Including Particular Storage Compartment Patents (Class 312/404)
  • Publication number: 20130249371
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a cabinet with a door positioned at a front of the cabinet, a closer assembly secured to the door, a mounting bracket coupled to the front of the cabinet, a hinge pin extending upwardly from the mounting bracket, and a coupler body. The closer assembly includes a downwardly-extending shaft. The coupler body has a first inner sidewall defining a lower aperture that receives an upper end of the hinge pin, and a second inner sidewall defining an upper aperture that receives a lower end of the shaft. The shaft of the closer assembly has a first plurality of splines formed thereon, and the second inner sidewall of the coupler body has a second plurality of splines formed thereon. The second plurality of splines of the coupler body engages the first plurality of splines of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ERIC D. LIVELY, JULIE A. MANN, DARYL LEE REUTER
  • Publication number: 20130241385
    Abstract: A refrigerator provided with a rotating bar configured to seal a gap between one pair of doors, capable of preventing the door from being incompletely closed due to an erroneous operation of the rotating bar, the rotating bar capable of sealing a gap formed between the rotating bar and a body as well as a gap formed between one pair of doors, the rotating bar being elastically supported by an elastic member so as to move by receiving an external force from a guide part provided on the body, the rotating bar including a sealing member protruding from the rotating bar so as to seal a gap between the rotating bar and the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jee Hoon Lee, Sung Mo Kim, Jong Hoon Oh
  • Publication number: 20130241386
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a rotating bar configured to seal a gap between one pair of doors. The rotating bar includes a case provided with an accommodating space therein while having one surface thereof open, a heat insulation member accommodated in the accommodating space, a cover configured to cover the one surface of the case that is open, and a metallic plate being coupled to an outer side of the cover. The cover includes a heat conduction blocking part being protruded to both sides of the metallic plate while having a bent-shape cross section so as to prevent heat from being transmitted to both side surfaces of the rotating bar after being heat conducted along the metallic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Mo KIM, Jee Hoon Lee, Myoung Hun Kim, Hak Gyun Bae, Hee Tae Shon, Jong Hoon Oh, Sinn Bong Yoon, Kun Eui Hong
  • Publication number: 20130221824
    Abstract: A storage unit and refrigerator that allows an internal space of an accommodating vessel to be divided into a plurality of sub-spaces by box-shaped division cases are provided. The refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment having an open front, a door pivotably coupled to the body to open and close the open front of the storage compartment, division cases formed in a box shape to allow food to be stored therein, and an accommodating vessel to accommodate the division cases such that an internal space of the accommodating vessel is divided into sub-spaces. A bottom face of each of the division cases is provided with a protrusion, a bottom face of the accommodating vessel is provided with concave portions. The protrusions are fixed to the concave portions to allow the division cases to be accommodated in the accommodating vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130221823
    Abstract: A refrigerator drawer includes an upper portion and a lower portion forming a bottom tray. The bottom tray is releasably engaged with the upper portion and is adapted to slide relative to the upper portion. The bottom tray includes a grip for enabling a user to slide the bottom tray relative to the upper portion. The bottom tray can be disengaged from the upper portion by sliding the bottom tray beyond a front edge of the upper portion. The bottom tray has a height that is relatively small compared to the height of the upper portion, thereby allowing the bottom tray to be easily and conveniently cleaned without requiring removal of the upper portion or of the entire refrigerator drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph P. Fidalgo
  • Patent number: 8517483
    Abstract: A domestic refrigerator includes a housing having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, and a sliding drawer positioned in the refrigerated compartment. The sliding drawer has a storage chamber defined therein, and a mounting bracket is secured to the sliding drawer and extends into the storage chamber. The domestic refrigerator also includes a plurality of interchangeable utility modules that are configured to be positioned within the storage chamber of the sliding drawer. Each of the plurality of the interchangeable utility modules includes a mounting bracket sized and configured to be separately mated with the mounting bracket of the sliding drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rebecca M. Eubanks, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8516845
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is provided having improved access to ice. The refrigeration apparatus includes a freezer compartment, a slidable support, an ice maker and an ice bin. The slidable support occupies a portion of the freezer compartment and is configured to open to an extended position. The ice bin is moveable with the slidable support and occupies at least a portion of the slidable support. The stationary ice maker is attached to the freezer compartment and located above the portion of the slidable support. When the slidable support is pulled opened to the extended position, access to the ice bin is unobstructed by the ice maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Haier America Refrigerators Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward P. Wuesthoff, Dongning Wang
  • Publication number: 20130200771
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, JR., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 8496308
    Abstract: The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace for employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerators in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly has a series of panels and dividers installable in an existing refrigerator unit, with the panels and dividers defining a series of individual lock boxes, each having its own lockable door. Alternatively, a specially configured refrigerator has an open front and a series of individual lock boxes installed therein. Each lock box is in contact with other boxes and/or the walls, floor, and top panels of the refrigerator, and is thermally sealed thereto. Each lock box has its own lockable door. The refrigerator includes a system for automating the lock box rental transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Zabbatino
  • Publication number: 20130169138
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a storage container that may be selectively coupled to a refrigerator body or to a door by a storage container support device is provided. The refrigerator may include a refrigerator body having a storage compartment formed therein, a rotatable door to open or close the storage compartment, a gasket provided between the door and the refrigerator body, a storage container that may be selectively coupled to the door or to the refrigerator body, a storage container support device provided at the door, the refrigerator body or the storage container to allow the storage container to be selectively coupled to and supported by the refrigerator body or the door, and a control device provided in the door to selectively control operation of the storage container support device from an exterior of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Jihyun IM, Moongyo Jung, Jindong Kim, Gyeongjin Jang, Myoungju Kang
  • Patent number: 8474928
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to an articulating drawer for a bottom mount freezer refrigerator. The drawer can be slidably mounted in the freezer compartment on slides that can include pivots to pivotally mount a drawer front on the slides. A support mechanism can mount a food storage basket for movement with the drawer front and movable slides and can move the food storage basket upward when the door is moved to the open position. The support mechanism can include a pair of guide plates connected to the slides having a guide surface arranged to be engaged by a food storage basket guide surface follower and a pair of links each connected to the drawer front at one end and having a first link pivot at a distal end arranged to pivotally connect to a food storage basket pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Ertz, Pawan Mansukhlal Gandhi, Todd E. Kniffen
  • Publication number: 20130160483
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a main body having an enclosable interior compartment, the compartment including at least one wall having and at least one channel recessed into the wall; at least one shelf mounted in the compartment; and a fixing rail mounted to the wall and within the channel so that the fixing rail and portions of the wall adjacent the channel are substantially flush. The fixing rail has a plurality of mounting locations for the shelf to allow adjustable mounting of the shelf relative to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Cemalettin Hastürk, Andrew Roberson
  • Publication number: 20130147336
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of adjusting the height of a body independent of the height of a door, in which a lower portion hinge connecting the body to the door includes a fixed bracket having one portion fixed to a bottom surface of the body while having the remaining portion protruded to a front side of the refrigerator, a mobile bracket coupled to the fixed bracket so as to enable a sliding movement and allowing the door to placed thereon, in which a body supporting leg and a door supporting leg are screwed to a lower portion of the fixed bracket and a lower portion of the mobile bracket, respectively, to adjust the respective heights of the fixed bracket and the mobile bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130147337
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space, a first door opening or closing the storage space, an accommodation device defining an accommodation space opened toward a front surface of the first door, a second door disposed on the first door to open or close the accommodation device, a shelf disposed on the first door, the shelf being spread to the outside of the accommodation device by the rotation thereof, and a connection assembly connecting the shelf to the second door, the connection assembly being linked with the opening of the second door to rotate the shelf. Thus, convenience of use may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Kiyoung Lim
  • Patent number: 8459759
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a drawer opening/closing apparatus for a refrigerator wherein a main drawer and an auxiliary drawer are drawn at the same time or independently, the convenience of use is advantageously improved because it is possible for an user to automatically open the auxiliary drawer without directly opening the auxiliary drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Byeong-Gyu Kang, Jae-Youl Lee, Ki-Hoon Song, Jeong-Ho Shin
  • Publication number: 20130127322
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a barrier that partitions an interior of the refrigerator into a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a recess formed in the barrier and having a predetermined depth, and a cover for opening or closing a top of the recess. A seating step may be formed at a peripheral portion of the recess to receive a peripheral portion of the cover seated thereon. A guide groove may extend from the seating step to guide movement of the cover. Storage items may be stored in the recess independently of other food articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Woonkyu Seo, Seonkyu Kim, Seungjin Yoon, Jungyeon Hwang, Daesung Lee
  • Publication number: 20130127321
    Abstract: A food container and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The present invention relates to a food container capable of simultaneously separating fixing members (50, 60, 70) of a cover according to sliding of a handle and of taking out of food kept therein by opening an auxiliary cover (90) even in a state of a main cover being closed, only to be usable conveniently, and a refrigerator including the food container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Kyu Tae Park, Hong Sik Kwon, Kyeong Chul Cho, Seon Il Yu
  • Publication number: 20130127323
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include at least one first rail installed on a bottom surface of a storage compartment, and at least one corresponding second rail installed on a bottom of a drawer and engaged with the at least one first rail to slide the drawer into and out of the storage compartment. The at least one first rail may include a first roller for slidably supporting the at least one second rail, and the at least one second rail may include at least one second roller for slidably supporting the at least one first rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Woonkyu SEO, Seonkyu KIM, Seungjin YOON, Jungyeon HWANG, Daesung LEE
  • Publication number: 20130119845
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a moving basket installed in a storage case provided in a door or main body of the refrigerator. The moving basket may be vertically movable within the storage case. A height of the moving basket may be adjustable by an operation mechanism, to efficiently utilize an inner space of the storage assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Woonkyu SEO, Seonkyu KIM, Seungjin YOON, Jungyeon HWANG, Daesung LEE
  • Publication number: 20130119844
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a cabinet, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet, and a plurality of baskets each coupled to an interior side of the door. Each basket may include upwardly inclined bottom surface such that an upper one of a pair of vertically-adjacent baskets does not interfere with the basket below it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Woonkyu Seo, Seonkyu Kim, Seungjin Yoon, Jungyeon Hwang, Daesung Lee
  • Publication number: 20130119846
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a basket to enhance utility of a storage space of a door of the refrigerator. The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space formed therein, one side of which is open, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the open side of the storage space, a mounting frame coupled to an inner surface of the door, and a basket rotatably coupled to the mounting frame so as to be rotatable between a closed airtight position and an open position. A locking device may be provided at the mounting frame to lock or unlock the basket at the closed airtight position, and a rotation limiter may limit a maximum rotation angle of the basket when the basket is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Woonkyu SEO, Seonkyu Kim, Seungjin Yoon, Jungyeon Hwang, Daesung Lee, Moonseok Lee, Taehoon Choi
  • Patent number: 8434838
    Abstract: The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace to permit employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages for lunches and snacks. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerator units in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly is assembled from top, bottom, side, and rear panels, and a series of intermediate shelves and dividers installed therein defining a plurality of individual storage compartments. Vertical panels include spring-biased pins that engage mating holes provided in the upper and lower interior panels of the refrigeration unit, to secure the assembly in place. Each compartment has its own lockable door. The locks may be combination units, key locks, external hasps and padlocks, or other lock types as desired. Integral locks may include provision for coin operation, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Zabbatino
  • Publication number: 20130106274
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a shelf having one end supported by a protruded end and an other end fixed to a shelf mounting member to more stably mount the shelf. Also, a structure for mounting the shelf is simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Changwoan Yang
  • Publication number: 20130104590
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a case having a storage space formed therein and being opened at one side, a door rotatably coupled to the case to open and close the opened side of the case, and a basket frame rotatably coupled to an inner surface of the doo. A first basket may be coupled to the basket frame, opposing the door, and a second basket may be coupled to the inner surface of the door, interposed between the door and the basket frame. The first basket may rotate in accordance with pivotal movement of the basket frame to expose and provide access to an interior of the second basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Woonkyu SEO, Seonkyu Kim, Seungjin Yoon, Jungyeon Hwang, Daesung Lee
  • Publication number: 20130099650
    Abstract: A door for a refrigerator having a reduced number of constituent elements, resulting in reduction in material and processing costs as well as manufacturing time is provided. The door may include a reinforced glass panel defining a front surface, a pair of lateral frames to support the reinforced glass panel, a rear panel defining a rear surface, a pair of caps including upper and lower caps, and a foam charged into an interior space of the door to couple the reinforced glass panel, lateral frames, rear panel and caps to one another. Each lateral frame comes into contact with two surfaces including a lateral surface and a rear surface of the reinforced glass panel to support the reinforced glass panel. Also, each lateral frame may be formed via extrusion molding of PVC synthetic resin and is painted via liquid painting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130099651
    Abstract: A drawer of a refrigerator includes a basket extractable and retractable through the refrigerator while having a storage space surrounded by four wall surfaces. A first partition is slidably mounted to facing first and third ones of the wall surfaces, to move between facing second and fourth ones of the wall surfaces, a second partition is arranged to cross the first partition and is slidably mounted to the second and fourth wall surfaces, to move between the first and third wall surfaces. A moving guide disposed at an intersection between the first and second partitions, to guide movements of the first and second partitions. The drawer achieves an enhancement in utilization by virtue of the partitions capable of varying a partitioned size of the drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Jungyeon Hwang, Seonkyu Kim, Seungjin Yoon, Wonnkyu Seo, Daesung Lee
  • Publication number: 20130093306
    Abstract: A refrigerator in which a support connecting both rear ends of a rail assembly to each other is provided to maintain a state in which the rail assembly is perpendicular to a support. Thus, when a slidable door is closed, it may reduce the likelihood of a gap between the door and a cabinet from occurring so that the door is closely attached to the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
  • Patent number: 8403437
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a multiple slide crisper system. More specifically, a universal crisper pan and support frame for a refrigerator can be used with various, distinct glide arrangements, including friction, roller or ball bearing glides. For frictional sliding movement, crisper pan side walls slide directly upon molded inner rails on the frame. With the roller system, various rollers are fitted to a rear portion of the crisper pan through the use of pins, while commensurate rollers are mounted at front portions of the frame. When using ball bearing glides for a precision slide support, the glides are preferably mounted to the support frame at an acute angle to the axis of travel of the friction and roller glide systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim A. Bergmann, Bradley Thomas Hebeler, Douglas A. Pohl
  • Patent number: 8398187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator. A refrigerator includes a heat-insulated housing having an interior space in which a pair of chilled-goods containers are disposed adjacent to one another at a spacing from the floor. Each chilled-goods container is mounted on extending elements that guide chilled-goods container into and out of the interior space. A longitudinal beam extends between the chilled-goods containers and each of the extractable elements is supported on sidewalls of the housing via at least one crossbeam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Benz, Alexander Görz, Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 8382218
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a carcass, a door, and a support for goods to be cooled. The support is mounted within the carcass via telescopic pull-out mechanisms for extending movement outwardly of the carcass and retracting movement inwardly relative to the carcass. A shell covers each telescopic pull-out mechanism on a top side, a longitudinal side facing the support, and a front side facing the door thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH, Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Frank Placke, Matthias Stahl, Helmut Steichele, Ulrich van Pels
  • Publication number: 20130043780
    Abstract: In a refrigerator, rail devices are connected below the center of a pull-out door in a vertical direction, and connected to two ends thereof in a horizontal direction, and rail holding members are arranged on an inner casing in a heat-insulating material so as to hold both the right and left ends of the bottom of a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Ootsuka, Masahiro Ogawa, Shinya Nagahata, Tomoyuki Kato, Junichi Kurita
  • Patent number: 8360539
    Abstract: A drawer assembly is provided for an enclosure which includes a first interior surface and a second interior surface which are opposite one another. The drawer assembly includes a drawer, a first rack, a second rack, a first linear motion element and a second linear motion element. The drawer is configured to be insertable in the enclosure. The first rack and the second rack are mounted respectively near the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The first linear motion element and the second linear motion element are mounted respectively near the first interior surface and the second interior surface. Each of the linear motion elements is configured to enable movement of the drawer in and out of the enclosure. Each of the linear motion elements includes a pinion configured to rotate along a corresponding rack as the drawer is moved in and out of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Brown, Michael Bayne
  • Patent number: 8356865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator having two telescopic extensions. A carrier for refrigerated goods is held on each telescopic extension by an adapter that bridges the space between the carrier for refrigerated goods and the telescopic extension, the width of the space being at least equal to the width of the telescopic extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Patent number: 8348362
    Abstract: A storage assembly includes a first storage compartment mounted within an interior chamber, a cover, and a slot. The first storage compartment is configured to move in a first direction between a first and a second position. The cover is secured to the first storage compartment and configured to pivot about an axis between a closed and an open position. The slot is located on one of a sidewall within the interior chamber or the cover, where the other one of the sidewall or the cover is configured to engage the slot. The cover moves in a second direction corresponding to a shape of the slot as the first storage compartment is moved between the first position and the second position. A second storage compartment can be provided above the first. The second storage compartment can move in the first direction despite the cover being in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcelo Candeo, Shawn Michael Clark
  • Patent number: 8336321
    Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Steven John Kuehl
  • Patent number: 8333447
    Abstract: An appliance is provided that includes a storage compartment comprising a first storage bin and a second storage bin configured to move relative to the storage compartment along a parallel path of movement, a first tab located on the first storage bin, and a second tab located within a perimeter of a surface of the second storage bin. The second tab is in a location that is configured to interact with the first tab at a point along the parallel path of movement. The second storage bin moves simultaneously with the first storage bin while the first tab interacts with the second tab. Either the first storage bin or the second storage bin can be placed in the storage compartment in at least a first orientation and a second orientation, where the second orientation disables the second storage bin from moving simultaneously with the first storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William Lee Moody
  • Patent number: 8333446
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preventing leakage of cooling air in a refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator main body having a storage chamber for storing food therein; a shelf for dividing the storage space and placing food thereon; an inner door for opening/closing an opened front face of the unit storage space divided by the shelf and preventing the leakage of cooling air; and a guide unit guiding a horizontal-linear reciprocating motion of the inner door as it angularly rotates for opening/closing the opened front face of the unit storage space. Accordingly, the leakage of cooling air in other unit storage spaces can be prevented when food is taken out from one of a plurality of unit storage spaces provided in the storage chamber of the refrigerator, thereby minimizing a temperature change in the storage chamber as well as minimizing the loss of cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang-Hun Kang
  • Patent number: 8328302
    Abstract: A refrigerator drawer and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. The refrigerator drawer includes a storage box forwardly movable in a storage chamber provided in a cabinet; and a supporting member provided in the storage chamber to support the storage box; a guide member provided between the supporting member and the storage box, the guide member secured to the storage box, and being relatively-movable with respect to the storage box and the supporting member, wherein the guide member is movably connected to the storage box and the guide member comprises at least one guiding slot configured to guide the relative-motion with the storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Hee Kim, Ki Hong Park, Min Hun Kim, Sang Hu Park
  • Publication number: 20120273504
    Abstract: A crisper drawer for a refrigerator is provided. The crisper drawer includes a crisper pan and a shelf. The crisper pan has a pair of pan rolling surfaces with a ramp portion. The shelf is fixed to the storage compartment, and has a pair of fixed shelf rollers. Each of the pair of the fixed shelf rollers rolls on each of the pan rolling surfaces, and each of the pair of the pan rear rollers rolls on each of the shelf rolling surfaces. As the user pushes the crisper drawer closed, both the shelf rollers and the pan rollers roll on the rolling surfaces. When the shelf rollers reach a ramp portion, the crisper drawer is self-closed without the user's pushing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Bryan Rackley, Bryan A. Collins, Paul H. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20120267992
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Namgyo LEE, Kyungseok Kim
  • Publication number: 20120262046
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of preventing the drooping of a bin when the bin is pulled out of the storage space is provided. The refrigerator does not need to fit a guide device when users push the bin into the storage space, since the bin is completely separated from the guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Yoo-Min PARK, Jong-Gon KIM, Young-Hoon GWAK, Bon-Young KOO, Myung-Soo KIM, Hyeon-Po CHO, Oh-Chul KWON
  • Publication number: 20120262044
    Abstract: A consumer appliance, such as a refrigerator, includes a compartment having opposite sides and a bottom wall. A pull-out drawer is configured above the bottom wall of the compartment. A slide assembly is configured on each opposite side of the compartment and includes a base mounted to the compartment and a slide member linearly moveable along the base. The pull-out drawer has a slide bracket mounted to each respective slide member for movement of the drawer into and out of the compartment. A bottom slide assembly has a slide member and a base mounted on the bottom wall of the compartment. A cross bar is connected to and spans between the slide brackets below the pull-out drawer and is connected to the slide member of the bottom slide assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Gopi Krishna Chowdary Vulava
  • Publication number: 20120262045
    Abstract: A drawer assembly and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The drawer assembly comprises: a first drawer part having an outcut which is formed in a top of the first drawer part at a transversal rear side of the first drawer part and penetrated through the first drawer part in a longitudinal direction; and a second drawer part snap-fitted within the outcut of the first drawer part so as to couple the second drawer part to the first drawer part, and the top of the first drawer part being flush with that of the second drawer part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: HEFEI HUALING CO., LTD., HEFEI MIDEA RONGSHIDA REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Cheng, Lingyun Li, Dongxian Liu
  • Publication number: 20120235551
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hinge bracket that is installed on a cabinet between an upper door and a lower door, which are configured to individually open and close an upper portion and a lower portion of a cabinet, respectively, and rotatably supports the upper door and the lower door, the hinge bracket coupled to a connecting member through a reinforcing bracket, which is installed at an inner side of a wall forming a heat insulation space of the cabinet, thereby enhancing the sealing performance of a filler unit configured to seal between the upper door and the lower door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Yong PARK, Hyun Tae Chu, Hyoung Suk Lee
  • Patent number: 8267493
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a sliding storage member that is height adjustable through a vertically moving shelf with a multi-level configuration, and which can be selectively withdrawn from inside a storage space to the outside, where a user can improve usability of storage space in the refrigerator by selectively adjusting the height of the vertically moving shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seong Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20120229010
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including: a main body configured to define a storage camber; a main door rotatably coupled to the main body; a sub door provided between the main body and the door and rotatably coupled to the main body, the main door being rotated independently of the sub door and the sub door being rotated along with the main door; a storage box received in the storage camber to be drawn out therefrom; a fixing rail fixed to one side of the storage camber; a moving rail provided to be movable along the fixing rail and moving along with the storage box; and restraining means provided in one side of a part configured to move integrally along with the storage box and in one side of a part formed integrally with the storage camber and configured to allow the storage box to be selectively drawn out from the storage camber when a press manipulation is conducted and released on the storage box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Eunjoo Lee, Hangbok Lee
  • Publication number: 20120209763
    Abstract: The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace for employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerators in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly has a series of panels and dividers installable in an existing refrigerator unit, with the panels and dividers defining a series of individual lock boxes, each having its own lockable door. Alternatively, a specially configured refrigerator has an open front and a series of individual lock boxes installed therein. Each lock box is in contact with other boxes and/or the walls, floor, and top panels of the refrigerator, and is thermally sealed thereto. Each lock box has its own lockable door. The refrigerator includes a system for automating the lock box rental transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph ZABBATINO
  • Publication number: 20120206029
    Abstract: The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace to permit employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages for lunches and snacks. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerator units in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly is assembled from top, bottom, side, and rear panels, and a series of intermediate shelves and dividers installed therein defining a plurality of individual storage compartments. Vertical panels include spring-biased pins that engage mating holes provided in the upper and lower interior panels of the refrigeration unit, to secure the assembly in place. Each compartment has its own lockable door. The locks may be combination units, key locks, external hasps and padlocks, or other lock types as desired. Integral locks may include provision for coin operation, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: JOSEPH ZABBATINO
  • Patent number: 8231190
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to an articulating drawer for a bottom mount freezer refrigerator. The drawer can be slideably mounted in the freezer compartment on slides that can include pivots to pivotally mount a drawer front on the slides. A support mechanism can mount a food storage basket for movement with the drawer front and movable slides and can move the food storage basket upward when the door is moved to the open position. The support mechanism can include a pair of guide plates connected to the slides having a guide surface arranged to be engaged by a food storage basket guide surface follower and a pair of links each connected to the drawer front at one end and having a first link pivot at a distal end arranged to pivotally connect to a food storage basket pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Ertz, Pawan Mansukhlal Gandhi, Todd E. Kniffen
  • Patent number: 8226182
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: 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