US2866450A - Backguard for range - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 30, 1958. H. M. R EVE 2,866,450

BACKGUARD FOR RANGE Filed Feb. 7, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 30, 1958 H. M. REEVES 2,366,450

' BACKGUARD FOR RANGE Filed Feb. 7, 1955 2 Sheets+Sheet 2 United States Patent 7 BACKGUARD FOR RANGE Herbert M. Reeves, Kankakee, Ill., assignor to Geo. D. Roper Corporation Application February 7, 1955, Serial No. 486,388

3 Claims. (Cl. 126-213) The present invention relates to ranges and more particularly to a novel backguard construction.

It it an object of the present invention to provide a backguard for a range which presents a finished and distinctive appearance but which is more economical than conventional backguards, being readily adaptable, without necessity for separate tools and dies, to all ranges regardless of width. More specifically, it is an object to provide a novel backguard comprising a small number of standard parts which may be used for ranges of different size and which avoids the cost of the separate dies required in the production of conventional types of ranges.

It is another object to provide a backguard which comprises a number of parts but which is so constructed as to have a neat unitary appearance free of visible joints. It is a related object to provide a backguard which may be assembled quickly and easily and without exercising a high degree of care or skill. It is a further object to provide a hollow backguard construction which provides easy access for changing a lamp bulb or other servicing.

It is still another object to provide a backguard which produces improved illumination of the work surface and improved venting of the oven, with both the light and the oven flue being shielded from view.

In one of its aspects it is an object of the invention to provide a backguard which is flexible in application and which includes distinctive decoration and trim, but in which minor variations in trim and appearance may be made at minimum expense and without necessity for special tooling.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon reading the attached detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective of a range employing a backguard constructed in accordance with the present invention. 1

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective showing the manner in which the parts are assembled together.

Fig. 3 is a section taken through one of the end caps along the line 33 in Figure 4.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the end cap shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective showing a backguard having a modified ridge member and showing the possible variation in length.

While the invention is described herein in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that I do not necessarily limit the invention to such embodiment but instead intend to cover all alternative constructions and arrangements which may fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Turning now to the drawings, a range is shown in Figure 1 having a backguard 11 constructed in accordance with the invention. Such backguard forms a unitary boxlike structure being secured in place on the body of the range by a pair of downwardly extending fastening bolts to which more detailed reference will later be made. The backguard 11 includes a front panel 12 which covers almost the entire front surface. Spaced above the front Patented Dec 30, 1958 panel is a longitudinal ridge member 13, the two members defining a compartment with a longitudinal opening 14 which extends the length of the range. Mounted in the compartment under the ridge member 13 and out of direct view is an electric lamp 15 which floods the entire working surface with light through the opening 14. Also included in the back member is a vertical flue 16 which is connected to the oven and which permits venting of the oven through the same longitudinal opening 14 with consequent distribution of the oven heat.

In accordance with the present invention novel vertically-extending end caps are used at each end of the backguard, the end caps being fastened to the panel 12 and ridge member 13 and capable of use interchangeably with front panels and ridge members of various lengths and constant cross-section to provide a unitary construction free of objectionable joints. The end caps in the present instance are indicated at 21, 22, attention being directed to the end cap 21, the details of which are shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The end cap 21 has a smoothly contoured outer surface 23 which may be porcelain-enameled or otherwise finished to match the body of the range. For providing a neat and hidden joint with the front panel 12, the cap 21 has an inwardly turned flange 24 having an inwardly facing surface 25 and a profiled edge 26. The profiled edge 26 is formed to accurately match the profile of the front panel 12.

Prior to discussing the manner in which the front panel is fastened in place in the end cap, further attention may be given to the front panel construction. As shown in Fig. 3, the panel 12 has a'gently sloping surface 30 and a longitudinal ridge or bead 31 formed along'its upper edge. Adjacent the ridge 31 is a step portion 32 which extends backwardly and a riser portion 33. The stepped profile of the front panel is particularly valuable for venting and illumination. As will be noted in Fig. 3, the elongated lamp bulb 15 is arranged directly above the stepped upper edge of the front panel, the bulb, however, being shielded by the overhang of the ridge member 13. It willbe apparent, therefore, that the stepped construction permits the use of a wide yet relatively unnoticeable opening 14 for passage of light outwardly over the work surface. In the present embodiment correspondingly stepped decorative trim 35 is provided along the upper edge of the panel, the strip being of Z cross-section in order to seat on the step 32 of the panel and to overlie the vertical portions 31, 33 at the upper edge of the panel. The decorative trim strip is secured in place by means of suitable screws 36. It will be noted that the profiled edge 26 of the end cap follows closely the profile of the front panel 12, the trim strip 35 being foreshortened so that the end thereof abuts the inwardly facing surface 25 of the end cap.

A novel arrangement employing rearwardly accessible screws is provided for drawing the front panel 12 into intimate engagement withthe profiled edge 26 of the end cap. In the present instance the screws are threadedly received in the front flange of vertical channel member or bracket 40 having a front flange 41 and a rear flange 42, as well as an inwardly turned anchoring or base portion 43 to which reference will later be made. The channel member or bracket 40 is secured within the cap member by providing spaced pads 45, 46 which are spotwelded or otherwise secured to the inside surface of the cap.

Turning to Fig. 3, screws 51, 52, which may be of the self-tapping variety, are received in registering holes in the front flange 41 of the bracket. It will be apparent that as the screws are tightened the panel will be drawn in the forward direction into intimate engagement with the profiled edge 26 to provide a perfect joint.

Turning attention next to the anchoring or base portion 43 of the bracket 40, it will be noted that it includes an inwardly facing slot 53 for reception of a bolt 56 which engages an end clip 57, the latter being of generally L-shape having an upturned portion 58. For securing the front panel 12 to the end clip and hence to the lower portion of the cap 21, a longitudinal pocket member is provided in the form of a decorative trim strip 60. As shown in profile in Fig. 3, the trim strip 60 receives the lower edge of the panel 12, being provided with an upwardly extending portion 61 which extends generally parallel to the inner wall of the front panel and which is secured to the end. clip by a suitable bolt and nut 62. It will suffice to say that the assembly thus far described is secured to the body of the range by the downwardly extending bolts 56, one at each end, in the conventional manner, the backguard and range body being securely clamped together by wing nuts 56a.

For the purpose of enclosing the rear of the box-like structure a back plate 65 is provided of straight longitudinal construction and having a profile as shown in Fig. 3, the lower edge of the back plate 65 being stepped inwardly as shown at 66. For securing the back plate to the end cap 21, screws 71, 72 are used, such screws passing into holes provided in the back plate and into tapped engagement with the rear flange 42 of the bracket 40. The back plate therefore not only encloses but rigidifies the construction, giving the back of the range a neat and finished appearance and providing anchorage for the ridge member 13.

More detailed attention may next be given to the ridge member 13. This member is straight throughout its length and of arcuate cross-section as shown in Fig. 3. For the purpose of supporting the ridge member 13 on the end caps 21, 22, each of the cap members is provided with a member defining an arcuate ledge. In the case of the cap 21 the ledge member indicated at 73 is spotwelded or otherwise secured within the curved top portion of the cap. A novel hook and detent connection is provided to keep the ridge member 13 seated firmly in place while permitting its ready removal as maybe required from time to time for changing the lamp bulb 15. In the present instance, the hook is formed by reversely bending the front edge of the ridge member 13, the hook being indicated at 1311. This hook engages the front edges of the ledge members. The engagement between the hook 13a and the front edge 73a of the ledge member 73 will be clearly noted in Fig. 3. For providing detented engagement between the ridge member 13 and the back plate 65' the ridge member is provided at its rear edge with detent means herein shown as a bead 75 in the depending edge portion of the member. Upon assembly, the bead is received in a complemental depression, in this instance a longitudinal groove 76 in the back plate. No screws or other fastening means are required. To remove the ridge member the rear edge thereof is rocked upwardly out of the groove 76, permitting disengagement of the hook and complete removal of the ridge member. This not only facilitates replacing the bulb but provides access for cleaning or other servicing.

While the present backguard includes a number of parts, assembly may be completed within a few minutes without exercising a substantial degree of care or skill. Starting with the front panel 12, the trim strip 60 is slipped over the lower edge as shown in Fig. 3 with the end clips 57 attached. The two end caps are next slipped over the ends of the front panel and secured thereto by means of the screws 51, 52. Nuts provided on the screws 56 may then be tightened to secure the base portions 43 of the caps to the end clips. This is followed by the addition of the back plate which is secured in position by screws 71, 72. Finally the ridge member 13 is hooked at its forward edge and rocked rearwardly to its detented position. Disassembly when required is equally simple, and it will be apparent that an end cap or the. panelmay be 4 readily replaced, if chipped or damaged, without necessity for replacing the entire backguard.

It is one of the primary features of the construction that the same elements may be used with only minor modification for all ranges regardless of length. It has been customary in the past to provide a contoured backguard of a specific length for use in a particular range, the latter requiring separate dies for each size of range in the line. It will be apparent that when using the present construction, separate dies are not required and the same end caps may be used throughout. The only change required is in the length of the front and back panels and the associated trim. Since the panels and trim are of constant profile or cross-section throughout their length, this becomes a simple matter of trimming the members to suit the particular size of range. The importance of this feature may be realized when it is considered that a line of ranges may include five or more different lengths, resulting in a tooling cost of several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Using the present sectional construction enables the tooling cost to be reduced to a small fraction of this and provides a degree of flexibility not heretofore obtainable.

The appearance of the present construction is also greatly enhanced as compared to more conventional arrangements. The trim applied to conventional backguards has, for the most part, been simply an appendage. In the present construction the trim is integrated into the construction, tending to tie it together and resulting in a distinctive and pleasing appearance. Changes may, nevertheless, be easily made in the form of the trim to alter the appearance as may be desired when bringing out a new model. It will be apparent furthermore that different front panels may be used with the same end caps as required, for example, when using different clocks, different switches, utility outlets and the like.

While the invention has been discussed in connection with a backguard having a front panel and a ridge member of constant cross-section, it will be understood that the profile need not be constant over the entire length, but may be centrally interrupted for the purpose of pro viding improved shading for the lamp bulb, or for applying a decorative trade-mark or the like. This possibility is shown in Fig. 5 where it will be noted that the ridge member is centrally extended in the forward direction, as shown at 77, in order to cast additional light on the clock face 78. The end portions of the ridge member are, nevertheless, of constant cross-section, so that they may be symmetrically trimmed, as required for ranges of different length. The various length possibilities are indicated by the dotted lines. In view of the foregoing, the term constant profile or constant cross-section in the claims shall be interpreted to cover configurations such as shown in Fig. 5 where the cross-section remains constant over a relatively wide range at each end of the member.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a range, a backguard comprising, in combination, a pair of upright end caps each having an end wall with an integral inwardly extending flange along its top and front edges, means removably securing said caps adjacent opposite ends of the range, a back panel extending between said caps, a front panel spaced forwardly of said back panel extending between and supported on said caps with its ends concealed behind the front flanges of the caps, means removably securing said panels to said caps, said front panel having its upper marginal edge portion offset rearwardly, a ridge member of constant generally arcuate cross section extending bridgingly between said caps and having its rear edge abutting the rear panel, means removably securing said ridge member to said caps including a seat on each end cap for the corresponding end of the ridge member and means connecting the rear edge of the, ridge member and the abutting portion of the reanpanelfor holding the ridge member on the seats,

and said ridge member having its front edge portion spaced forwardly from and overhanging the offset upper marginal edge portion of said panel to conceal the same and to define an elongated lamp compartment.

2. In a range, a backguard comprising, in combination, a pair of upright end caps each having an end wall with an integral inwardly extending flange along its top and front edges, means removably securing said caps adjacent opposite ends of the range, a front panel and a rear panel extending between and supported on said caps, said front panel having its ends concealed behind the front flanges of the caps, a ridge member of constant generally arcuate cross section throughout its length extending bridgingly between and supported on said caps and having its rear edge abutting the rear panel, means carried by each end cap defining a seat for the corresponding end of the ridge member, and means on both the forward and rear portions of the ridge member for holding the ridge member seated on the seats, said last-named means including a detent carried by the rear edge of the ridge member releasably received in a groove in the abutting portion of the rear panel, said front panel having its upper edge portion ofiset rearwardly to cooperate with the forward edge portion of said ridge member in defining a downwardly and forwardly opening lamp compartment.

3. In a range, a backguard comprising, in combination, a pair of inwardly-facing vertical end caps mounted at the respective ends of the range, said end caps each having an inwardly turned flange around its top and front edges, the flange at the front edge of the cap having a rearwardly extending lip portion, a bracket secured to the inner face of each end cap having a flange spaced inwardly from the front flange of the cap, a substantially vertical front panel extending bridgingly between said end caps, the ends of said panel extending behind the front flanges of the end caps and the flanges of said brackets, said panel having a constant profile over a substantial distance at each end thereof, the lip portions of said end caps each having a rearwardly facing profile edge precisely matching the profile of said panel, anchoring means for securing said panel to the flanges of said brackets and for drawing the panel forwardly for intimate engagement thereof with said profile edge whereby the flanges and anchoring means are effectively concealed behind the lip portions of the caps, a ridge member extending bridgingly between the top portions of said end caps, and means for securing the end caps to the body of the range.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 110,924 Goldthwaite Aug. 16, 1938 1,726,979 Droszewski Sept. 3, 1929 2,226,834 Rogers Dec. 31, 1940 2,274,299 Mayer Feb. 24, 1942 2,279,063 Rogers Apr. 7, 1942 2,408,295 Cossin Sept. 24, 1946 2,556,444 Reeves June 12, 1951 2,556,554 Pellegrin June 12, 1951 2,556,555 Reedy June 12, 1951 2,638,893 OKeefe May 19, 1953

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