US Patent:
20120312594, Dec 13, 2012
Inventors:
Kenyon A. Hapke - Libertyville IL, US
Joel C. Bragg - Waterford WI, US
Michael K. Hintz - Waukesha WI, US
Randy S. McDonald - Sussex WI, US
Mark R. Heckenkamp - Sussex WI, US
Jonathan H. Olson - Sussex WI, US
Adrian J. Tengler - New Berlin WI, US
Jarod M. Sulik - Elkhorn WI, US
Assignee:
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. - Glenview IL
International Classification:
E05C 19/12
H02G 3/18
E05C 19/06
Abstract:
A latch for a washing machine or other appliance provides two interengaging elements on a lid and housing each having a magnet oriented for mutual repulsion. Proper repulsion of the magnets is necessary to signal that the lid is properly closed such as may be used to determine if the appliance may be locked and safely operated, for example, in a clothes spinning mode.