| 摘要 |
The invention provides a mechanism suitable for lifting an appliance, particularly a domestic appliance. The mechanism ( 2 ) comprises a generally cylindrical body ( 8 ) having a wall ( 50 ) and a longitudinal axis ( 16 ) which extends in an upward direction. At least one rolling support member ( 20 ) is rotatably mounted on an axle ( 100 ) beneath the body ( 8 ). A housing ( 6 ) having a generally cylindrical socket portion ( 200 ) with an inner surface ( 208 ) receives the body ( 8 ). The wall ( 50 ) and the inner surface ( 208 ) incorporate opposing camming surfaces ( 62 ) ( 210 ) such that when the body ( 8 ) is rotated about the axis ( 16 ) with respect to the socket portion ( 200 ), the camming surfaces ( 62 ) ( 210 ) co-operate. The housing ( 6 ) is moved axially with respect to the body ( 8 ) and away from the at least one rolling support member ( 20 ). The mechanism ( 2 ) lifts the appliance ( 400 ) from a resting position and into an elevated position ready for manoeuvring. The invention further provides a mechanism ( 2 ) suitable for steering an appliance ( 400 ). The mechanism ( 2 ) comprises a housing ( 6 ) and a body ( 8 ). The body ( 8 ) is connected to the housing ( 6 ) so as to allow relative rotation therebetween about a vertical axis ( 16 ). At least one rolling support member ( 20 ) is mounted on a horizontal axle ( 100 ), the axle ( 100 ) being mounted on the body ( 8 ) and located so as to intersect the vertical axis ( 16 ). A handle portion ( 10 ) is connected to the body ( 8 ) and extends radially outwardly from the vertical axis ( 16 ). This arrangement allows the consumer to steer the appliance ( 400 ) in an elevated position, in a range of directions, including but not limited to forwards and backwards.
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