Including Particular Storage Compartment Patents (Class 312/404)
  • Publication number: 20120181910
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a drawer door installed at a refrigerator main body such that the drawing door is drawn out from the refrigerator main body, a main storage bin provided to be drawn out along with the drawer door, sub storage bins rotatably provide at an upper portion of the main storage bin, and a container opening unit for opening the sub storage bins toward an outer side of the refrigerator main body in a lateral direction when the drawer door is opened. When the drawer door is closed, the sub storage bins are restrained from being rotated by the refrigerator main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Seongtaik KIM
  • Patent number: 8220887
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a compartment, a first container, a second container, a door, and a selection device. The first container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in a first direction. The second container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in the first direction. The door is operably connected to the second container and configured to provide access to at least one of the first container and the second container of the compartment when the door is moved to an open position. The door is also configured to inhibit access to the compartment when the door is moved to a closed position. The selection device is located on the refrigerator and configured for inputting a selection of either the first container or the second container. The selected container is presented in an accessible position when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Watts, James S. Fowler, Jr., Christian P. Detlefsen
  • Patent number: 8210625
    Abstract: A rack and pinion storage system for use in a refrigerator compartment defined by a liner includes a pair of supports attached to opposing sidewalls of the liner. First and second gear covers snap-fittingly connect first and second gear wheels to respective first and second mounting brackets extending from a storage basket, such that the gear wheels are rotatably connected to the storage basket and have equal rotational and linear motion along the respective supports. Retaining bars extending from the storage basket are held within channels defined between the bottom walls of the supports and top walls of opposing telescoping slide assemblies used to movably support a door of the compartment. Tabs extending from the supports limit the sliding movement of the storage basket. A removable divider connects to the storage basket, sectioning the basket into multiple storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Rotter, Lester J. Ott, Steven G. Herndon
  • Publication number: 20120146477
    Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a housing which surrounds a storage compartment; and a container mounted in the storage compartment and including a drawer and a cover, with the cover being height-adjustable between a closed position of the drawer and an open position. The cover is guided on an obliquely sloping path between the closed position and the open position by ramps adjacent to corners of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Bischofberger, Hans Ihle, Astrid Klingshirn
  • Publication number: 20120139402
    Abstract: A consumer appliance, such as a refrigerator, is provided with a compartment with a basket assembly, which may be configured on a pull-out drawer so as to move into and out of the compartment with the pull-out drawer. The basket assembly includes a first basket component and a second basket component releasably engaged with the first basket component along mating edges of the respective basket components, wherein in an engaged state, the first and second basket components define a singular continuous wall basket. At least one of the first or second basket components is releasable and removable from the pull-out drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Omar Haidar, Bagawathkumar Chellappan, James Bryan Rawson, Mukta Marwah, Jonathan Michael Cepress
  • Patent number: 8191379
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration apparatus having improved access to ice comprising a freezer compartment, a slidable support occupying a portion of the freezer compartment and configured to open to an extended position, an ice bin moveable with the slidable support and occupying at least a portion of the slidable support, and a stationary ice maker attached to the freezer compartment and located above the portion of the slidable support, wherein 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: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Haier America Refrigerators Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Edward P. Wuesthoff, Dongning Wang
  • Publication number: 20120125035
    Abstract: A consumer appliance, for example a refrigeration appliance, includes a compartment with a pull-out drawer. A slide member is configured on each opposite side of the compartment, with the drawer having a slide bracket mounted to each respective slide member for movement of pull-out drawer into and out of the compartment. A gear rail is configured on each opposite side of the compartment adjacent to the slide member. A gear assembly is mounted to each slide bracket and includes a first gear engaged with the gear rail and a pinion gear engaged with the first gear. The pinion gear has a rotational axis that is vertically displaced from the rotational axis of the first gear. A cross bar is connected between the pinion gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bagawathkumar Chellappan, James Bryan Rawson, Manivannan Loganathan
  • Publication number: 20120112613
    Abstract: A drawer-type cooling box assembly includes a cooling box which is mounted in a housing, in particular in a kitchen unit of a camping vehicle, so as to be able to be pulled out and pushed in on pull-out guides and has an upwardly directed access opening and an upper cooling box covering. The drawer-type cooling box is able to be operated very much more easily and significantly improving the accessibility to foodstuffs stored in the drawer-type cooling box, which is obtained in that the cooling box covering is mounted movably in the kitchen unit via coupling elements, is lifted off upward from the cooling box in a pulled-out position of same and, in a pushed-in position, is lowered downward onto the access opening of the cooling box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MOBIL INVEST GMBH
    Inventor: THOMAS SIEGERT
  • Patent number: 8172346
    Abstract: An appliance including a housing have an opening, a drawer having a front side and a back side, the drawer being configured for insertion into the opening, a drawer face coupled to the front side, the drawer face having a gasket circumscribing the drawer face and at least one dimension of the drawer face is smaller than a respective dimension of the opening so as to form a gap between the drawer face and the opening on at least one side of the drawer face, and a transom pivotally mounted to the drawer, the transom being configured to substantially bridge the gap between the drawer face and the opening and sealingly engage the gasket when the drawer is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cory Jerome Tafoya, Bryan W. Snider, Rebecca Eakins
  • Publication number: 20120099255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the personal receiving space of each of the members who use the refrigerator is provided, making it possible to improve the satisfaction for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Su-Won Lee, Seong-Taik Kim, Sung-Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 8162422
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a plurality of drawers that partitions a space of a storage chamber and can be selectively withdrawn. In this refrigerator, a user can efficiently utilize the storage space of the storage chamber, and a desired drawer can be opened to easily store and dispense foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seong Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20120091874
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator in which the assembly of the internal constituents of a main body and doors can be formed in various shapes. The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main body in which a plurality of storage chambers are formed; a plurality of doors that selectively shield the front sides of the storage chambers and are provided rotatably at least one direction and the other direction; hinge units that are provided detachably at at least one side of the storage chambers and provide the rotation center of the doors; and a plurality of hinge holes that are formed at at least one side of the storage chambers and to which the hinge units are coupled. With the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, a user can facilitate the locations of drawers and shelves or the assembly of doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Su-Won Lee, Seok-Hong Shin, Kyung-Eun Lee
  • Patent number: 8157339
    Abstract: In order to increase the reliability of the parts constituting the basket and to conveniently use the basket and to stably accomplish the operation of the basket, as the shaking of the basket is prevented, there is disclosed a basket operation device of a refrigerator, comprising: a basket freely moved in a back-and-forth direction in the state that the basket is supported by an inner wall of the refrigerator; a rotation shaft supported by the basket and moved with the basket and respectively rotated; a pair of rotation elements supported by both sides of the rotation shaft and rotated at the same angle to guide a movement of the basket when the basket moves in a back-and-forth direction; and a corresponding element formed in the inner wall of the refrigerator in a back-and-forth direction to contact with the rotation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Park, Do-Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8157338
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space, a drawer type door withdrawably disposed on the cabinet, the drawer type door opening and closing the storage space, a lower receiving member connected to the drawer type door, the lower receiving member being withdrawn together with the drawer type door, an upper receiving member withdrawably disposed above the lower receiving member, and a restraint member disposed on the drawer type door, the restraint member being rotated according to a user's selection to selectively restrain the upper receiving member and to allow the upper receiving member to be selectively interlocked with the drawer type door, thereby selectively withdrawing the upper receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Woon Kyu Seo, Jung Yeon Hwang, Han Jin Jung
  • Patent number: 8152255
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an improved receiving box in contact with a cover. The refrigerator includes a first receiving box, and a cover installed to come into contact with the first receiving box and adapted to be pivotally rotated as the first receiving box is pulled out or pushed in. The first receiving box includes a sidewall having a downwardly-inclined slope with respect to a front of the first receiving box. The cover is pivotally rotated downward by movement of the cover on the downwardly-inclined slope when the first receiving box is pulled out and is pivotally rotated upward when the first receiving box is pushed in. With this configuration, the refrigerator has the effect of allowing a user to easily move food stored in a plurality of receiving spaces from one receiving space to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Man Nam, Gi Joong Jeong
  • Patent number: 8152256
    Abstract: A storage device for a refrigerator includes a storage box defining a storage chamber storing food therein and installed removably in a storage space, an opening/closing unit for opening/closing partly or fully the storage chamber, and a guide unit for guiding the opening/closing of the storage chamber by the opening/closing unit. An apparatus/method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Do-Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8152254
    Abstract: A connection structure, for a refrigerator having a drawer door, of an anti-wobbling means which prevents the shaking phenomenon of a door is provided. 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 8147013
    Abstract: In a rail assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, a shaking prevention member preventing the shaking of a storage container is provided at a position lower than a rail member so that the upper volume and the lower volume of the storage container received in the storage space of the refrigerator is increased as compared to the conventional refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hyung-Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8141966
    Abstract: A telescopic pull-out arrangement for a refrigerator is provided that includes two telescopic pull-out mechanisms each provided with a stationary rail on a common frame and a movable rail, and a storage part retained on the movable rails by a pair of identical adapters. The storage part has a first engagement contour cooperating with a first adapter of the couple and a second engagement contour cooperating with the second adapter of the couple. Each adapter is provided with a third and a fourth engagement contour. The first engagement contour of the storage part and the third engagement contour of the first adapter engage into one another with less tolerance transverse to the pull-out direction than the engagement of the second engagement contour of the storage part and the fourth engagement contour of the second adapter engage into one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH, Miele & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Frank Placke, Claudia Rupp, Matthias Stahl, Ulrich van Pels
  • Publication number: 20120060544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The present invention improves a structure of a door and a storage basket, thereby making it possible to facilitate the storage and a drawing out of articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Su Won Lee, Hyeung Ju Kim, Kyung Eun Lee
  • Patent number: 8128184
    Abstract: A door assembly for an appliance includes a door having an interior side and an exterior side. A frame defines an aperture extending through the door from the interior side to the exterior side. A module is disposed in the aperture. The module includes a first component and a second component. The second component disengageably connects with the first component. A pivot member is operably coupled with the module and with the frame. The module is rotatable about the pivot member thereby allowing access to both the first component and the second component from the exterior side of the door body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, James W. Kendall, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu
  • Publication number: 20110309732
    Abstract: The invention provides a refrigerator with a rail device having a bracket which is fixed to an inner surface of an inner box, and a first rail, a second rail and a third rail which are arranged in such a manner that longitudinal directions are identical and have an elongated shape, and supporting a storage container so as to be movable forward and backward. The second rail has flanges protruding right and left in upper and lower sides in the longitudinal direction, the lower flange is held to the first rail so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, the first rail is bonded to the bracket, and has flanges extended to a height going beyond the lower flange of the second rail in right and left sides in the longitudinal direction, and the third rail holds the flange on the second rail so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and supports the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Horil, Hiroki Kawabata
  • Patent number: 8056996
    Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet having a plurality of cabinet walls defining a compartment, a storage member configured to support an item for storage in the compartment, and a support assembly slidably mounted within the compartment. The support assembly includes a fixed rail mounted to one of the cabinet walls, and a movable rail slidably coupled to the fixed rail and movable along a sliding direction between a retracted position and an extended position. A bracket is slidably mounted to the movable rail and is movable along a sliding direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The sliding direction of the bracket is substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the movable rail. The storage member is fixedly connected to the bracket and movable with the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Phillip Eugene Koloff, Jr., Ravikiran Gopalakrishna, Mahesh Natarajan, Harsha Shamanna, Paul Douglas Mantle
  • Patent number: 8052235
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Kelly, Aaron W. Arvia, Edmund Scott Richardson, Kenneth L. Pope, Richard B. Moulder, David A. Simoni
  • Patent number: 8047622
    Abstract: A storage container of a storage container for a refrigerator, which is configured to mount the storage container for storing articles therein to a storage container seating portion formed in a rear surface of a refrigerator door by using a mounting protrusion and locking mechanism provided on the storage container and a mounting groove and catching protrusion provided on the storage container seating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hang-Bok Lee, Sang-Sin Kwak, Seon-Kyu Kim
  • Publication number: 20110234074
    Abstract: Disclosed in this application is a u-shaped grommet for use in a refrigerator. The grommet is fixed so as to allow wires to be routed towards an opening in the liner of the refrigerator, pass through the opening in the liner, and exit the grommet in the opposite direction as the wires entered. The grommet is preferably molded to the wires so that the combined product is inseparable from the wiring which it protects. The grommet is also described as a single piece grommet, although multiple piece grommets are anticipated. Further disclosed in this application is an improved pass-through hinge for routing utilities, including water and electricity, from the door to the body of the refrigerator. The improved hinge features a hollow hinge pin through which utilities may be routed, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of the current state of the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stevan R. DOLINSEK, Timothy A. FULTON, Daryl L. HARMON, Chad J. ROTTER, David A. STAUFFER
  • Patent number: 8011744
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Youn Tae Shin
  • Publication number: 20110204762
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: REBECCA M. EUBANKS, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, KAREN J. QUERFURTH, MICHELE E. WILCOX
  • Patent number: 8002369
    Abstract: A slide system for an appliance is provided. The system may be used with a retractable compartment, such as a drawer, shelf or grill and may be implemented inside a cavity of the appliance having a pair of vertical walls provided with a series of ribs having a recess at their top surfaces, and a movable runner in the recess. The runner may be located over slides that delimit and guide travel of the runner to provide a longer draw-out distance for the retractable compartment, which is conducive to improving storage ability and accessibility to the retractable compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
    Inventor: Jorge Eduardo Chagoya Bello
  • Patent number: 7997667
    Abstract: A rack and pinion storage system for use in a refrigerator compartment defined by a liner includes a pair of supports attached to opposing sidewalls of the liner. First and second gear covers snap-fittingly connect first and second gear wheels to respective first and second mounting brackets extending from a storage basket, such that the gear wheels are rotatably connected to the storage basket and have equal rotational and linear motion along the respective supports. Retaining bars extending from the storage basket are held within channels defined between the bottom walls of the supports and top walls of opposing telescoping slide assemblies used to movably support a door of the compartment. Tabs extending from the supports limit the sliding movement of the storage basket. A removable divider connects to the storage basket, sectioning the basket into multiple storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Rotter, Lester J. Ott, Steven G. Herndon
  • Patent number: 7997668
    Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and an assembling method thereof that enable a storage member provided in a drawer-type storage space to be securely withdrawn and inserted, that improve the external appearance of a storage member when withdrawn and inserted, and that allow easier assembly and installation of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body provided with a storage space, a storage member in the main body and capable of being withdrawn and inserted, an extendable rail member between the storage member and the main body to guide withdrawal and insertion of the storage member, and a cover member at one side of the rail member to cover the rail member. Thus, external appearance is improved, as is assembling convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Lim Lee
  • Patent number: 7980643
    Abstract: A carrier for refrigerated goods is moved in the cooling chamber of a refrigerating device by means of two telescopic extensions. The carrier for refrigerated goods is held on each telescopic extension via an adapter. A contact surface of the adapter that supports the carrier for refrigerated goods lies above the level of the telescopic extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Publication number: 20110148267
    Abstract: A spill proof shelf, a refrigerator using the same and a method of manufacturing a shelf are disclosed. The spill proof shelf has a sheet defining a main plane. The sheet includes a plurality of raised surfaces that extend from a top surface to define a spill proof area on the top surface. At least one of the raised surfaces has an end. The shelf also has a lip. The lip has a front edge and extends outward from the end of the at least one of the raised surfaces with the front edge being in a plane different from the main plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Aaron Matthew McDANIEL, Jonathan Nash, Cory J. Tafoya, Ragavendra Prabhakar, Sai Krishna Kunchala
  • Publication number: 20110127896
    Abstract: A refrigerator which includes a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a refrigerator drawer assembly disposed within the cabinet, the assembly including: (a) a refrigerator drawer body with a bottom and a plurality of upright walls operatively connected to the bottom; (b) a perimeter frame with front, back and opposite portions; (c) a support member having a first end, a second end, a bottom, a top, and a plurality of walls, the support member interchangeably connected to the front and back portions of the perimeter frame; and (d) a refrigerator drawer subassembly configured to support and allow for movement of the refrigerator drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: TROY M. ANDERSON, TODD E. JACKSON
  • Patent number: 7950754
    Abstract: A pull-out drawer assembly for a refrigerator bottom freezer. The assembly includes upper and lower baskets slidably mounted one above the other. The bottom basket has a drawer face mounted to its front edge. The upper basket has a magnet which cooperates with an engagement device that is mounted on the lower basket and is attractable to the magnet so that, when the drawer is pulled out of the freezer compartment, both drawers travel as a unit. The upper drawer can then be pushed back to disengage the engagement device from the magnet and provide access to the lower basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Brown, Michael Bayne
  • Publication number: 20110089800
    Abstract: A spill proof shelf, a refrigerator using the same and a method for assembling a shelf are disclosed. The shelf has a frame, which has a peripheral frame portion for defining a central opening. The shelf further has a plate supported by the peripheral frame portion for providing a containment region in cooperation with the opening. The shelf further has a bracket mountable to the frame. The shelf further has a pivotable tab formed in the peripheral frame portion, which pivots to engage the plate upon mounting of the bracket to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan Nash, Donald Breit
  • Publication number: 20110050066
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a main body cabinet forming a storage compartment including a front opening, and a drawer type door entering and exiting the storage compartment to open and close the front opening, the drawer type door including: a basket entering and exiting the storage compartment; a door main body coupled to a front area of the basket to open and close the front opening of the storage compartment; a pocket unit formed at an upper wall surface of the door main body to receive a user's hand; a handle member adjacent to the pocket unit to rotate in forward and backward directions with respect to the door main body; and a pair of sliders reciprocating between an opening position and a closing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-Min Lee, Hyun-Tae Chu, Young-gwi Park
  • Patent number: 7883163
    Abstract: A telescopic rail system, in particular for refrigerator units and/or freezer units, has a support plate for the holding the telescopic rail system in the inner compartment of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit and two telescopic rails arranged opposite at the support plate in its lateral regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Dorner, Werner Schad, Stefan Rapp
  • Publication number: 20110006656
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a first storage box inserted and withdrawn like a drawer in association with a door, a second storage box seated and rolled on an upper part of the first storage box, and a roller device to enable the rolling motion of the second storage box on the first storage box. The roller device includes a first roller member mounted to the second storage box, a first roller supporting part formed at the first storage box to support a rolling motion of the first roller member thereon, a second roller member mounted to the first storage box, and a second roller supporting part formed at the second storage box to support the rolling motion of the second roller member thereon. The second storage box may be smoothly moved since the load of the second storage box is distributed to the first and second roller members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong Man Nam, Gi Joong Jeong
  • Publication number: 20100308705
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator with at least one opening therein. The refrigerator also includes a storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs. The refrigerator further includes a door configured to open and close an access point to the storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. In addition, the refrigerator includes a supporting member positioned at the storage chamber and configured to be moved in connection with opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Kyu Tae PARK, Kyeong Chul CHO, Seon Il YU
  • Patent number: 7836876
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and storing cooked food and one-course meals includes a box-shaped, upright container with wheels and at least one pivoting front door. The container can be closed by the front door in an air-tight manner. The container has at least one air valve toward the outside that can be closed and opened, in addition to a device for measuring and storing and displaying the temperature and pressure inside the closed container, so that temperature and pressure can be read from outside of the container. Data can be read by a personal computer and presented in the form of diagrams, as a function of time, over a period of at least 14 days. The cooked food is, initially, cooled at a temperature of between 2° C. and 4° C., and is then exposed to a vacuum for enabling the cooked food to be kept fresh for up to 14 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Technikus AG
    Inventor: Walter Schellenberg
  • Patent number: 7806491
    Abstract: A storage container for a refrigerator, which is configured to mount the storage container for storing articles therein to a storage container seating portion formed in a rear surface of a refrigerator door by using a mounting protrusion and locking mechanism provided on the storage container and a mounting groove and catching protrusion provided on the storage container seating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hang-Bok Lee, Sang-Sin Kwak, Seon-Kyu Kim
  • Publication number: 20100219731
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Marcelo Candeo, Shawn Michael Clark
  • Publication number: 20100219730
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a compartment, a first container, a second container, a door, and a selection device. The first container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in a first direction. The second container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in the first direction. The door is operably connected to the second container and configured to provide access to at least one of the first container and the second container of the compartment when the door is moved to an open position. The door is also configured to inhibit access to the compartment when the door is moved to a closed position. The selection device is located on the refrigerator and configured for inputting a selection of either the first container or the second container. The selected container is presented in an accessible position when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Watts, James S. Fowler, JR., Christian P. Detlefsen
  • Publication number: 20100213805
    Abstract: A method of assembling a cabinet and an apparatus assembled according to the method are provided. The cabinet includes a shell with internal walls, a first compartment liner and a second compartment liner configured to be housed within the shell. The first compartment liner includes a first liner face and defines a first compartment. The second compartment liner includes a second liner face and defines a second compartment. The method includes the steps of positioning a pair of elongate supports between the first compartment liner and the second compartment liner such that the first liner face and the second liner face are adjacent one another and spaced apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Brown, Steven Scott House, Michael Bayne
  • Patent number: 7757511
    Abstract: A refrigerated appliance includes a cabinet including a drawer and a refrigeration system having at least a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. An icemaker unit is mounted in the drawer and includes a housing and an ice cube mold. The evaporator includes a coil mounted below the housing proximate to the ice cube mold. A mounting plate is attached to the housing with the evaporator coil sandwiched therebetween. With this arrangement, the evaporator coil is selectively operated to provide freezing temperatures to form ice cubes in the ice cube mold and establish refrigerated temperatures in the refrigerated compartment. That is, the refrigeration system is selectively operated to chill the evaporator in both an ice production mode and a refrigeration mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. LeClear, Jim J. Pastryk
  • Patent number: 7748804
    Abstract: A refrigerator which provides an improved installation structure of a receiving device disposed in a storage chamber such that the receiving device can be stably supported in the storage chamber and easily mounted on and separated from the storage chamber. The refrigerator includes a shelf fixing structure which fixes a shelf to the storage chamber. The shelf fixing structure includes an engaging protrusion formed on a lower surface of the shelf at one side of the shelf, a stepped surface formed at the other side of the shelf, a restriction groove formed at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion to restrict the engaging protrusion, and a restriction portion formed at a position corresponding to the stepped surface to restrict the stepped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Dae Yeop Park, Myung Ju Sim
  • Patent number: 7744173
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with a cabinet having a door that is openable by a user to provide access to a refrigeration compartment. A storage bin is located in the refrigeration compartment and accessible upon the opening of the cabinet door. A mounting system is arranged for the storage bin, supporting the storage bin for movement into and out of the refrigeration compartment. A latch is carried on the cabinet door to be selectively engaged by the user with a latch receiving portion of the storage bin. When the latch is engaged with the latch receiving portion, the storage bin will be pulled out of the refrigerator upon the opening of the cabinet door, and when the latch is disengaged from the latch receiving portion, the storage bin will remain in the refrigeration compartment, unless manually moved by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Weston Maglinger, Martin Shawn Egan, Aidan C. Kunkle, Richard Bruce Mills
  • Patent number: 7740331
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator receptacle including a first tray adapted to move into/out of a storage space like a drawer, a reception space being defined in the first tray, the reception space having an upward opening; a second tray adapted to move in an inward/outward movement direction of the first tray, a reception space being defined in the second tray, the reception space having an upward opening; a guide member for guiding movement of the second tray, an insertion groove being formed on the guide member, an upper end of both lateral surfaces of the first tray being inserted into the insertion groove; and a fastener extending through one of the first tray and the guide member so as to be fastened to other of the first tray and the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Min Bon Koo
  • Patent number: 7731316
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a universal shelf assembly that can be mounted in either a stationary configuration or a sliding configuration. The shelf assembly includes a shelf unit having a base portion surrounded by a peripheral frame. The peripheral frame includes front, rear and opposing side frame members that include a mounting boss and a locating tab. When mounted in the stationary configuration, the shelf unit is mounted directly to a support unit through the mounting boss and locating tab. Conversely, when mounted in the sliding configuration, the shelf unit is mounted indirectly to a support unit. Arranged between the support unit and the shelf unit are glide members. The glide members include structure that cooperates with the mounting boss and locating tab that both secure the shelf unit and enable the shelf unit to shift relative to the support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Forrest F. Wing