Refrigerator Cabinet Patents (Class 312/401)
  • Publication number: 20100102078
    Abstract: The invention is an article vending machine comprising a plurality of article storage compartments covered by displaceable thermal barriers that are opened by an opener. The invention further comprises a cooling unit, an article extractor for extracting selected articles from the storage compartments, and a control center. Each article storage compartment has a displaceable thermal barrier that is opened and closed by an opener. Each displaceable thermal barrier is capable of being opened and closed independently of all other displaceable thermal barriers. During the vending cycle, only the displaceable thermal barrier covering the storage compartment accessed by the article extractor is opened, which prevents ambient air from mixing with cooled air in storage compartments not accessed by the article extractor. If a displaceable thermal barrier cannot be opened because it has frozen shut or the opener has broken, the remaining displaceable thermal barriers with functioning openers still can be opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas R. Mosey
  • Patent number: 7703824
    Abstract: The interior of a truck cab (29) has a cabinet (28) that houses a refrigerator (20). The refrigerator is inserted into the interior of the cabinet by sliding it through a frontal opening in the cabinet. A mounting system that includes several parts (36, 38, 40, 42) locates and secures the refrigerator in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Kittelson, Stan Tarala
  • Patent number: 7677681
    Abstract: A refrigerator having improved cooling and cooling recovery is provided. A main body of the refrigerator may include an outer casing that defines an external appearance of the refrigerator, and an inner casing with an open upper face installed in the outer casing to define a storage space therein. The open upper face of the main body may be opened and closed by a door. The inner casing may include a casing upper portion and a casing lower portion coupled to the bottom of the casing upper portion. The casing lower portion may be formed of a material different from that of the casing upper portion. The casing upper portion may be made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and the casing lower portion may be made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity that that of the casing upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang-Hyun Cheon
  • Patent number: 7654107
    Abstract: A low-temperature storage cooled/maintained in an ultra low temperature range, in which door lowering is automatically modified by an opening/closing operation of a thermal insulating door, and a concave/convex portion which is a contact portion with respect to a door switch disposed on the door can be secured. The low-temperature storage includes a thermal insulation box main body having an opening in a front surface thereof; a thermal insulating door openably/closably attached to the thermal insulation box main body by a plurality of hinges to close the opening; and a cooling device which cools a storage chamber formed by the door and the main body, wherein a spacer having a guide surface to forcibly correct door lowering by a closing operation of the thermal insulating door is disposed on a side on which any hinge is not disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Okuda, Yasuhide Watanabe, Yasushi Sakata
  • Patent number: 7651181
    Abstract: A refrigerator door including an outer wall and an inner wall interconnected along longitudinal edges thereof and including a closing element fixed on an upper horizontal edge of the outer and inner walls. The interconnected closing element and the outer and inner walls delimit an insulating inner space therebetween. At the upper edges the outer wall is longer than the inner wall with the closing element bridging the difference in length between the walls. The resulting structure forming a space for a control panel covered by the outer wall when the refrigerator door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Bauer, Christoph Becke, Alexander Goerz, Hans-Reinhart Janssen, Ralf Spiller
  • Patent number: 7645003
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a thermally insulating housing and a thermally insulating door. At least one of the housing and the door define an evacuated interspace and have an evacuated thermal insulation filling the interspace, a shaped, thermoplastic, substantially gas and water vapor impermeable outer cladding, and a shaped, thermoplastic, substantially gas and water vapor impermeable inner cladding. The inner cladding and the outer cladding substantially surround the interspace in a vacuum-tight manner. The cladding can be formed from polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride, perfluoroalkoxy polymers. For reducing gas permeability, the cladding can be formed from ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and polyamide. The claddings can have co-extruded and/or laminated layers. The cladding can include a sputtered metal layer and/or a plastic/metal composite foil. The cladding can be formed from a thermoformed or blow-molded plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Wenning, Hans-Frieder Eberhardt, Michael Neumann, Thomas Zeiler
  • Publication number: 20100001623
    Abstract: A rail assembly for a refrigerator includes a fixing rail on at least one sidewall of a storing chamber, a moving rail along which the fixing rail moves, and a guide unit allowing the moving rail to slide out along the fixing rail step by step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Sun Kook Ji
  • Patent number: 7641298
    Abstract: A heat-insulated wall has two outer covering layers which are disposed at a distance from one another and are constructed at least substantially vacuum-tight. The two outer covering layers are connected to one another in a vacuum-tight manner by a connecting profile that runs along their contour and has a U-shaped cross section. The two outer covering layers together with the connecting profile enclose an intermediate space that can be evacuated and filled with an evacuable heat insulating material. At least one tubular bushing for cables or the like runs through the intermediate space. The bushing connects apertures to one another that are formed the spaced-apart outer covering layers. The tubular bushing is provided on its two end sections with a flange-shaped expanded and flattened region by which the bushing is fixed in a vacuum-tight manner on the mutually facing inner sides of the two outer covering layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Hirath, Markus Schütte
  • Publication number: 20090309472
    Abstract: Disclosed related to a refrigerator according to the present invention capable of preventing the drooping of bin when the bin is pulled out of the storage space. Further, the refrigerator does not need to fit guide device when users push the bin into the storage space, since the bin is completely separated from the guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yoo-Min Park, Jong-Gon Kim, Young-Hoon Gwak, Bon-Young Koo, Myung-Soo Kim, Hyeon-Po Cho, Oh-Chul Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090205358
    Abstract: A variable capacity ice storage assembly for a refrigerator freezer compartment includes a removable insert adapted to be positioned within an ice storage bucket to alter the storage capacity of the ice bucket. The insert includes one or more tabs having clips thereon for attaching the insert to one or more side walls of the ice bucket. The tabs are fixed to a main body portion having a first solid deflector extending at a first angle there from and a second solid deflector extending at a second angle. One or more hinges may be utilized to connect parts of the insert, resulting in a reconfigurable insert that can be utilized in multiple positions. When utilized in an auger-type ice dispensing system, the insert is sized such that the main body portion of the insert does not interfere with the function of the auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: LINDSEY A. SMTIH
  • Publication number: 20090193760
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: DOUGLAS DAVID LECLEAR, MICHELE E. WILCOX, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, PAUL B. ALLARD, KELLY M. HANSON, ANDREW MICHAEL TENBARGE, KAREN J. QUERFURTH
  • Publication number: 20090173089
    Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerator having a cabinet with a refrigerated compartment and an unrefrigerated machine compartment includes a body portion formed with an inlet, an outlet and an opening. A flexible mold is positioned in the opening. A water supply is positioned to provide water to the flexible mold. A fluid supply circuit, including a pump mounted in the machine compartment, a first fluid conduit connected between the pump and the inlet, and a second fluid conduit connected to the outlet, provides warm fluid to the body portion. The icemaker forms ice during an ice production cycle and the fluid warmed in the machine compartment is used to partially melt and aid in releasing the ice which is then deposited in a ice storage bin during a harvest cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas David LeClear, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Guolian Wu, Jon Donald Tromblee
  • Patent number: 7544091
    Abstract: An insulated box, suitable as a refrigerator, having readily accessible conductor current tap capabilities for electrical/electronic components within the box. The box has a wall made with electrically separated layers and having an electrical conductor incorporated between the layers. The components are connected to the conductor via entry points through which a conductive member can penetrate one of the layers and thereby establish contact between the conductor and electronic components. Thereby it is achieved that electrical components can be fitted to the inner surface of the box by use of the conductor which is incorporated between the layers and without implying additional fastening of conductors to an outer surface of the box. In particular, the invention facilitates refitting of electrical components in a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Hans Joergen Klein, Gert B. Jakobsen, Hans Erik Fogh, Erik Raun Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090121598
    Abstract: A refrigerator, comprises: a fixed connector fixed to a wall surface of a cooling space; a movable connector detachably coupled to the fixed connector; and a connector protection portion disposed above a coupling surface between the fixed connector and the movable connector, and configured to prevent moisture from being introduced into the coupling surface of the connector from the wall surface of the cooling space. Firstly, the connector protection portion configured to prevent moisture from being introduced into the coupling surface between the fixed connector and the movable connector from the wall surface of the cooling space is disposed above the coupling surface, thereby preventing damage of electric equipment or fire occurrence. Secondly, the coupling surface of the fixed connector is provided towards a front surface or is downwardly inclined towards a front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Dae-Kil KANG
  • Patent number: 7517031
    Abstract: A body for a refrigerator device, includes a front side that is open towards the interior of the body, whereby the opening on the front side is defined by vertical edge strips and horizontal front strips. At least one edge strip, together with a side wall, is a component of a side part formed from a slab of flat material. The side part has a clamp-type joint element that is joined to the front strip. The front strip, which is inserted into the joint element, exerts a force upon the edge strip, working towards an expansion of the angle at which the edge strip is connected to the side wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Publication number: 20090079315
    Abstract: A reinforcing plate (50) is mounted on the bottom plate (33) of a box body (31) of an electrical component box (30). A plurality of risers (51, 52, 53) are formed by cutting a side edge of the reinforcing plate (50) into some pieces and bending the pieces upward. A safety cover (38) for opening and closing an opening of the box body (31) is fitted between the risers (51, 52, 53) and thereby held by the reinforcing plate (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishihara, Masashi Kuroishi
  • Publication number: 20090058244
    Abstract: A refrigerator including an outer case and an inner case arranged to define a body of a refrigerator; and an electric wire piping assembly to perform power supply and/or transmission of electric signals, the electric wire piping assembly provided along a predetermined path to prevent a thickness of a heat insulating material, that is filled between the inner case and the outer case, from being reduced. The electric wire piping assembly provided in the case of the refrigerator according to the present invention is disposed along the predetermined path not to reduce the thickness of the heat insulating material. As a result, the deterioration of heat insulation efficiency and the formation of drops on the refrigerator may be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nam Soo Cho, Youn Seok Lee, Kyeong Yun Kim, Su Nam Chae, Jang Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20090058245
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mobile appliance comprising a mobile housing, an illuminating device, an audio output device, an image display device, a power outlet, a network port or telephone port, a hidden pulling carrier, a support plate and a rotary front carrier. The mobile housing has a top plane, a bottom plane, a front plane, a rear plane, and two side planes. The illuminating device is disposed inside the top plane. The audio output device, the image display device network port, and telephone port are disposed inside the top edge of the rear plane. The power outlet is disposed inside the rear plane. The hidden pulling carrier is disposed on the outer wall of the top edge of the side plane. At least a multi-media player is disposed on the support plate. The rotary front carrier is pivoted to other side of the support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Yue Fang HE
  • Publication number: 20090045712
    Abstract: A refrigerating device which comprises a body and a door which is articulated to the body and which defines a heat-insulating inner chamber, and a decorative element which is superimposed in the door in an adjustable manner. A gap between an edge of a central section of the decorative element and a front side of the door is filled by an expandable profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 7490916
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Troy M. Anderson, Garnett S. Helming, Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Publication number: 20090026906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection structure, for a refrigerator having a drawer door, of an anti-wobbling means which prevents the shaking phenomenon of a door, and there are advantages in that structural elements constituting the anti-wobbling means are easily connected to each other, and that a detachment between the structural elements is not occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20090000316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular refrigeration unit for a refrigeration appliance, and to a process for assembling the modular refrigeration unit to a cabinet of a refrigeration appliance. A modular refrigeration unit (3) includes a base plate (6) supporting a condensing assembly (7), which comprises condensing means (8) and a compressor (9), and an evaporating assembly (10) comprising an evaporator (11); the condensing assembly and the evaporating assembly are operatively interconnected. The evaporating assembly (10) is arranged, in use, vertically spaced apart and above the compressor (9); the evaporating assembly (10) is supported by support means (24) vertically extending from the base plate (6); insulating means (16) separate the evaporating assembly (10) from the condensing assembly (7, 107).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Ilan Cohen, Per Wennerstrom, Xavier Hue, Per Fonser
  • Publication number: 20090001866
    Abstract: In a refrigeration unit including a variable performance compressor driven by an inverter motor, a sensor is configured to detect a physical amount corresponding to a refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side of a refrigerant circuit. A measured value of the physical amount is compared with a first reference value corresponding to a first predetermined pressure of the refrigerant and a second reference value corresponding to a second predetermined pressure lower than the first predetermined pressure. A protective operation can start if the comparison result indicates that an actual refrigerant pressure is higher than the first predetermined pressure. The performance of the compressor can be gradually lowered if the comparison result indicates that an actual refrigerant pressure is between the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Shinichi Kaga, Akihiko Hirano, Takeshi Ueda
  • Publication number: 20080302441
    Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul H. Kelly, Aaron W. Arvia, Edmund Scott Richardson, Kenneth L. Pope, Richard B. Moulder, David A. Simoni
  • Publication number: 20080303400
    Abstract: Provided is a home bar for a refrigerator that reduces assembly costs of a gasket and prevents cooling air leakage by improving a gasket structure of a home bar. The home bar includes an opening, a home-bar frame, a home-bar door, and a gasket. The opening is formed on a refrigerator door. The home-bar frame forms an edge portion of the opening. The home bar door is rotatably coupled to one end of the home-bar frame. The gasket is coupled to the home-bar frame and surrounds both a front surface and a rear surface of the home-bar frame. The home bar can be easily sealed by preventing cooling air leakage from a storing portion of the home bar. Tn addition, assembly costs of a gasket and a home-bar frame can be reduced, thereby reducing a fabrication cost of a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Ung Su KIM
  • Publication number: 20080258596
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a seamless refrigerator liner involves providing a plastic refrigerator box liner having an opening providing access to the interior thereof and a flange around each opening. A casing is positioned over the liner, the casing having an opening corresponding to the opening in the liner such that the flange of the liner opening extends through the casing opening. The flange is heated such that it melts and conforms to the shape of the casing opening thereby forming a seamless joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Vahe Karapetian
  • Publication number: 20080211367
    Abstract: A refrigerated case has a base and a number of supports extending upward from the base. A number of structural uprights are coupled to the supports. At least one insulated panel is positioned between the uprights and the supports and is secured to the uprights and the supports. A refrigeration apparatus is positioned to cool an interior of the case. At least the first of the panels has front and rear liner sheets. A transversely extending polymeric layer is at least partially between the liner sheets. An insulative foam layer is between the front and rear liner sheets. A number of fasteners secure at least some of the supports to the polymeric member and at least some of the uprights to the polymeric member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daren M. Decker, Jamie Lorzadeh
  • Publication number: 20080203876
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body, a receiving portion defined within the main body, a shelf disposed within the receiving portion having at least one auxiliary hinge portion disposed at a rear thereof, a storage tray slidably extractable from within the receiving portion and adjacent the shelf when the storage tray is received within the receiving portion, and a front cover disposed on a front surface of the storage tray to be rotated upward and opened when the storage tray is extracted from within the receiving portion and having at least one holder portion disposed on a rear surface thereof to be coupled to the at least one auxiliary hinge portion. By the configuration, the front cover is structurally reinforced, and it is possible to prevent the front cover from drooping and prevent a gap between the front cover and the upper shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Youn Tae Shin
  • Patent number: 7410229
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, with each compartment having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume and corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by a mullion against which the doors seal. The mullion is bowed such that the longitudinal curvature of the mullion compensates for thermal bowing of the fresh food and freezer doors, thereby assuring a proper seal between the mullion and the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert
  • Patent number: 7410230
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Troy M. Anderson, Garnett S. Helming, Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Publication number: 20080180010
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electric box which can facilitate a connecting operation of electric-box-side coupler and lead-wire-side coupler while suppressing attachment of dust or the like to connecting portions between the couplers. In the electric box, electric components are stored in an outer case, the electric box is connected to external lead wires, the electric box includes the electric-box-side coupler detachably connected to the lead-wire-side coupler attached to distal end of the lead wire, and a coupler receiving portion constituted in the outer case, the electric-box-side coupler selectively has a received state in which the coupler is positioned in the coupler receiving portion and an exposed state in which the couplers are exposed from the coupler receiving portion, and the electric-box-side coupler and the lead-wire-side coupler connected to the electric-box-side coupler are detachably received in the coupler receiving portion in the received state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Harunobu Iguchi, Satoshi Tsuji, Junji Shirakusa
  • Patent number: 7404298
    Abstract: Refrigerator including a body forming an outer appearance of the refrigerator, a terminal detachably mounted on the body for controlling the refrigerator, a power supply device at one side of the body, for receiving power from an outside of the refrigerator, converting to a predetermined charge power, and supplying to the terminal, and an electric connection part connected between the power supply device and the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Ho Kim, Ik Kyu Lee, Ki Cheol Woo
  • Publication number: 20080168793
    Abstract: A refrigerated appliance with a hinged access panel is disclosed. The refrigerated appliance comprising a frame, the panel, and one or more hinges coupling the panel to the frame. Each hinge having a linkage that guides the movement of the panel between a closed position and an open position. The movement of the linkage has a linear component and a rotational component. The refrigerated appliance may include a latch configured to retain the panel in the open position. The refrigerated appliance may include one or more biasing elements configured to bias the panel toward the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Philip F. Hottmann
  • Publication number: 20080163628
    Abstract: A cooling module mountable within a cabinet to provide cooling of the interior thereof has a cold end of its cooling system exposed to an exterior of the module at a top or bottom wall of its casing. A fan is mounted within the cabinet to discharge warm air heated by a hot end of the cooling system through discharge openings provided in an end panel of the casing. Cabinet walls may be provided in the form of one or more laminate sheets having an insulating layer and an exterior cladding. The one or more sheets may be bent or assembled as needed to form the cabinet structure. Shipping the cabinet to an end user or intermediary in flat panel form reduces the necessary volume of packaging to ease handling and reduce shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Harvey D. Lilke
  • Patent number: 7361396
    Abstract: A vacuum insulating material which minimizes the possibility of absorption of moisture or gas components by its core material during storage in the manufacturing process, improves manufacturing efficiency, and maintains and enhances heat insulation performance. A vacuum insulating material comprises: a core material as an inorganic fiber aggregate; a getter material which absorbs core material gas components; and an envelope with a gas barrier property which encases the core material. The getter material is contained in a housing area made by slitting the core material obliquely with respect to its surface or thickness and the opening of the housing area is narrowed by overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Miseki, Kuninari Araki, Wataru Echigoya, Tsuyoshi Kubota, Yuuji Arai
  • Patent number: 7344210
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser shroud that can be packaged and transported unassembled and then assembled without tools is disclosed. The unassembled shroud can be readily transported and is resistant to damage during shipping. The refrigerated merchandiser shroud includes a plurality of corner bracket assemblies, a front panel, and two side panels. The corner bracket assemblies include two grooved lip holders and the panels include connecting lips at each side end thereof. The lip holders of the corner bracket assemblies receive the connecting lips of the panels. Each corner bracket assembly is installed along a vertically extending corner of a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser shroud is assembled by sliding the connecting lips of each panel into the lip holders of the corner bracket assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Leer Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dresser
  • Publication number: 20080036348
    Abstract: A brace is provided to hold a refrigerator machine compartment cover open during servicing of various refrigeration compartments. The brace includes a longitudinal center section having first and second ends, a hinge support section attached to the first end and a mounting section attached to the second end. The brace is placed against a hinge assembly to support the cover in the open position. When not in use, the brace may be stored in a machine compartment portion of the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Scot Carden, Edward Crompton, Mark Jeffery Reimer
  • Publication number: 20080036349
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes cabinet shell including a pair of laterally spaced, upright side walls and a top wall, each of which includes a respective forward portion. A face frame, integrally formed from a single, bent material sheet, is mounted to the forward portion of each of the opposing side and top walls. The face frame includes top, bottom and opposing side frame members, along with a mullion member that extends between either the top and bottom frame members or the opposing side frame members, depending upon desired refrigerator configuration. The mullion member establishes first and second openings that lead into first and second refrigerated compartments or the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Edward Crompton, John Phillip Myers, Eugene H. Schuchert
  • Publication number: 20070261426
    Abstract: Disclosed related to a door for a refrigerator may include an outer door forming the front exterior; a cap decoration formed at the upper and lower sides of the outer door; a water pipe drawn into the door through the cap decoration and through which water flows; and a fixing member on which a depression part fixing the water pipe is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Hyoon Po Cho, Jung Gon Kim, Oh Chul Kwon, Bon Young Koo, Myung Son Kim, Yoo Mun Park, Young I Icon Gwak
  • Patent number: 7293847
    Abstract: A cabinet for recessed refrigerators, which has an integrated single inner casing. The cabinet has an outer casing to define an appearance of the cabinet, the outer casing being a box-shaped body open at the front thereof, and an integrated single inner casing installed in the outer casing, with a predetermined space defined between the inner and outer casings. The integrated single inner casing defines therein at least two storage compartments open at the fronts thereof, with a partition wall formed between the at least two storage compartments to maintain a predetermined gap between the storage compartments. The cabinet has an improved appearance and a stable structure, in addition to reducing the number of elements thereof, and improving assembly efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Seung Lee, Myung Wouk Kim, Gi Joong Jeong, Jong Dal Lee, Sang-Gyu Jung, Ji Sick Hwang
  • Publication number: 20070252497
    Abstract: Provided is an inner case of a refrigerator and a method for manufacturing the same that allow a welded portion to have a plane-contact to improve welding performance. Also, provided are an inner case of a refrigerator and a method for manufacturing the same that allow the inner case to be neatly cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Jun Beom Kim
  • Patent number: 7278279
    Abstract: A heat insulating box of a refrigerator includes a non-flammable heat-insulator particularly a vacuum heat-insulator made of a board-shape molded inorganic fiber. Therewith non-flammability of the heat insulator is ensured and a refrigerator box prevented from catching an outside caused fire is achieved, thus a refrigerator which is safe even when a flammable refrigerant is used and which is high in energy-saving is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration Co.
    Inventors: Chie Hirai, Kenji Takaichi, Yasuaki Tanimoto
  • Publication number: 20070227179
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an inner case with increased strength and a method of manufacturing the same. The refrigerator includes a cooling system, a body coupled to the cooling system, a door coupled to the body, and a plurality of reinforcing protrusions. The body includes an outer case encasing an inner body case having a storage compartment defined therein. The door includes an outer door case encasing an inner door case. The door is coupled to the body to provide access to the storage compartment which is cooled by the cooling system. The plurality of reinforcing protrusions is disposed on at least one inner surface of either the inner body case or the inner door case. The plurality of reinforcing protrusions allows for manufacturing thinner inner cases for refrigerators that cannot be easily deformed and have a low product defect rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Keum Bae Yoo, Sang Sul Park, Jung Joo Moon, Byoung Won Jung, Kwon Jae Yoo
  • Publication number: 20070228911
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: an inner case that forms a storage space; a plurality of fixing members coupled to the inner case so as to be protruding to the storage space, for preventing a foaming agent applied to a rear surface of the inner case from leaking to the storage space; and a guide rail fixedly-coupled to the fixing members, and to which a storage means is slidably coupled. Since components for slidably coupling a storage means to the inner case are simplified and an assembly process is facilitated, a production cost is reduced and a productivity is enhanced. Furthermore, the components for slidably coupling the storage means to the inner case are firmly coupled to the inner case, and a foaming agent is prevented from leaking to inside of the inner case, thereby enhancing the reliability of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jong-Gon Kim, Oh-Chul Kwon, Yoo-Min Park, Young-Hoon Gwak, Hyeon-Po Cho, Bon-Young Koo, Myung-Soo Kim, Suk-Hyoun Cho
  • Publication number: 20070194675
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door mounted to the cabinet for pivotal movement about a pivot axis, and a control panel carried by the door. A plurality of wires is in electrical communication with the control panel. The plurality of wires passing through the door and exits a lower portion of the door. A hinge bracket is carried by the cabinet and supports the door at a hinge pin. The plurality of wires passes immediately below the hinge bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Jacco Van Beek, Wilco Wessels, Patrick Donders
  • Publication number: 20070169505
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body; a first storage chamber installed in the upper region of the main body and having an opened upper surface; a second storage chamber installed below the first storage chamber in the main body and having an opened front surface; a first door to open and close the upper surface of the first storage chamber; a second door rotatably connected to the front surface of the main body to open and close the front surface of the second storage chamber, and at least one tray installed in the second storage chamber so that the tray can be drawn forward out of the second storage chamber when goods to be stored are mounted on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Ki Kim, Kang Il Song, Sang Chul Ryu
  • Publication number: 20070145874
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a door for opening and closing a storage chamber. The door includes an outer case forming an outer front surface of the door, an inner case connected with an inner surface of the outer case, at least one support portion protruded from an inner surface of the inner case; a foam insulating material filling a space between the outer case and the inner case; and at least one compartment member installed in the at least one support portion to prevent the deformation of the door by the foam insulating material in such a manner that an inside of the at least one support portion is divided into a plurality of regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Kil Lee, Youn Seok Yang
  • Patent number: 7140159
    Abstract: An in-turned annular flange of a refrigerator door panel is interconnected to an out-turned flange of a door liner through the use of individual seal and liner retainer elements which enable the liner to be snap connected to the door panel. More specifically, with one of the retainer elements initially attached to the door panel and the remaining elements are attached to respective side portion of the liner. One side of the liner is initially attached to the door panel and then the liner is pivoted until the remaining sides of the liner are snap-connected to the door panel. After the door panel, liner and retainer assembly are foamed during an insulation procedure, all the components are securely held in place. Finally, a door seal, which includes primary and secondary seal elements, is interengaged with first and second seal connecting structure defined by the retainer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jose G. Avendano, Larry Corbin, John P. Myers
  • Patent number: 7137677
    Abstract: A refrigerator including an improved lower cover. The refrigerator comprises a main body having a storage compartment defined therein, and a lower cover mounted to the lower end of the front part of the main body such that the front part of the lower cover and the front part of the main body together form the same plane, wherein the lower cover is provided with an engaging member bent from the upper end of the lower cover toward the rear of the main body while being extended a prescribed length, the engaging member being successively formed in the lateral direction thereof, and wherein the main body is provided at the bottom part thereof with an engaging groove corresponding to the engaging member of the lower cover, the engaging member of the lower cover being engaged with the engaging groove of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Jin Hong, Gi Joong Jeong
  • Patent number: 7097213
    Abstract: A latching arrangement for a refrigerator door includes a striker unit, a first latch arm and a second latch arm. The striker unit is secured to a cabinet of the refrigerator. The first latch arm is interconnected to the door for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the first arm releasably engages a first striker portion of the striker unit. The second latch arm is interconnected to the door for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the second latch arm releasably engages a second striker portion of the striker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: John M Antos, James C Butler