservoir is in the inserted slate and the locking member is in the latched state, the projection extending from the second member of the locking member is engaged with the recess of the water reservoir, optionally wherein the projection and the recess are configured to resist movement of the water reservoir away from the inserted state.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a securement and release assembly to selectively secure and release a water reservoir of an oven with steam cooking functionality. 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.

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.

Referring to <FIG>, an oven <NUM>, includes a cabinet <NUM>, a water reservoir <NUM>, a cooking chamber <NUM>, and a steam generating system <NUM>. The cooking chamber <NUM> is configured to accept food <NUM> for cooking. For example, in embodiments, the oven <NUM> includes a pair of opposing vertical walls <NUM>, a pair of opposing horizontal walls <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, an opening <NUM>, and a door <NUM> defining the cooking chamber <NUM>. The door <NUM> is openable and closeable to provide selective access to the cooking chamber <NUM> from an external environment <NUM>. As further discussed below, the oven <NUM> provides steam cooking functionality (e.g., the ability to cook the food <NUM> within the cooking chamber <NUM> in the presence of steam <NUM>). The oven <NUM> can be a wall oven or a range oven, among other options. The external environment <NUM> can be located in a kitchen, and a user can be located in the external environment <NUM> operating the oven <NUM>.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the oven <NUM> further includes a housing <NUM> for the water reservoir <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is coupled to the cabinet <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The water reservoir <NUM> can be extracted from the housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. In embodiments, the housing <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a cover <NUM> that is attached to the body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can be attached to the body <NUM> via snap-fit features <NUM>. The body <NUM> provides a floor <NUM> and opposing sidewalls <NUM>. The floor <NUM>, the opposing sidewalls <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> define a chamber <NUM> for the water reservoir <NUM>. The housing <NUM> further includes an outlet <NUM> through which water from the water reservoir <NUM> can flow for use by the steam generating system <NUM>. As will be further discussed below, the water reservoir <NUM> can slide into and out of the chamber <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, allowing the user to add water to the water reservoir <NUM> for subsequent use by the steam generating system <NUM> during a steam cooking function.

Referring, additionally to <FIG>, the oven <NUM> further includes a securement and release assembly <NUM> for the water reservoir <NUM>. The securement and release assembly <NUM> includes a platform <NUM>, a push-push latch <NUM>, and a locking member <NUM>. The platform <NUM> supports the push-push latch <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. The platform <NUM> is configured to couple to the cabinet <NUM>. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the platform <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is attached to the cabinet <NUM>. In any event, the platform <NUM> remains static. As will be further discussed below, the securement and release assembly <NUM> is a mechanism that allows the user selectively (i) to withdraw the water reservoir <NUM> from the oven <NUM> to add water to the water reservoir <NUM> and (ii) secure the water reservoir <NUM> within to the oven <NUM> so that the steam generating system <NUM> can utilize the water.

The platform <NUM> includes a track <NUM>. In embodiments, the platform <NUM> includes a pair of opposing sidewalls <NUM> and a floor <NUM> disposed between the pair of opposing sidewalls <NUM>. The pair of opposing sidewalls <NUM> and the floor <NUM> at least partially define the track <NUM>. The pair of opposing sidewalls <NUM> can be vertically oriented and extend upward from the floor <NUM>. As will be further discussed below, the locking member <NUM> is able to slide along the track <NUM> in response to a force <NUM> (see <FIG>) in a reward direction <NUM> toward the push-push latch <NUM> or a force <NUM> in a forward direction <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM>. The floor <NUM> of the track <NUM> limits the downward movement of the locking member <NUM>, and the pair of opposing sidewalls <NUM> limit the lateral movement of the locking member <NUM>. The floor <NUM> of the track <NUM> includes a first floor portion <NUM> and a second floor portion <NUM> that is angled relative to the first floor portion <NUM>. For example, the first floor portion <NUM> can be substantially horizontal while the second floor portion <NUM> is sloped downward relative to horizontal. The floor <NUM> further includes a slot <NUM> therethrough disposed between the opposing sidewalls <NUM>. The slot <NUM> can be disposed medially between opposing sidewalls <NUM>. The slot <NUM> limits the movement of the locking member <NUM> toward and from the push-push latch <NUM> (e.g., in the rearward direction <NUM> and the forward direction <NUM>), as will be further discussed below. The platform <NUM> further includes a wall <NUM>, which can be oriented substantially vertically and rearward of the track <NUM>, and a structural support <NUM> for the push-push latch <NUM>. The structural support <NUM> supporting the push-push latch <NUM> can be disposed forward of the wall <NUM> and rearward of the track <NUM>.

As mentioned, the securement and release assembly <NUM> includes the push-push latch <NUM>. A push-push latch is a latch that engages with a member. Pushing of the member into the push-push latch causes the push-push latch to latch onto the member and thus preventing release of the member from the push-push latch. A subsequent push of the member further into the push-push latch causes the latch to unlatch from the member and thus allows release of the member from the push-push latch. The push-push latch <NUM> is attached to the platform <NUM>, such as at the structural support <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The push-push latch <NUM> includes a mating feature receiver <NUM>. The mating feature receiver <NUM> engages with the locking member <NUM>, as further discussed below. In embodiments, the mating feature receiver <NUM> is disposed elevationally above the floor <NUM> of the platform <NUM>.

As mentioned, the securement and release assembly <NUM> includes the locking member <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> includes a mating feature <NUM>. The mating feature <NUM> is configured via its size and shape to engage with the mating feature <NUM> receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM>. When the mating feature <NUM> is pushed into the mating feature <NUM> receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM>, such as via the force <NUM> in the rearward direction <NUM>, the push-push latch <NUM> latches onto the mating feature <NUM> and thus prevents release of the mating feature <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> from the push-push latch <NUM>. A subsequent force <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the mating feature <NUM> further into the push-push latch <NUM> (e.g., in the rearward direction <NUM>) causes the push-push latch <NUM> to unlatch from the mating feature <NUM> and thus the mating feature <NUM> can be extracted from the mating feature <NUM> receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> further includes a first member <NUM> extending from a junction <NUM> and a second member <NUM> extending from the junction <NUM>. An angle α separates the first member <NUM> from the second member <NUM>. In embodiments, the angle α is approximately <NUM> degrees, the first member <NUM> extends vertically from the junction <NUM> and thus the track <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, and the second member <NUM> extends horizontally in the forward direction <NUM> from the junction <NUM> (orthogonally to the first member <NUM>) and thus sits upon the track <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The angle α separating the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> can be any of a right angle, an acute angle, or an obtuse angle as long as the locking member <NUM> serves the functions described herein. The mating feature <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is disposed at the first member <NUM>. In embodiments, the mating feature <NUM> extends in the rearward direction <NUM> from the first member <NUM> toward the wall <NUM> of the platform <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> further includes a projection <NUM> that extends from the second member <NUM>. In embodiments, the projection <NUM> extends generally upward from the second member <NUM>. The projection <NUM> interacts with the water reservoir <NUM>, as further discussed below, to secure the water reservoir <NUM> to the push-push latch <NUM> within the oven <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> is slidably coupled to the track <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. In embodiments, such as that illustrated, the locking member <NUM> further includes an appendage <NUM> extending from the junction <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> extends downward from the junction <NUM> generally in an opposite direction as the first member <NUM> and generally orthogonally to the second member <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> extends through the slot <NUM> through the floor <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> has an up-side down T-shape and extends laterally underneath the floor <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> thus limits upward movement of the locking member <NUM> relative to the platform <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the platform <NUM> cooperate to limit movement of the locking member <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> and the rearward direction <NUM> along the track <NUM>.

In embodiments, the securement and release assembly <NUM> further includes a spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is attached to both the platform <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. The spring <NUM> can be oriented horizontally, aligned in the forward direction <NUM> and the rearward direction <NUM>, like the track <NUM> and the slot <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. For example, the spring <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is disposed in the forward direction <NUM> relative to the second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is attached to the locking member <NUM>, such as the first member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is attached to the platform <NUM>, such as the wall of the platform <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is disposed elevationally higher than the track <NUM> and elevationally lower than the push-push latch <NUM>. As will be further discussed below, the spring <NUM> can become energized to move the locking member <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM> and partially eject the water reservoir <NUM> from the housing <NUM> and thus from the oven <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> has a latched state <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) and an unlatched state <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>). In the latched state <NUM>, the mating feature <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is inserted into the mating feature <NUM> receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM> and latched therein. In contrast, in the unlatched state <NUM>, the mating feature <NUM> is not latched within the mating feature <NUM> receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM>. When the locking member <NUM> takes the latched state <NUM>, the spring <NUM> takes an energized state <NUM>. Thus, in the energized state <NUM>, the spring <NUM> imparts the force <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) against the first member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM>. The force <NUM> is insufficient to move the locking member <NUM> while the locking member <NUM> is in the latched state <NUM> latched to the push-push latch <NUM>. However, the force <NUM> is sufficient to move the locking member <NUM> when the locking member <NUM> is in the unlatched state <NUM> and no other force is sufficient to counter the force <NUM>. Thus, when the locking member <NUM> is in the unlatched state <NUM>, the spring <NUM> biases the water reservoir <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> partially ejected from the oven <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> slides along the track <NUM> while transitioning to, from, and between the unlatched state <NUM> and the latched state <NUM>. Stated another way, the locking member <NUM> slides on the floor <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, in either the forward direction <NUM> or the rearward direction <NUM> between the opposing sidewalls <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, to transition into and out of the latched state <NUM>. Assuming that the locking member <NUM> is in the unlatched state <NUM> and at an extreme position <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>) away from the push-push latch <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM>, the force <NUM> upon the locking member <NUM> in the rearward direction <NUM> causes the locking member <NUM> to move towards the push-push latch <NUM> (as in <FIG>). In embodiments where the floor <NUM> of the platform <NUM> has the second floor portion <NUM> that is sloped relative to horizontal, the second member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> sits thereupon when the locking member <NUM> is in the extreme position <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM>. In such embodiments, the force <NUM> causes the locking member <NUM> to move from the extreme position <NUM> towards the push-push latch <NUM> and additionally causes the locking member <NUM> to tilt as the second member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> moves off of the second floor portion <NUM> of the floor <NUM> and onto the first floor portion <NUM> of the floor <NUM>. The second member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> tilts upwards. The first member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> tilts forward. The tilting causes the locking member <NUM> to engage with the water reservoir <NUM>, as further discussed below.

As the force <NUM> continues to push the locking member <NUM> in the rearward direction <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG> then <FIG> in sequence), the locking member <NUM> approaches the push-push latch <NUM> and the mating feature <NUM> enters into mating feature <NUM> receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM>, and eventually the locking member <NUM> takes the latched state <NUM> latched within the push-push latch <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The force <NUM> ceases and the locking member <NUM> remains in the latched state <NUM>. The spring <NUM> takes the energized state <NUM>.

As mentioned, the subsequent force <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) in the rearward direction <NUM> onto the locking member <NUM>, and subsequent release of the force, cause the push-push latch <NUM> (i) to unlatch from the mating feature <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> and (ii) to take the unlatched state <NUM>. As the locking member <NUM> transitions out of the latched state <NUM>, the spring <NUM> imparts the force <NUM> on the locking member <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> (see, e.g., in sequence <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The force <NUM> causes the locking member <NUM> to slide along the track <NUM> of the platform <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM> until the locking member <NUM> reaches the extreme position <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM>. As the locking member <NUM> moves away from the push-push latch <NUM> toward the extreme position <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> tilts. In embodiments of the platform <NUM> where the floor <NUM> has the second floor portion <NUM>, as the second member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> moves off of the first floor portion <NUM> of the floor <NUM> and onto the second floor portion <NUM> of the floor <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> tilts. The second member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> tilts downward. The first member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> tilts rearward. As further discussed below, the tilting causes the locking member <NUM> to disengage from the water reservoir <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the water reservoir <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> (<FIG>), a chamber <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM>. The water reservoir <NUM> can further include a cap <NUM> that selectively covers or uncovers the inlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> leads to the chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is configured to hold water <NUM> that is delivered to the chamber <NUM> through the inlet <NUM>. For example, the water reservoir <NUM> further includes a bottom <NUM>, a top <NUM>, and one more sidewalls <NUM> that define the chamber <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is sized and shaped to mate with the outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The water <NUM> within the chamber <NUM> exits the chamber <NUM> through the outlet <NUM> and then through the outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, as will be further discussed below. In embodiments, the water reservoir <NUM> has a face <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) that faces the external environment <NUM>. The face <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM> can be flush with an exterior surface <NUM> of a control panel <NUM> of the oven <NUM>.

The water reservoir <NUM> can move to, from, and between an inserted state <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) and a retracted state <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). In the inserted state <NUM>, the water reservoir <NUM> is disposed further into the oven <NUM> than in the retracted state <NUM>. In embodiments, while in the inserted state <NUM>, the face <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM> is flush with the exterior surface <NUM> of the control panel <NUM> of the oven <NUM>. In the retracted state <NUM>, the water reservoir <NUM> is at least partially ejected from the appliance - sufficiently ejected so that the user can access the inlet <NUM> to add water <NUM> to the chamber <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>. In embodiments, the water reservoir <NUM> is fully removable from the oven <NUM>. In such instances, the user can transport the water reservoir <NUM> to a source of water <NUM>, such as a faucet located in a kitchen. In other embodiments, the water reservoir <NUM> may not be fully removable from the oven <NUM> but the inlet <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM> is accessible from the external environment <NUM> to add water <NUM> to the chamber <NUM>.

As the water reservoir <NUM> transitions in the rearward direction <NUM> from the retracted state <NUM> to the inserted state <NUM> within the housing <NUM> (see <FIG> in sequence), the water reservoir <NUM> eventually contacts the locking member <NUM> (see <FIG>). The water reservoir <NUM> imparts the force <NUM> in the rearward direction <NUM> upon the first member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. The force <NUM> from the water reservoir <NUM> causes the locking member <NUM> to slide along the track <NUM> of the platform <NUM> in the rearward direction <NUM>. Eventually, the force <NUM> from the water reservoir <NUM> upon the locking member <NUM> causes the mating feature <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> to engage with the push-push latch <NUM>, with the mating feature <NUM> entering the mating feature receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM> thereby placing the locking member <NUM> in the latched state <NUM> (see <FIG>). As mentioned, the water reservoir <NUM> imparting the force <NUM> upon the locking member <NUM> toward the latched state <NUM> causes the first end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> to move toward the second end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> and thus energizes the spring <NUM>. In embodiments, the water reservoir <NUM> imparts the force <NUM> upon the locking member <NUM> because the user, from the external environment <NUM>, pushes the water reservoir <NUM> reward into the housing <NUM> of the oven <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> and the water reservoir <NUM> are configured to engage to secure the water reservoir <NUM> to the securement and release assembly <NUM>, and thus the oven <NUM>, as the locking member <NUM> takes the latched state <NUM>. For example, the water reservoir <NUM> further includes a recess <NUM> into the bottom <NUM>. The recess <NUM> extends upward. As locking member <NUM> engages with the push-push latch <NUM>, the projection <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> engages with the recess <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>. In embodiments, the force <NUM> pushing the first member <NUM>, as discussed above, causes the locking member <NUM> to tilt relative to the platform <NUM>. The second member <NUM> moves upward toward the water reservoir <NUM> and the projection <NUM> extending from the second member <NUM> engages with the recess <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>. The engagement may be of the mating manner, with the projection <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> being disposed within the recess <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>. The projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> are each sized and shape to engage in this mating manner. With this engagement, the securement and release assembly <NUM> secures the water reservoir <NUM> in place in the inserted state <NUM>. Stated another way, when the locking member <NUM> is in the latched state <NUM> and the water reservoir <NUM> is in the inserted state <NUM>, the mating feature <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is disposed within the mating feature receiver <NUM> of the push-push latch <NUM> and the projection <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is disposed within the recess <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM> thus securing the water reservoir <NUM> to the securement and release assembly <NUM> and thus the oven <NUM>. The engagement of the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> resists a force <NUM> (see <FIG>) attempting to pull the water reservoir <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM>. That is, the engagement of the projection <NUM> and the recess <NUM> resists movement of the water reservoir <NUM> away from the inserted state <NUM>.

To again place the water reservoir <NUM> in the retracted state <NUM>, the water reservoir <NUM> imparts, and then releases, the subsequent force <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) upon the locking member <NUM>. That action causes the push-push latch <NUM> to unlatch from the locking member <NUM> - the locking member <NUM> takes the unlatched state <NUM>. The user applying, and then releasing a force <NUM> (see <FIG>) from the external environment <NUM> to push the water reservoir <NUM> in the rearward direction <NUM> into the oven <NUM> causes the water reservoir <NUM> to impart, and then release, the subsequent force <NUM> upon the locking member <NUM>. In other words, the force <NUM> causes the locking member <NUM> to transition from the latched state <NUM> to the detached state. The spring <NUM>, having been in the energized state <NUM>, imparts the force <NUM> on the locking member <NUM>, which pushes the locking member <NUM> and thus the water reservoir <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM>, with the locking member <NUM> sliding along the track <NUM>, and causes the water reservoir <NUM> to move away from the inserted state <NUM> and at least partially eject from the housing <NUM> of the oven <NUM>. The water reservoir <NUM> can then decouple from the locking member <NUM>. As the locking member <NUM> progresses in the forward direction <NUM> away from the push-push latch <NUM>, either in response to the force <NUM> from the spring <NUM> or a force <NUM> (see <FIG>) from the user pulling the water reservoir <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> tilts forward, with the second member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> moving downward and thus disengaging from the recess <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>. The force <NUM> from the user can then continue to retract the water reservoir <NUM> from the oven <NUM> to the retracted state <NUM>.

As mentioned, the oven <NUM> has steam cooking functionality provided by the steam generating system <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The water reservoir <NUM> provides the water <NUM> that the steam generating system <NUM> transforms into the steam <NUM> for delivery to the cooking chamber <NUM>. The steam generating system <NUM> can be disposed on the cabinet <NUM> and outside of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The steam generating system <NUM> is configured to obtain water <NUM> from the water reservoir <NUM>, when the water reservoir <NUM> takes the inserted state <NUM> and the locking member <NUM> is in the latched state <NUM>. For example, the steam generating system <NUM> can further include a lower tank <NUM> and a valve assembly <NUM>. The lower tank <NUM> is in fluid communication with the valve assembly <NUM>, and the valve assembly <NUM> is in fluid communication with the water reservoir <NUM> via the housing <NUM>. The valve assembly <NUM> controls the flow of water <NUM> from the water reservoir <NUM> to the lower tank <NUM>. Appropriate plumbing like tubes and connectors (not illustrated) can provide the fluid communication between the outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the valve assembly <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM> can be placed in fluid communication with the valve assembly <NUM> upon being placed in the inserted state <NUM> with the locking member <NUM> in the latched state <NUM>. The water <NUM> can flow from the chamber <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>, through the outlet <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>, through the outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and through tubing to the valve assembly <NUM> via Earth's gravitational force. Further plumbing (not illustrated) can provide the fluid communication between the valve assembly <NUM> and the lower tank <NUM>. The valve assembly <NUM> can be manipulated to allow the water <NUM> to flow through the valve assembly <NUM> to the lower tank <NUM>.

The steam generating system <NUM> can further include a boiler <NUM> and a phase separator <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the boiler <NUM> is in fluid communication with the lower tank <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of the boiler <NUM> is in fluid communication with the phase separator <NUM>. The phase separator <NUM> is in further fluid communication with the cooking chamber <NUM> and the lower tank <NUM>. The boiler <NUM> includes a heating element to heat the water <NUM>, such as into a steam and water mixture. The steam and water mixture flows from the boiler <NUM> to the phase separator <NUM>. The water and steam mixture provided from the boiler <NUM> is separated at the phase separator <NUM> into the steam <NUM>, which is directed toward the cooking chamber <NUM> during a steam cooking procedure, and water <NUM>, which is directed toward the lower tank <NUM> for re-entry into the steam generating procedure. The steam <NUM> within the phase separator <NUM> from the steam and water mixture is delivered to the cooking chamber <NUM> via appropriate plumbing (not illustrated). Further details about components of a steam generating system <NUM> suitable for use with the water reservoir <NUM> and securement and release assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure can be found at <CIT>.

The securement and release assembly <NUM> can be utilized in any appliance (not just the oven <NUM>) to engage with and secure any component of the appliance (not just the water reservoir <NUM>) within the appliance. Example appliances include a slow cooker, a microwave, a toaster oven, a refrigerator, an icemaker, a freezer, and so on, however, only ovens fall under the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

The securement and release assembly <NUM> addresses the problem of securing a component of an appliance, such as the water reservoir <NUM> of the oven <NUM>, among other ways, by utilizing less parts than other more complicated mechanisms, thus lowering the cost to manufacture.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a securement and release assembly for a component of an appliance comprises: (a) a platform configured to couple to a cabinet of an appliance, the platform comprising a track; (b) a push-push latch attached to the platform, the push-push latch comprising a mating feature receiver; and (c) a locking member slidably coupled to the track of the platform, the locking member comprising a mating feature configured to engage with the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, wherein (i) the locking member slides along the track toward the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch to transition from an unlatched state, wherein the mating feature is not latched within the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, to a latched state, wherein the mating feature is inserted into the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch and latched therein, (ii) the locking member is configured to interact with a component of an appliance to secure the component to the appliance when the locking member takes the latched state, and (iii) the component can be decoupled from the locking member when the locking member takes the unlatched state.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of the first aspect further comprises: a spring attached to the platform, the spring comprising an energized state when the locking member is in the latched state, wherein, as the locking member transitions out of the latched state, the spring imparts a force on the locking member causing the locking member to slide along the track of the platform away from the push-push latch. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of the second aspect is presented, wherein (i) the spring further comprises a first end and a second end, (ii) the first end of the spring is attached to the locking member, and (iii) the second end of the spring is attached to the platform.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of any one of the first through third aspects is presented, wherein (a) the locking member further comprises (i) a first member extending from a junction, the mating feature disposed at the first member, and (ii) a second member extending from the junction, the second member and the first member separated by an angle, and the second member comprising a projection configured to mate with a component of the appliance to be secured in place via the securement and release assembly, and (b) in the latched state, the mating feature of the locking member is inserted into the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, and the projection of the locking member mates with the component of the appliance thus securing the component to the securement and release assembly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of any one of the first through fourth aspects is presented, wherein the appliance is an oven with steam cooking functionality and the component is a water reservoir configured to provide water.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of any one of the first through fifth aspects is presented, wherein (a) the platform comprises (i) a floor upon which the locking member slides to transition into and out of the latched state, (ii) a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upward from the floor and a slot between the opposing sidewalls, the opposing sidewalls and the floor at least partially defining the track, and (iii) a wall configured to couple to a first end of a spring, and (b) the locking member further comprises an appendage extending through the slot of the platform.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of the sixth aspect further comprises: a spring comprising (i) a first end attached to the wall of the platform and (ii) a second end attached to the locking member, wherein, the spring is disposed elevationally higher than the track and elevationally lower than the push-push latch.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of any one of the first through seventh aspects is presented, wherein the locking member tilts relative to the platform as the locking member moves away from the push-push latch in the detached state.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of any one of the first through eighth aspects is presented, wherein the locking member comprises a first member extending from a junction and a second member extending from the junction orthogonally to the first member, the mating feature extending from the first member.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the securement and release assembly of the ninth aspect further comprises a spring comprising (i) a first end attached to the platform and (ii) a second end attached to the first member of the locking member, wherein, the spring is energized and imparts a force against the first member when the locking member is in the latched state.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the tenth aspect is presented, wherein as the locking member transitions in the detached position from an extreme position away from the push-push latch toward the push-push latch, the locking member tilts relative to the platform with the first member of the locking member tilting toward the push-push latch and the second member of the locking member tilting upwards.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, any one of the first through eleventh aspects is presented, wherein (i) the securement and release assembly is of an appliance, the appliance further comprising a component that is movable to, from, and between an inserted state and a retracted state, (ii) the component is disposed further into the appliance in the inserted state than in the retracted state, and (iii) as the component moves from the retracted state to the inserted state, the component causes the locking member to slide along the track of the platform until the mating feature of the locking member engages with the push-push latch and the locking member takes the latched state. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the twelfth aspect is presented, wherein (a) the locking member comprises (i) a first member extending from a junction, the mating feature extending from the first member, (ii) a second member extending from the junction, and (iii) a projection extending from the second member, (b) the component further comprises a recess configured to engage with the projection extending from the second member of the locking member, (c) as the component moves from the retracted state to the inserted state, the component pushes against the first member of the locking member and causes the locking member to tilt relative to the platform with the second member moving toward the component and the projection extending from the second member engaging with the recess of the component, and (d) when the component is in the inserted state and the locking member is in the latched state, the engagement of the projection of the locking member and the recess of the component resists a force pulling the component away from the push-push latch.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the thirteenth aspect further comprises a spring comprising a first end attached to the platform and a second end attached to the locking member; wherein, (a) as the component pushes the locking member toward the latched state, the spring becomes energized, and (b) a force pushing the component from the inserted state into the appliance and subsequent release of the force cause the locking member to transition from the latched state to the detached state, and the spring imparts a force upon the locking member that (i) moves the mating feature of the locking member away from the push-push latch, (ii) causes the locking member to slide along the track, and (iii) causes the component to move to the retracted state at least partially ejected from the appliance. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the twelfth aspect is presented, wherein (i) the appliance is an oven with steam cooking functionality, and (ii) the component is a water reservoir configured to supply the steam cooking functionality with water.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance comprises: (A) a cabinet; (B) a platform attached to the cabinet, the platform comprising a track; (C) a push-push latch attached to the platform, the push-push latch comprising a mating feature receiver; (D) a locking member slidably coupled to the track of the platform, the locking member comprising (i) a first member and a second member extending from a junction, the first member and the second member separated by an angle, (ii) a mating feature extending from the first member configured to interact with the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, (iii) a projection extending from the second member, (iv) a latched state where the mating feature is inserted into the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch and latched therein, and (v) an unlatched state where the mating feature is not latched within the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch; (E) a spring comprising (i) a first end attached to the first member of the locking member and (ii) a second end attached to the platform; and (F) a component comprising (i) a recess configured to engage with the projection extending from the second member of the locking member, (ii) an inserted state, and (iii) a retracted state, the component being disposed further into the appliance in the inserted state than in the retracted state, and in the retracted state, the component is at least partially ejected from the appliance, wherein, when the component is in the inserted state and the locking member is in the latched state, the projection extending from the second cantilever of the locking member is engaged with the recess of the component, the projection and the recess resisting movement of the component away from the inserted state.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sixteenth aspect is presented, wherein as the component transitions from the retracted state to the inserted state, the component pushes the first member of the locking member (i) causing the second member of the locking member to engage with the recess of the component, (ii) causing the locking member to slide along the track of the platform until the mating feature extending from the first member of the locking member mates with the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, thereby placing the locking member in the latched position, and (iii) causing the second end of the spring to move towards the first end of the spring thus energizing the spring.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the seventeenth aspect is presented, wherein a force pushing the component further into the appliance after being in the inserted state and subsequent release of the force cause (i) the locking member to take the unlatched state, unlatched from the push-push latch, (ii) the spring to push the locking member along the track of the platform away from the push-push latch with the locking member tilting so that the projection extending from the second member disengages from the recess of the component, and (iii) the component to at least partially eject from the appliance.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, an oven for cooking food comprises: (A) a cabinet; (B) a platform attached to the cabinet, the platform comprising a track; (C) a push-push latch attached to the platform, the push-push latch comprising a mating feature receiver; (D) a locking member slidably coupled to the track of the platform, the locking member comprising (i) a first member and a second member extending from a junction, the first member and the second member separated by an angle, (ii) a mating feature extending from the first member configured to interact with the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, (iii) a projection extending from the second member, (iv) a latched state where the mating feature is inserted into the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch and latched therein, and (v) an unlatched state where the mating feature is not latched within the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch; (E) a spring comprising (i) a first end attached to the first member of the locking member and (ii) a second end attached to the platform; (F) a water reservoir comprising (i) a recess configured to engage with the projection extending from the second member of the locking member, (ii) an inserted state, (iii) a retracted state, the water reservoir being disposed further into the appliance in the inserted state than in the retracted state, and in the retracted state, the water reservoir is at least partially ejected from the appliance, and (iv) a chamber configured to hold water; (G) a cooking chamber configured to accept food for cooking; and (H) a steam generating system configured (i) to obtain water from the water reservoir when the water reservoir is in the inserted state and (ii) to transform the water into steam for subsequent delivery to the cooking chamber; wherein, (<NUM>) when the water reservoir is in the inserted state and the locking member is in the latched state, the projection extending from the second member of the locking member is engaged with the recess of the water reservoir, the projection and the recess resisting movement of the water reservoir away from the inserted state; (<NUM>) as the water reservoir transitions from the retracted state to the inserted state, the water reservoir pushes the first member of the locking member (i) causing the locking member to tilt and the projection of the locking member to engage with the recess of the water reservoir, (ii) causing the locking member to slide along the track of the platform until the mating feature extending from the first member of the locking member to enter the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch thereby placing the locking member in the latched position, and (iii) causing the first end of the spring to move towards the second end of the spring thus energizing the spring; and (<NUM>) a force pushing the water reservoir further into the oven after being in the inserted state and subsequent release of the force cause (i) the locking member to take the unlatched state, unlatched from the push-push latch, (ii) the spring to push the locking member along the track of the platform away from the push-push latch with the locking member pivoting so that the projection extending from the second member disengages from the recess of the water reservoir, and (iii) the water reservoir to at least partially eject from the oven.

Claim 1:
An oven (<NUM>) comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>);
a platform (<NUM>) or frame attached to the cabinet (<NUM>), the platform (<NUM>) comprising a track (<NUM>);
a push-push latch (<NUM>) attached to the platform (<NUM>), the push-push latch (<NUM>) comprising a mating feature receiver (<NUM>);
a locking member (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the track (<NUM>) of the platform (<NUM>), the locking member (<NUM>) comprising a first member (<NUM>), in particular a first cantilever, and a second member (<NUM>), in particular a second cantilever, the first member (<NUM>) and the second member (<NUM>) extending from a junction (<NUM>) and being in particular separated by an angle, wherein a mating feature (<NUM>) extends from the first member (<NUM>), the mating feature (<NUM>) being configured to interact with the mating feature receiver (<NUM>) of the push-push latch (<NUM>), and wherein a projection (<NUM>) extends from the second member (<NUM>); and
a water reservoir (<NUM>) comprising a recess (<NUM>) configured to engage with the projection (<NUM>) extending from the second member (<NUM>) of the locking member (<NUM>),
wherein the locking member (<NUM>) is configured to move between a latched state (<NUM>) and an unlatched state (<NUM>) or detached state, in the latched state (<NUM>) the mating feature (<NUM>) being inserted into the mating feature receiver (<NUM>) of the push-push latch (<NUM>) and latched therein, in the unlatched state (<NUM>) the mating feature (<NUM>) being not latched within the mating feature receiver (<NUM>) of the push-push latch (<NUM>);
wherein the water reservoir (<NUM>) is configured to move between an inserted state (<NUM>) and a retracted state (<NUM>), the water reservoir (<NUM>) being disposed further into the oven (<NUM>) in the inserted state (<NUM>) than in the retracted state (<NUM>), wherein in particular in the retracted state (<NUM>), the water reservoir (<NUM>) is at least partially ejected from the oven (<NUM>), and
wherein, when the water reservoir (<NUM>) is in the inserted state (<NUM>) and the locking member (<NUM>) is in the latched state (<NUM>), the projection (<NUM>) extending from the second member (<NUM>) of the locking member (<NUM>) is engaged with the recess (<NUM>) of the water reservoir (<NUM>), optionally wherein the projection (<NUM>) and the recess (<NUM>) are configured to resist movement of the water reservoir (<NUM>) away from the inserted state (<NUM>).