Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet, defining a food storage chamber, and a door. The appliance includes a hinge system coupling the door to the cabinet. The hinge system includes a first hinge arm fixed to the door, a second hinge arm pivotably joined with the first hinge arm, a carrier fixed to the cabinet, the second hinge arm releasably received in the carrier, and a tether cable extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether cable fixed to the second hinge arm, the second end of the tether cable removably attached to a surface inside the food storage chamber. The tether cable configured such that the door may be detachable from the cabinet when the second end of the tether cable becomes detached from the surface inside the food storage chamber.

Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism for a refrigerated unit. A latch plate is movable between a position that can be engaged by a deadbolt and a position clear of the deadbolt. The latch plate is moved by a door release accessible from an interior of the refrigerated unit. When the door release is activated, a pin blocks movement of the latch plate so that the refrigerated unit remains unlocked until the pin is reset.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet, defining a food storage chamber, and a door. The appliance includes a hinge system coupling the door to the cabinet. The hinge system includes a first hinge arm fixed to the door, a second hinge arm pivotably joined with the first hinge arm, a carrier fixed to the cabinet, the second hinge arm releasably received in the carrier, and a tether cable extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether cable fixed to the second hinge arm, the second end of the tether cable removably attached to a surface inside the food storage chamber. The tether cable configured such that the door may be detachable from the cabinet when the second end of the tether cable becomes detached from the surface inside the food storage chamber.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet that defines an interior chamber. A door is mounted to the cabinet. A lock assembly is configured to selectively secure the door in a closed arrangement. The lock assembly includes a first latch arm rotatably mounted on the cabinet and a second latch arm rotatably mounted on the door. A handle is positioned within the interior chamber of the cabinet. The handle is coupled to one of the first and second latch arms such that the one of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the handle. A motor is coupled to the other of the first and second latch arms such that the other of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the motor.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled delivery appliance and a method of operating the same are provided. The temperature-controlled delivery appliance includes a storage container, an object detection assembly for detecting the items within the storage container, and a controller for implementing a method including receiving a delivery notification of an item to be delivered and using the object detection assembly to determine the available storage capacity within the storage container. If there is insufficient available storage capacity, the method includes providing a notification to a user or delivery agent to deliver to an alternate location or reschedule delivery.

Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism for a refrigerated unit. A latch plate is movable between a position that can be engaged by a deadbolt and a position clear of the deadbolt. The latch plate is moved by a door release accessible from an interior of the refrigerated unit. When the door release is activated, a pin blocks movement of the latch plate so that the refrigerated unit remains unlocked until the pin is reset.