Appliance installation system and method

Abstract

An appliance includes a friction member mounted to the outer surface and extending above the outer surface. The height of the friction member is adjustable so that the friction member can engage an underside of cabinetry in which the appliance is located. The height adjustment may be in the friction member, or in the appliance—for example in the appliance feet, or between the appliance and the friction member.

1 . An appliance comprising
 an outer surface;   a friction member mounted to the outer surface and extending above the outer surface; and a   height adjustable spacer for adjusting the distance between a top surface of the friction member and a floor on which the appliance is positioned; such that   in use, the friction member contacts a surface above the appliance.   
   
   
       2 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the friction member is mounted to an upper portion of said outer surface of the appliance; 
   
   
       3 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height adjustable spacer is mounted to a bottom surface of the appliance. 
   
   
       4 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height adjustable spacer is integral with the friction member. 
   
   
       5 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height adjustable spacer is mounted on to the friction member. 
   
   
       6 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the friction member is a friction pad formed from a resilient material, formed from a deformable material, or an inflatable member. 
   
   
       7 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the appliance includes a plurality of friction pads, with at least one friction pad located adjacent the rear of the appliance. 
   
   
       8 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height adjustable spacer comprises a foot or feet attached to the base of the appliance. 
   
   
       9 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height adjustable spacer is adjustable from the front of the appliance. 
   
   
       10 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said height adjustable spacer comprises a pair of stepped members arranged face to face so that relative rotation of the stepped members progressively increases their combined thickness. 
   
   
       11 . An appliance as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said height adjustable spacer comprises a pair of stepped members arranged face to face so that relative rotation of the stepped members progressively increases their combined thickness. 
   
   
       12 . A method of installing an appliance under a bench or cabinetry, wherein the appliance includes a friction member mounted to an outer surface of the appliance, comprising the step of raising a top surface of the friction member so that it abuts an underside of the bench or cabinetry. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  further including the step of mounting a block to the underside of the bench or cabinetry in a position corresponding to the friction member. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  further including the step of adjusting the height of the block prior to the step of raising the top surface of the friction member. 
   
   
       15 . A method of installing an appliance under a bench or cabinetry comprising the steps of:
 attaching a friction member to an outer surface of the appliance; and   raising a top surface of the friction member so that it abuts an underside of the bench or cabinetry.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further including the step of mounting a block to the underside of the bench or cabinetry in a position corresponding to the friction member. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  further including the step of adjusting the height of the block prior to the step of raising the top surface of the friction member. 
   
   
       18 . A kit for installing an appliance under a bench or cabinetry, comprising:
 a friction pad; and   a block,   wherein, in use, the friction pad is fixed to the appliance and the block is fixed to an underside of the bench or cabinetry at a position corresponding to the position of the friction pad.   
   
   
       19 . The kit of  claim 18  wherein the kit includes a plurality of friction pads. 
   
   
       20 . The kit of  claim 18  or  19  wherein the dimensions of the block are adjustable. 
   
   
       21 . An appliance comprising:
 an outer surface, comprising upper and side walls;   a friction member mounted to the outer surface; and   an adjustable spacer for adjusting the distance between an outer surface of the friction member and a surface adjacent to the appliance, in use, the friction member contacting a surface adjacent to appliance.