Abstract: A device for automatically holding a refrigerator door releasably in a fully open position relative to a refrigerated display cabinet. The device includes an elongated spring arm connected pivotally to a frame member of the cabinet and formed with an elongated slot which receives a pin connected to a frame member of the door. The pin slides in the slot and causes the arm to pivot outwardly as the door is swung open. As the door approaches its fully open position, the pin cams past detent lugs in the slot and then engages the lugs to prevent the door from closing unless the door is swung closed with sufficient force to cause the pin to cam reversely past the detent lugs.

Abstract: A gas spring is connected between a cabinet and a lift-top lid and releasably holds the lid upwardly in a fully open position with respect to the cabinet. Gravity automatically pivots a safety latch into latching relation with the cylinder of the gas spring as the lid approaches its fully open position. If the gas spring loses pressure, the latch operably engages the cylinder to mechanically hold the lid in its fully open position and to prevent the lid from falling toward its closed position.

Abstract: A door assembly describing a stationary frame having doors mounted therein for relative translational movement. Each door includes a self-closing mechanism comprising a flexible tubular member affixed at one end to the frame and a follower secured to the other end of the tubular member for loose positioning in an active position adjacent a side of the door for urging the door in a closed position, and a self-opening means comprising a similar flexible tubular member affixed at one end to the frame and a follower secured to the other for loose positioning in an active position adjacent an opposite side of the door for urging the door to a fully open position. The self-closing and self-opening mechanisms both are adapted to be deactivated as an incident to positioning the door to respective locations within the mounting frame.

Abstract: A hold-open mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suitable for use on a self-closing door assembly for a refrigerated display cabinet. The hold-open mechanism includes a stop plate carried by the hinged door, and a hold-open spring mounted on the door frame which supports the door. In one embodiment, the hold-open spring is selectively positionable so as to accommodate normal swinging movement of the door in one position, and is adapted to releasably engage and retain the stop plate on the door in a second position so that the door is maintained opened. In another embodiment, the hold-open mechanism automatically operates to releasably retain the door in its fully opened position whenever the door is moved to that position.

Abstract: A rectangular glass panel refrigerator door is provided with a mitered frame construction. The door frame has two vertical side frame members and two horizontal cross frame members. Each frame member is generally channel-shaped and has a front wall, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall which together form a substantially U-shaped channel. The end of each frame member is angled at 45 degrees to form a miter joint with another frame member perpendicular thereto. A right angle corner brace is provided at each miter joint and has one leg lying along the inner wall of the horizontal cross frame member and another leg lying along the inner wall of the vertical frame member. Projecting outwardly from the inner wall of the vertical side frame member is a lug having a threaded aperture therein.