Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body defining a compartment, a first door on the body for sealably and releasably closing the compartment and a second door on the body substantially opposite the first door for sealably and releasably closing the compartment. Refrigeration componentry is provided for refrigerating the compartment. Elements are attached to the body for mounting the body to a wall. The first door allows access to the compartment from a first side of the wall and the second door allows access to the compartment from a second side of the wall.

Abstract: A locking handle for a refrigerator includes a mounting element rigidly secured to a refrigerator door, a hand grip rigidly secured to the mounting element, and a latch attached to the mounting element. The latch has a catch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and an actuator operably connected to the catch for moving the catch from the locked position to the unlocked position. The latch provides a positive lock which is actuated to an unlocked position with a manipulation separate from pulling the hand grip but has an actuator located near the hand grip so that it can be manipulated by a hand grasping and pulling the hand grip. In a first embodiment, the catch is integrally molded with the mounting portion and is laterally deflectable away from a retainer mounted beside the door. In a second embodiment the catch is a vertically extending spindle which is downwardly movable away from a retainer mounted above the door.

Abstract: An opening and closing device of a refrigerator door includes a button, a gear, a cam, an arm, a push panel, and a plurality of stoppers. The button has a gear portion formed vertically on one side thereof and a top portion protruding above a top surface of the door. The gear is engaged with the gear portion of the button. The cam is integrally formed on the gear and fixed on a same shaft as the gear. The arm has a top surface of a rear portion thereof coming in contact with the cam and a front end including a hook, rotatably mounted on the refrigerator door. The push panel has a depression for engaging with the hook of the arm, mounted on the body of the refrigerator and capable of being rotated by a spring. The plurality of stoppers restrict the rotation of the push panel and they are mounted near and on one side of the push panel.

Abstract: A refrigerator door includes walls forming therebetween a space that is filled with foam insulation. A door-locking device is mounted in the space and is covered by a shield which shields the door-locking device from the foam when the foam is being injected into the space. The shield includes a mounting edge facing one of the walls and forming a slight gap therewith into which the foam can travel. The edge includes a channel which forms an enlargement in the gap that ensures that the incoming foam hardens before reaching the interior of the shield and damaging the door-locking device.

Abstract: A device or kit for making a refrigerator door child proof is disclosed. The device comprises about four distinct parts: a segment of shock cord (lanyard), a spring clasp having a swivel eyelet butt end connected to one end of the shock cord, a first adhesive backed mounting plate with a loop for receiving the spring clasp (first mounting plate), another adhesive backed mounting plate for tethering the spring clasp to via the lanyard (second mounting plate). The first mounting plate is adhered to a refrigerator door. The second mounting plate having the spring clasp and lanyard mounted thereto is either adhered to a second refrigerator door or the side of the refrigerator. When the door is opened by a child the shock cord allows the door to only slightly be opened. The shock cord then springs back to its relaxed state quickly shutting the door. The spring clasp can be operated by an adult by one hand. The device can be disabled by leaving the spring clasp unhooked. The device can only deliberately be enabled.

Abstract: A lock for a refrigerator door (11) has a metallic cylinder lock (22) adapted to be mounted to the outside of the door and a metallic latch (13) adapted to be rotatably and releasably mounted adjacent the inside of the door. The metallic cylinder lock is coupled to the metallic latch by a rod (21) and a non-metallic bolt (17) which is adapted to be rotatably mounted at least partially within the door (11). The bolt (17) has a keyway in which the rod (21) is received.

Abstract: A locking device, suitable for walk-in freezer doors, automatically locks when the door is closed, allows the door to be pulled open from the outside only when a proper key is inserted and rotated 90.degree., and always allows the door to be opened from the inside by pushing on a manual actuator. The locking device includes a strike mounted on the door frame, an outside plate assembly including a rigid handle and lock cylinder, and an inside plate assembly including a bracket supporting a spring loaded bolt, an enabling mechanism in the form of a collapsible linkage coupled to the bolt, a manual actuator, and a cover.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed handle assembly is disclosed. The assembly cuts labor costs and improves the productivity in manufacturing. A back plate 1 has a hole 4 in its central portion, in which 4 a head 3 of a pivot bolt 2 is inserted in a non-rotatable manner. A base plate 5 has a through-hole 7 for receiving therein a threaded shaft 6 of the bolt 2, and is provided with a hole 8 having its hole edge 8a subjected to a burring operation through which the hole edge 8a is passed through a through-hole 24 of the back plate 1 and turned outward behind the plate 1 to have it fixed to the base plate 5. A handle 9 has an axial hole 10 for receiving the threaded shaft 6 therein. A cap nut 11 is threadably engaged with a front end of the bolt 2 through a washer 12. A screw 14 threadably engages with a radial hole 13 of the nut 11, the screw 14 having its front end intensely abutted against a side surface of the threaded shaft 6.

Abstract: A safety latching device for refrigerators of the type having at least one vertically-hinged door extending the entire length of the refrigerator. The safety latching device includes an elongated support base having a latching bar rotatably attached thereto secured to the top of the refrigerator, and a coupling plate having a slot therein secured to the top of the refrigerator door in alignment with the latching bar. To prevent the refrigerator door from being opened by a young child, the latching bar is positioned in the coupling plate slot. To allow access to the refrigerator by an adult, the latching bar is rotatably moved from the slot. For refrigerators having more than one vertically-hinged door, the safety latching device utilizes a pair of latching bars with a pair of corresponding coupling plates.

Abstract: A device or kit for making a refrigerator door child proof is disclosed. The device comprises about four distinct parts: a shock cord, a spring clasp, one adhesive backed mounting plate or pad with a loop for receiving the spring clasp, another adhesive backed pad for mounting the latch and lanyard to. The loop pad is adhered to refrigerator door. The other pad having the latch and lanyard mounted thereto is either adhered to a second door or the side of the refrigerator. The latch can be operated by one hand. The latch can be disabled by leaving the latch unhooked. Dependent claims include additional features separately or combined: double spring clasp, clock, telephone, night light, can opener, writing surface, fan, timer, alarm, motion detector, bottle opener, and paper clamp.

Abstract: A restraint device for preventing access to a compartment having a door includes a plate. The plate includes first and second ends, the second end thereof including an aperture. Structure is provided for mounting the plate to the compartment. A closure device is provided, and is slidably disposed within the plate aperture for selectively blocking the opening of the compartment door. The closure device is disposed generally perpendicular to the plate and is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the compartment door and is operable between first and second positions. In the first position, the closure device rigidly engages the plate and is positioned adjacent to the compartment door to thereby prevent opening of the compartment door. In the second position, the closure device is disengaged from the plate and is slidable to a position to allow opening of the compartment door.

Abstract: A door guard for preventing a child from opening a refrigerator door while not reducing adult access to the refrigerator comprising an elongated rigid bar having flanges at each end, the bar being sized in length to fit between the back wall of the refrigerator and the front wall of the door of the refrigerator in the locked position. The bar is mounted on top of the refrigerator and prevents access from a small child while still allowing an adult to quickly raise the bar in order to open the refrigerator door. The device prevents a child from inadvertently leaving the refrigerator door open for long, unattended periods which could cause damage to the refrigerator compressor motor while also preventing a child from having access to the interior of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The invention is to a safety device which can be fitted onto existing doors to prevent the inadvertent usage or opening of various household devices. These can be for example, refrigerators, microwave ovens, VCRs, etc. The device typically prevents small children from opening the door and/or using these devices without supervision. The device comprises a set of telescopically engaging members which are held tightly together over the handle of the door by a thumbscrew.

Abstract: A foot activated door opening device that can be readily retrofitted onto existing doors, especially doors of walk-in type refrigerators is provided. The device includes a lever system that can be readily adjusted to accommodate different size handles. When activated by a foot pedal, the lever system engages the handle which causes the door to open. In another aspect of the invention, a device that is particularly suited for opening a door equipped with a plunger mechanism is provided. The device is foot activated and uses a lever system to engage the plunger.

Abstract: A flap door for closing a hatch through a floor separating an upper and lower deck, e.g. in an aircraft, is equipped with a locking and unlocking mechanism in which a locking roller can be moved out of a locking position prior to any force applied to the door in an upward opening direction. For this purpose a bearing block is secured to the body of the flap door and a bell crank lever is journalled in the mounting block. One lever arm of the bell crank lever is constructed as a handle, while the other substantially shorter arm of the bell crank lever carries at its free end the locking roller. In its locking position the locking roller engages a spring biased locking claw. When the flap door is to be opened, the initial angular movement of the handle lever caused the roller to first disengage from the claw and then roll along a guide rail. When the unlocking is completed, the handle lever is in a substantially vertical position enabling the operator to apply an upwardly directed force to the flap door.

Abstract: A "U" shaped door lock is arranged to receive adjacent handles of a refrigerator door therebetween formed of typically "L" shaped configurations and adjacency relative to one another. The door lock apparatus includes spaced parallel legs of deflectable memory retentent material to effect spring back of the legs when directed together, with a modification of the invention to include a latch member mounted at a lower end of the legs requiring deflection of the legs permitting engagement of the latch relative to both legs to receive adjacent door handles of closed "C" shaped configurations. A further modification of the invention includes an audible alarm member mounted to one of the legs actuated upon attempted removal of the lock member relative to the refrigerator handles.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for maintaining laboratory storage units, such as refrigerators, incubators and cabinets in a closed configuration when such units are subjected to a sudden force or shock. The latch mechanism generally comprises a base member which is adapted to be easily and quickly interfaced to existing laboratory storage units. Connected to the base member is a latch member which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch member includes a stop member attached thereto for maintaining the latch member in a fixed orientation within the base member. The latch mechanism is constructed to provide a holding force which may not be easily overcome and is further constructed so as to provide a quickly ascertainable visual indication of whether the storage unit is in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A safety closure device to prevent access by young children to appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and ovens. The safety closure device comprises a mounting means to secure the device to the appliance without damaging said appliance, a blocking means that alternately allows and prevents the door of the appliance from opening, a retention means that holds said blocking means in place and a releasing means that allows the release of said retention means.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a rod having a handle end and a cam at the other end, a housing and a hasp holding means, a housing spring, a handle and a handle spring. The housing has an aperture formed therethrough for receiving the rod. The apparatus is adapted to be assembled to wall structure for releasable securing a door. The wall structure will have an aperture formed therethrough for receiving the rod. The apparatus is assembled by locating the housing and housing spring on one side of the wall structure and the handle and handle spring on the other side of the wall structure with the rod extending through the housing aperture and through the wall aperture with its handle end coupled to the handle and handle spring and its cam located in a holding position to engage the housing such that the cam cannot pass through the housing aperture. Means is provided for preventing the housing from rotating when held next to the wall structure.

Abstract: A hold-open for a refrigerator display case door having two slotted elongated members which are connected for linear sliding engaging on their respective inside surfaces. The inside surfaces of each elongated member is provided with a raised impediment which contact and ride over each other when the door is opened a sufficient amount, and thus place the door in a hold-open position.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used in an appliance such as a refrigerator or freezer having a housing, a door, and a gasket for sealing the door and the housing, the housing having a contact strip, the apparatus including a handle connected to the door by two webs, the handle having a door opening member which is movably supported by the handle, the door opening member including first and second actuating latches respectively disposed adjacent each of the two webs, the first and second actuating latches each contacting the gasket for lifting a portion of the gasket away from the contact strip, wherein the door opening member can be operated to cause a reliable displacement of the actuating latches relative to the handle resulting in lifting of the gasket.

Abstract: A combined closing and airing fixture or latch for a door (10) of a refrigerator cabinet comprises a handle (12) which can keep the door closed by means of a hook. An element (20) is arranged on the handle (12), which element is adjustable relative to the handle so that the element (20) can keep the door (10) ajar in an airing position by means of a hook (22).

Abstract: A handle device for a refrigerator door is disclosed, which comprises a housing secured to the door and a handle rotatably mounted in the housing such that it projects upwardly therefrom. The handle has a back side cover wall. The inner surface of the cover wall and a corresponding surface of the housing are made to have arcuate sectional profiles with the center thereof constituted by the axis of a fulcrum pin of the handle. A front end surface of the handle and a corresponding surface of the housing are also made to have arcuate sectional profiles with the center constituted by the fulcrum pin axis so that no substantial gap exists between the two pairs of corresponding arcuate surfaces.

Abstract: A handle device for a door which is formed of an assembly installed in a door panel and has a handle grip connected thereto by a pivot pin. A latch is retractably mounted to the assembly and interlocked with the handle grip. A lock is disposed within the assembly and is provided with a cam secured to a rotor of the lock which checks the receding slide of the latch. The lock cam is formed in the shape of a disc and is closely fitted in a circular recess of the assembly.

Abstract: A latch mechanism having easily removed components for cleaning. The apparatus is comprised of a strike and latch member which are releasably engagable. The latch is rotatably mounted and spring biased toward the strike. The spring biasing element is wedged between the rocker plate member and the edge surface of the door. A pivot pin upon which the rocker plate member is rotatably mounted is slideably removeable therefrom. Thus, the pivot pin, rocker plate member, and spring biasing element can be removed and placed so that all surfaces of the permanently affixed elements of the latch mechanism are completely exposed for cleaning, and such that the removable elements can be emersed and sanitized.

Abstract: A door handle device unlockable from indoor side of refrigerators, which device enables a person trapped in a refrigerator by accident to escape therefrom speedily by a simple operation. This handle device comprises a handle unit fastened to a door, and a latch receiver unit fastened to a wall of a refrigerator. The handle unit consists of the fixed seat attached to the door, a movable body connected to the fixed seat by a pivot, a latch member, and an operating handle for driving the latch member. The door handle device also has a setting bolt, an operating portion is positioned in the inside of the refrigerator. The setting bolt is inserted into a threaded bore provided in a rear portion of the movable body to fix the movable body to the door. The trapped person has only to turn the operating portion of the setting bolt to take out the bolt from the threaded bore and thereby permit the movable body to pivot and release the latch member from the latch receiver unit and then open the door.

Abstract: An indoor unlatching device for latch device of a refrigeration chamber door, comprising an operation rod extending through a frame wall of the door and connected at its outer end to a latch support and a manipulation handle connected to the inner end of the operation rod by means of a pivot shaft and having a first contact surface and a second contact surface selectively contactable with a handle seat surface, the distance between said first contact surface and said pivot shaft being greater than the distance between said pivot shaft and said second contact surface. In the normal state, said first contact surface is held in contact with said handle seat surface to pull and hold said latch support on the outer surface of said frame wall.

Abstract: A door opening-closing apparatus for large-sized refrigerators, the apparatus having a grip seat secured to a door, and a grip, acutating lever, and latch pivotally attached to the grip seat, a push rod penetrating the door, and a latch support. The outer end of the push rod is brought into contact with one end of the actuating lever, and one end of the latch is contacted with the other end of the actuating lever. The actuating lever is pivoted by pushing against the inner end of the push rod to undo the engagement between the latch support and the other end of the latch. The push rod is disposed inclined with respect to the door, so as to be more remote from the side pillar as the push rod extends from the outer end to the inner end thereof. By this arrangement, the push rod can be advantageously disposed closer to the side pillar without any fear of collision between the push rod inner and the side pillar.

Abstract: A door handle unit which comprises a unit body secured to a door, a lever type handle pivoted to the body by means of a main shaft mounted between upper and lower side walls of the body, a latch case fitted into the body from its rear side, a latch housed in the latch case so as to protrude and retreat from a left side wall of the body, a spring for urging the latch to slide leftward, a strike shaft mounted between the upper and lower side walls of the body, and two hook portions formed to project from the front portions of the latch case and opened rightward, in which those two right and left hook portions are engaged with the main shaft and the strike shaft respectively, and an actuating projection formed at the left end portion of the handle is brought into pressure-contact with the left side face of a receiving portion formed at the right end of the latch, thereby to urge the latch case to move rightward with respect to the body by virtue of the spring.

Abstract: A method of shipping and a shipping device for an appliance having a cabinet with a hinged door and a sealing gasket therebetween. The shipping device includes a spacer member with a body having two flat surfaces, with each surface having an adhesive coating and one of the adhesive coatings is in contact with the door and the other in contact with the cabinet. The appliance door is maintained in its closed position and retained in its proper vertical position, relative to the cabinet, during shipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety door-mounted latch mechanism available and accessible from within an enclosure that is normally locked by means of the door. A freezer or refrigerator door, for example, may be provided with the latch which is capable of being locked from the outside by means of either a padlock or an integral cylinder which receives a key. A radial tongue of the latch cooperatively engages a striker mechanism. The result is the ability of a person otherwise trapped within the enclosure to reach safety. A novel linkage-type of mechanism having a plurality of pivot points translates rectilinear actuating movement into an arcuate movement of the tongue or keeper member.

Abstract: A device for holding a door firmly closed includes a bracket for attachment to a door and a bistable assembly for attachment to the door jamb. A spring-biased piston within the bistable assembly presses one arm of a rotatable bell-crank against the tip of the bracket to hold the door firmly closed against the door jamb. Opening the door against the urging of the spring-biased piston rotates the bell crank to a standby position in which it is held stably by the spring-biased piston.In a preferred embodiment, a solenoid within the housing of the bistable assembly rotates the bell crank from engaged position to standby position in response to an external signal, thereby moving the door away from the door jamb automatically.

Abstract: A latch suitable for use on the door of a walk-in refrigerator can be opened from the exterior thereof and in addition from the inside of the cabinet as well as by means of an electrical signal. The latch is provided with a vapor barrier to prevent flow of water vapor along that part of the mechanism by means of which the latch is operable from the interior of the cabinet, flow of water vapor presenting the danger of frost-formation in said mechanism which could adversely affect the operation thereof. Optionally, the latch is provided with a switch which is closed on operation of the latch to activate an external device such as a vent port or an alarm signal.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for positively sealing the tailgate of a liquid or solid refuse collection body. The invention has special utility for vacuum containers in which a compressible seal surrounds the perimeter of the tailgate. The tailgate includes hooks having cam surfaces and the container includes rollers adapted for engaging the hooks and drawing the tailgate into positive engagement with the opening of the body. Hydraulic means are preferably provided for activating the rollers. If separate hydraulic means are employed for raising and lowering the tailgate, sequencing controls may be provided to permit locking the tailgate only after the tailgate hooks have been lowered to a position adjacent to the rollers.

Abstract: A household refrigerator door is locked in its closed position by a latch, which is rotatably mounted in the door and moved between its locked and unlocked positions by a key. The latch cooperates with a catch, which is mounted on the cabinet exterior of the door gasket. The catch includes a mounting plate which is integral with a portion receiving the latch. The mounting plate is secured to a wall of the cabinet by screws extending through slots in the mounting plate, through elongated holes in the wall of the cabinet and finally into threaded holes in a nutstrip. The slots enable the mounting plate to be adjustable in one direction, and the elongated holes enable movement of the catch in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: An aligning-securing apparatus has holding elements that are inserted in respective openings of a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerator door. In the installed position, the apparatus maintains the door aligned relative to the refrigerator cabinet during installation of the door on the cabinet and releasably maintains the door against vertical movement during shipping of the refrigerator.