IP Library Granted Patent US 6,920,676
Granted Patent B2
US 6,920,676 · App. 10/363,223 · Granted Jul 26, 2005

Method of manufacturing a laundry appliance

Assignee: Dyson Limited
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,920,676
App. No.
10/363,223
Granted
Jul 26, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

The invention provides a method of manufacturing a laundry appliance ( 10 ) which comprises the steps of: a) manufacturing and assembling, in a first location, a laundry appliance ( 10 ) comprising an outer casing ( 12 ) in which is mounted a means for washing and/or drying laundry ( 102 ), the outer casing ( 12 ) including a fascia ( 20 ), the fascia ( 20 ) being removable from the outer casing ( 12 ); b) transporting the laundry appliance ( 10 ) to a second location; c) manufacturing at least one alternative fascia attachable to the outer casing ( 12 ) of the laundry appliance ( 10 ), the or each alternative fascia differing from the fascia ( 20 ) by colour material or finish; d) transporting the or each alternative fascia to the second location; e) selecting the or an alternative fascia; and f) replacing the fascia ( 20 ) with the selected alternative fascia so as to change the final appearance of the laundry appliance ( 10 ). The invention provides a further method of manufacturing a laundry appliance ( 10 ).

Claims (20)

1. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance comprising:

a) manufacturing and assembling, in a first location, a laundry appliance comprising an outer casing in which is mounted an apparatus for washing and/or drying laundry, the outer casing comprising a structure for receiving a fascia;

b) transporting the laundry appliance to a second location;

c) manufacturing a plurality of fascias attachable to the outer casing of the laundry appliance, the fascias differing from one another in color, material or finish;

d) transporting the fascias to the second location;

e) selecting a fascia; and

f) attaching the selected fascia to the outer casing so as to select the final appearance of the otherwise complete manufactured laundry appliance in the second location.

2. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , wherein steps (a) and (c) occur before step (d).

3. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein steps (a) and (b) occur before step (d).

4. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , wherein steps (c) and (d) occur before step (a).

5. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 4 , wherein steps (c) and (d) occur before step (d).

6. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein steps (a) and (b) occur before step (c).

7. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , wherein steps (a) and (b) occur before step (b).

8. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein steps (b) and (d) occur simultaneously.

9. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , wherein step (c) takes place at a third location different from the first and second locations.

10. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first location is a manufacturing plant.

11. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second location is a storage facility or retail outlet.

12. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein at least three alternative fascias are provided.

13. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 12 , wherein at least five alternative fascias are provided.

14. A method of manufacturing a laundry appliance as claimed in claim 12 , wherein at least seven alternative fascias are provided.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 6, 2004
From: DYSON LIMITED
To: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Reel/Frame 016087/0758 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 6, 2003
From: FITTON, NICHOLAS G.; ROBERTS, IAIN
To: DYSON LIMITED
Reel/Frame 014152/0916 →
Priority Claims (1)
GB 0022804 · Sep 16, 2000 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20040045150A1 · Mar 11, 2004