Abstract: A hinge and closure mechanism with an integral door stop which, together with the closure unit of the mechanism, stops a refrigerator door from opening beyond a preselected position is described. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a hinge unit, a closure unit, and door stop. The hinge unit includes a cabinet hinge plate and a door hinge plate. The cabinet hinge plate is mounted to the base of the cabinet, and the door hinge plate is mounted to a refrigerator door. A connector pin and a pivot pin extend through respective openings in the door hinge plate, and door hinge plate is coupled to the cabinet hinge plate by the pivot pin. The closure unit includes a pivot plate coupled to the door hinge plate by the connector pin. The closure unit also includes a compression spring and a link. The link couples the spring to the pivot plate.

Abstract: A door hinge and closure mechanism which includes a hinge unit and a closure unit is described. The hinge and closure units are integral in that a hinge plate of the hinge unit serves as a support for components of the closure unit. Generally, the closure unit applies a pre-load force on the door when the door is in a closed position. When the door is between a closed position and a neutral force position, the closure unit applies a substantially constant closure force on the door. Once the door is opened beyond a first lock position, the closure unit applies resisting forces to the door when the door which act as a deterrent to further opening of the door. Rather than being expanded during door opening as with known spring closure mechanisms, the spring of the above described closure unit is compressed. Compressing the spring is believed to result in a more smooth and constant closure force on the door, as well as extending the useful life of the spring.