Method of providing a replacement component
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorRICHARD A. MCCOY
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of providing a retrofit component for a host comprises the steps of removing a mechanical component from a host and replacing the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component that is operable to provide power to a consumer electronic device. The component being replaced includes handles, trim pieces, face plates, or the like. The source of power to the new mechanical component comes from an external source which can also provide data. Instructions can be provided to the consumer so as to instruct the consumer on how to install the new mechanical component to the host.
Claims23
A method of providing a retrofit component for an appliance comprising the steps of:
- removing a mechanical component from an appliance;
- and
- replacing the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component that is operable to provide power to a separate electrical device.
A method of providing a retrofit component for an appliance comprising the steps of:
- offering a retrofit component for sale to a customer;
- supplying the retrofit component to a customer;
- and
- wherein the retrofit component is a mechanical component that is configured to have a consumer electronic device associated therewith.
A method of providing a retrofit component for a host comprising the steps of:
- removing a mechanical component from a host;
- and
- replacing the removed mechanical component with a new mechanical component that is operable to provide power to a consumer electronic device.
A method of providing a retrofit component for a component of an appliance having a useful function comprising the steps of:
- offering a retrofit component for sale to a customer;
- supplying the retrofit component to a customer;
- supplying information to a customer about how to install the retrofit component;
- and
- wherein the retrofit component supplies the useful function and a different user function unrelated to the appliance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.