Closure Structure Patents (Class 312/405)
Having article support (Class 312/405.1)
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130342095
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a first storage region with a plurality of shelves, a first door coupled to the cabinet by a first connection member and having a second storage region with a plurality of shelves and an opening providing to access to the second storage region, and a second door rotatably coupled to the first door by a second connection member so as to selectively provide access to the second storage region through the opening in the first door. An auxiliary shelf may be rotatably coupled in the opening formed in the first door such that an axis of rotation of the auxiliary shelf crosses, or is orthogonal to, the axis of rotation of the first and second doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Ayoung Choo, Jaeyoul Lee, Taegyeong Kim
  • REFRIGERATOR AND RAIL ASSEMBLY FOR THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130334950
    Abstract: A rail assembly for a refrigerator is provided. The rail assembly may include a pair of pinions respectively provided in a pair of rails installed on two opposite walls of a storage chamber of a refrigerator. A pair of racks is respectively coupled to the pair of the pinions to guide motion of the pinions. One of the racks includes an extended portion that allows the pinions move without engaging the racks so as to align the drawer door horizontally when a force is applied to a left or right portion of the drawer door coupled to the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Lyunsu KIM, Sukhun Jung, Sungki Jung, Gyumyeong Kang, Jaekoo Kang, Seongmin Song
  • REFRIGERATOR WITH MODULE RECEIVING CONDUITS
    Publication number: 20130334951
    Abstract: A refrigerator door includes the ability to mount a variety of modules requiring utilities, such as electricity and fluids, within adjustable locations in the door of the refrigerator. The door includes a conduit extending in at least one direction and including one or more plug-in connectors for allowing a module with a mating connector to be positioned on the door for supplying operating utilities to the module. This allows the purchaser of the refrigerator to add components and accessories to the refrigerator after purchase or select desired features at the time of purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventors: PAUL B. ALLARD, JAMES W. KENDALL, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, GUOLIAN WU, Alan S. LUCAS, ANDREW M. TENBARGE
  • Refrigerator and refrigerator door
    Patent number: 8608330
    Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a refrigerator door. The refrigerator and refrigerator door include a transparent member provided behind an exterior member defining the exterior of the refrigerator, a light emitting member provided on an extending line of an outer end of the transparent member to radiate light toward the transparent member, and a diffusing portion formed at one side of the transparent member. Light from the light emitting member passes through the transparent member and a pattern on the exterior member to be diffused to the outside. Through this configuration producing a soft glow of light, aesthetics can be improved and opulence can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ungsu Kim
  • Door For Refrigerator And Method For Manufacturing The Same, Metal Container And Method For Manufacturing The Same, And Apparatus And Method For Processing Metal Sheet
    Publication number: 20130328472
    Abstract: Provided is a door for a refrigerator. The door includes an outer door manufactured by pressing and deforming a metal sheet. The outer door includes a first surface, second to fifth surfaces extending from the first surface, and a plurality of flanges extending from the second to fifth surfaces. The first to fifth surfaces are integrated with each other and defined based on the pressing and deforming of the metal sheet. A door liner is coupled to surfaces of the plurality of flanges of the outer door, and an insulation material is disposed in a space defined between the door liner and the outer door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jinwoo SHIM, Youngki KO
  • Hinge device and ultra-deep freezer using the same
    Patent number: 8585167
    Abstract: A hinge device features improved ease of installation/removal of covers thereof to/from mounting bases thereof. The hinge device, which has mounting bases and knuckles, is connected such that it swings on a hinge pin inserted in the knuckles. The covers conceal mounting screws of the mounting bases. Each of the mounting bases has recesses formed in a side surface on a non-supporting side, grooves which are formed in a side surface adjacent to both ends in the axial direction of the hinge pin and which extend to a side surface, and an engaged portion concavely formed in each of the groove. The inner side of the cover has engaging portions which are inserted in the groove and which detachably engages with the engaged portion when the cover is installed, and also has protruding streaks which enter into and engage with the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takahashi, Tomokazu Hashiba, Takashi Arai
  • Refrigerator
    Patent number: 8579394
    Abstract: A refrigerator that includes a storage room and a door configured to provide or prevent access to the storage room is described. In the refrigerator, a hinge assembly connects the door to the storage room at a height relative that can be adjusted by operating the hinge assembly. To do so, the hinge assembly includes a hinge shaft having a screw thread and an adjustment member movable along the hinge shaft. Thus, the hinge assembly supports the door and allows adjustment to the height of the door relative to the storage room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Moonseok Lee, Jeongho Shin, Raeyoung Park, Hyunju Yi
  • CABINET GASKET FOR REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130293081
    Abstract: A cabinet gasket is disposed between the cabinet wrapper and cabinet liner in a refrigerator. The cabinet gasket helps reduce thermal conductivity between the cabinet wrapper/mullion and the cabinet liner and refrigerator compartments. The cabinet gasket includes a relatively rigid portion disposed between the wrapper/mullion and the cabinet liner. The cabinet gasket also includes a relatively flexible portion that covers the portion of the wrapper/mullion exposed to the interior of the refrigerator compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: PAUL B. ALLARD
  • REFRIGERATOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING DOOR THEREOF
    Publication number: 20130293080
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a door of a refrigerator in which a vacuum insulation is positioned in the inner core of the door to be spaced apart from the top face, bottom face, front face, rear face and both lateral faces of the door, and a foam insulation is uniformly disposed in the remaining space in the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong Ho KIM, Jong Hoon Oh, Youn Tae Shin, Young Bae Hong
  • Refrigerator door having a tube guide for supporting a water supply tube
    Patent number: 8573719
    Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, all ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bok Dong Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Sam Kyu Park
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130285528
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a main body provided with a storage chamber; a door to respectively open and close the storage chamber; a control unit installed the door to select an operation; a reception part provided in the door to receive the control unit; and an installation hole provided on a side end of the door to cause the control unit to be inserted into the reception part. The control unit is installed through the side end of the door, which is deviated from a user's line of sight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Young Gwi PARK, Joo Hee Song, Yong Seok Kim
  • REFRIGERATOR AND HANDLE ASSEMBLY METHOD THEREOF
    Publication number: 20130285527
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a refrigerator which increases convenience in assembly of a handle and reduces generation of scratches on doors and drawers in assembly of the handle, and a handle assembly method thereof. The refrigerator includes doors rotatably combined with a main body, a handle combined with each door to open and close each door, a first handle fixing unit assembled with each door to fix the handle to each door and provided with an inclined part fixed to the handle by a fastening unit, a second handle fixing unit assembled with each door to fix the handle to each door and combined with the handle in a sliding manner, a first connector assembled with the handle and fastened to the first handle fixing unit by the fastening unit, and a second connector assembled with the handle and combined with the second handle fixing unit in the sliding manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam Gu CHOI, Dong Gyun Kim, Hyo Sik Kang, Young Gwi Park, Jong Sun Park, Yong Man Seo
  • Refrigerator
    Patent number: 8567885
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a main body provided with storage chambers, doors to open and close the storage chambers, and first door side frames, each of which forms one side surface of each door. Each door includes a handle groove stepped so as to be opened forward and sideward and provided on each first door side frame and a handle extended so as to cover the handle groove, and the handle is disposed so as to be substantially parallel with a front surface of each door, thereby providing unity to designs of the handle and the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jee Hoon Lee, Sang Gyu Jung, Seung Yong Yang, Jae Sek Oh
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130278126
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an improved structure of a storage box and a shelf thereof so as to achieve increased space utilization of a storage compartment. The storage box may have slide protrusions respectively formed on both of outer side-faces of the storage box at a lower portion thereof to allow the storage box to be slidably retracted in or extended from the storage compartment. The shelf may have a support structure to support food thereon and slide grooves respectively formed above both sides of the support structure, each groove receiving the corresponding slide protrusion of the storage box. When the storage box is mounted on the shelf, food may be put in the inner space of the storage box, whereas when the storage box is dismounted from the shelf, a food storage space may be present on the support structure of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130278127
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body and a storage room defined in the main body. The refrigerator also includes a cooling device configured to cool the storage room, a first storage area disposed inside the storage room, and a door mounted to the main body. The refrigerator further includes a second storage unit disposed at the door and a third storage unit configured to move between an inserted position inside the storage room and an extracted position in which at least a portion of the third storage unit is extracted outside of the storage room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sanghun KIM, Seonkyu KIM, Minsup KIM
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130270990
    Abstract: A refrigerator that includes a compartment to store foods, and a door to open and close the compartment. The door has a door main body, a door handle movably disposed on the door main body to actuate the door main body to be easily opened, a slider protruding toward the refrigerator main body in response to movement of the door handle, and a driving force transfer unit. The driving force transfer unit may be located between the door handle and slider to transfer a driving force, generated upon pulling the door handle, to the slider. The door further includes a pocket housing partially buried into the door main body and receiving therein the door handle. The slider and the driving force transfer unit may be individually detachable. This configuration facilitates opening of the refrigerator and inspection and replacement of components of the driving force transfer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyungkyu Park, Youngun Park
  • Refrigerator door locking assembly
    Patent number: 8556359
    Abstract: A refrigerator door locking assembly is provided for selectively locking and unlocking refrigerator and freezer doors. The assembly includes a cabinet having a perimeter wall. An outer edge of the perimeter wall defines an open face into the cabinet. A first door is pivotally coupled to the cabinet selectively covering the open face. A conduit extends through the perimeter wall of the cabinet. The conduit has an upper end and a lower end. A first slit extends through the outer edge of the perimeter wall into the conduit. A first hook is coupled to the door and is inserted through the first slit into the conduit when the first door is in a closed position covering the open face. A rod is coupled to the cabinet and positioned in the conduit. The rod selectively engages the first hook whereby the first door is held in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Kire Gorgievski
  • SEMI-AUTO CLOSING APPARATUS AND REFRIGERATOR HAVING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130264930
    Abstract: A refrigerator which improves the structure of an auto closing apparatus, increases the sealing ability of a door, and omits mounting of a separate spring. The refrigerator includes at least one door opening and closing at least one storage chamber provided in a main body, at least one upper hinge module including a body part and an extension part rotatably coupled to the at least one door, at least one lower hinge module, a door cap installed on an upper portion of the at least one door and including a hinge receiving part, an auto close lever coupled to the door cap and has elasticity to transmit elastic force to the door, and a cam member including a cam surface contacting the auto close lever so that the auto close lever accumulates elastic force and then transmits the elastic force to the door when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Mo KIM, Jong Hoon OH, Sang Hyuk KANG, Youn Tae SHIN, Jae Kyoung JANG, II Young JUNG
  • REFRIGERATOR WITH SPLIT TYPE SHELVES
    Publication number: 20130264932
    Abstract: A refrigerator with split type shelves comprises: a refrigerator body having a storage space; doors disposed on a front surface of the refrigerator body, and configured to open and close the storage space; first shelves installed at an inner side of the storage space, and accommodating storage items thereon; and a shelf assembly disposed between the first shelves and the door, and installed so as to be movable with respect to the refrigerator body such that front surfaces of the first shelves are exposed to a front surface of the refrigerator body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyunjung KIM, Yongjoon KIM, Eunjeong KIM, Younseok LEE
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130257255
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a pantry part in a refrigerator compartment. Since the pantry part can slide forward, and then, rotate, an object can be conveniently put in or taken out from the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jungyeon Hwang, Jinwon Kang, Myungdong You, Woonkyu Seo, Hanjin Jung, Eunjoo Lee, Hangbok Lee
  • VACUUM INSULATED DOOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR THE CREATION THEREOF
    Publication number: 20130255304
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated door structure comprises a first wall having a first edge, outer sidewalls that extend from the first edge to a perimetrical lip, a first inner surface and a first outer surface. A second wall has a second inner surface, a second outer surface and a second edge coupled to the perimetrical lip forming a cavity volume. The second wall includes inner sidewalls defining a second wall opening. The inner sidewalls extend to a back wall and define a second wall offset. A tubular member includes a first end coupled to a first conduit opening in the first wall and a second end coupled to a second conduit opening in the second wall offset. A barrier layer is disposed on the first and second walls and the tubular member. A cavity insulation material is disposed within the cavity volume which is hermetically sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nihat Cur, Guolian Wu
  • Household appliances
    Patent number: 8544971
    Abstract: A refrigerating and/or freezing device, with at least one door, through which the interior of the device can be closed, and with a door closure system that comprises includes at least one closure that moves the door into its closed position, a damping device that opposes a counterforce to the door movement, a movable carriage connected with the closure system to move the closure into a pre-tensioned state when the door is opened, as well as an interlocking component connected with the damping device and with the closure such that the closure can be fixed by the interlocking component in its pre-tensioned state, whereby the carriage and the interlocking component are coupled together by a first movement section of the door and are decoupled from each other by a second movement section of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgerate Lienz GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Stocker
  • Refrigerator, refrigerator door handle, and assembling method of the refrigerator door handle
    Patent number: 8544972
    Abstract: A door handle for a refrigerator is provided. The door handle includes a graspable handle main body, a receiving member coupled to the handle main body and provided with a receiving portion, one or more decorations received in the receiving portion, and a handle cover coupled to the handle main body and supporting at least a portion of the decoration. As the decorations are stably installed on the door handle, the exterior beauty of the refrigerator can be improved. This satisfies the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chanju Pae
  • ADJUSTABLE HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR A DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130249373
    Abstract: A domestic refrigerator includes a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation, a cam plate coupled to the door that includes a first cam surface, and a coupler body having a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface. The coupler body has an inner wall that defines an aperture and includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces. A hinge pin defines the axis of rotation and has an upper end positioned in the aperture of the coupler body. The upper end includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces engaged with the pair of substantially planar surfaces of the coupler body to prevent rotation of the coupler body about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ERIC D. LIVELY, JULIE A. MANN, DARYL LEE REUTER
  • HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR A DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130249372
    Abstract: A domestic refrigerator includes a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation. A cam plate is coupled to the door and includes a first cam surface. The refrigerator includes a coupler body that has a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface and an aperture defined therein. A hinge pin defines the axis of rotation and includes an upper end positioned in the aperture of the coupler body. The hinge pin has a plurality of longitudinal slots defined therein. A plurality of splines extend from the coupler body, and each spline is received in a corresponding longitudinal slot of the hinge pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ERIC D. LIVELY, JULIE A. MANN, DARYL LEE REUTER
  • HINGE ASSEMBLIES FOR A DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR
    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
  • REFRIGERATOR
    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
  • REFRIGERATOR
    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
  • Cooling device with spacing element
    Patent number: 8523303
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a deep freeze compartment door with an aluminum profile having lateral coverings at both sides and an additional guiding means mounted on a panel fixing element. The panel fixing element is embedded with the outer part of the door such that an ornamental spacing element is fixed to the guiding element and to the lateral coverings such that an easier on site mounting is obtained and a more appealing visual effect is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Ziya Arslankiray, Cemalettin Hastürk, Mehmet Savan, Özgür Ölmez
  • Door handle and refrigerator having the same
    Patent number: 8523302
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body, a door to open and close the front of the refrigerator body, and a door handle provided at one side of the door. The door handle includes a handle unit having a grip part to allow a user to grip the door handle, an actuating rod fixed inside the handle unit such that the actuating rod is moved along with the handle unit, a guide unit to guide movement of the actuating rod, a pusher configured to be advanced and retreated through movement relative to the actuating rod to push the refrigerator body, and a gear unit disposed between the actuating rod and the pusher such that the gear unit is engaged with the actuating rod and the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong In Shin, Jae Sek Oh, Kyu Su Cho
  • CONTROLLED CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR A HINGE
    Publication number: 20130221825
    Abstract: A hinge including a device bracket, a door bracket, a first arm, a second arm, and a closure device is provided. The first arm mounts to the device bracket at a first pin and to the door bracket at a second pin. The second arm mounts to the device bracket at a third pin and to the door bracket at a fourth pin. The third pin is closer to an axis of rotation of a door than the first pin when the door is in a closed position. The closure device includes a closure device body mounted to move with the second arm, a rod mounted within the closure device body, a spring, a spring retainer mounted to the rod, and a nut mounting the rod to the device bracket. The spring is mounted between the spring retainer and the closure device body to exert a force on the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Arturo J. Bonomie, Daniel Mark Graham, Mark J. Blahnik, Sean Petersen
  • HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A DOMESTIC APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20130221819
    Abstract: A handle assembly for mounting to a door of an appliance includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: FORREST F. WING
  • STORAGE UNIT AND REFRIGERATOR HAVING THE SAME
    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.
  • Ice/liquid dispensing bay
    Patent number: 8517484
    Abstract: An ice/liquid dispensing bay for a domestic refrigeration device. The ice/liquid dispensing bay has a drip tray that defines a lower end of the bay and a drip plate that covers the drip tray. The drip plate has an edge with at least one locking recess into which a locking projection engages in a locked position. The locking projection is biased by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH, Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Peter Eckartsberg, Frank Placke, Ulrich van Pels
  • VACUUM INSULATION GLASS PANEL AND REFRIGERATOR HAVING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130214664
    Abstract: A vacuum insulation glass panel includes a pair of insulation glass stacked with a predetermined interval therebetween, a plurality of spacers to support the pair of insulation glass at multiple points within a support area defined in a vacuum layer between the pair of insulation glass, and a non-conductive sealing portion disposed along edges of the pair of insulation glass to make the support area air-tight from the exterior. Also, a refrigerator with the vacuum insulation glass panel is disclosed. Therefore, the non-conductive sealing portion is located at the edge portions of the pair of insulation glass, which are stacked by each other to define the vacuum layer, which allows preventing of a shape deformation due to changes in external temperature and reducing of heat transfer coefficient down to a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
  • Housing for a household appliance
    Patent number: 8511768
    Abstract: A housing for a cabinet-like household appliance has a body and at least one door, which is connected to the body in a manner that enables it to swivel due to the provision of at least one first and one second multiple-articulation hinge. The door is supported on an upper supporting surface of the first multiple-articulation hinge and on a lower supporting surface of the second multiple-articulation hinge by means of at least one shim inserted between the door and at least one of the supporting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Brachert
  • French door hinge system for oven
    Patent number: 8510991
    Abstract: A French door oven includes a body defining a cooking chamber with an open mouth. First and second doors are respectively connected to the body adjacent opposite first and second opposite lateral sides of the mouth and are adapted to pivot about respective first and second vertical pivot axes between an opened position in which the first and second doors are pivoted away from the mouth and a closed position in which the first and second doors cover the mouth and define a seam between their adjacent respective inner edges. The oven includes a door movement control system for controlling movement of the doors between their opened and closed positions. The door movement control system includes a door movement control plate including a door movement slot including an inner portion and an outer portion, the outer portion closer to the mouth than the inner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mansfield Engineered Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Collene
  • DOOR FOR REFRIGERATOR AND REFRIGERATOR HAVING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130207530
    Abstract: A door for a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The door includes an upper door member disposed in an upper portion and a lower door member disposed under the upper door member and spaced apart from the upper door member. The door also includes a dispenser housing positioned between the upper door member and the lower door member and inwardly depressed to allow a dispenser having a discharge duct for discharging water and/or ice to be installed therein. The door further includes a coupling member that couples the dispenser housing to the upper door member or the lower door member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: LG Electronics Inc.
  • Refrigerator with step adjustment device
    Patent number: 8506026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator capable of adjusting a step difference of a refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a body, a door opening/closing the body, a hinge member having a hinge shaft to be coupled with the door, a mounting member fixed to the body to receive the hinge member, and an adjusting unit coupled with the hinge member to adjust a step difference of the door by moving the hinge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Youn Kim, Man Soon Im
  • Refrigerator with door opening device
    Patent number: 8506028
    Abstract: A refrigerator which allows a user to easily open a door of the refrigerator with a small force is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a main body having an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment defined on upper and lower sides, a door which slides to open and close any one of the storage compartments, a handle which is disposed at an upper portion of the door to be vertically rotatable, a plurality of push members which move to advanced positions from retreated positions in connection with a vertical rotation of the handle to separate the door from the main body, and an elastic member which is disposed between at least one of the push members and the door to restore the push members to the retreated positions when an external force is removed from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Jae Myung Han, Jong Eon Si
  • Thermoplastic refrigeration appliance handle with overmolded inserts
    Patent number: 8506027
    Abstract: A door handle configured for mounting onto a surface of an appliance door, such as a refrigerator door, includes a thermoplastic molded body having a central grip section intermediate of a mounting foot provided at each opposite end of the body. Each mounting foot has a flat planar cross-sectional end face configured for mounting flush against the surface of the appliance. A tubular metal insert is overmolded in each mounting foot, with the insert having an open end generally flush with the mounting foot end face. The insert has an inner cross-sectional profile configured for engagement over a stud provided on the surface of the appliance with, for example, a setscrew inserted through a setscrew hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Thomas Klaus, Robert Dennis Halleron
  • Closure element
    Publication number: 20130200772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure element for a chest refrigerator and/or chest freezer, wherein the closure element has at least one first sliding cover and wherein at least one limiting means is provided which limits the path by which the first sliding cover is displaceable. In accordance with the invention, the limiting means is arranged on the lower side of the sliding cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE LIENZ GMBH
    Inventor: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE LIENZ GMBH
  • Refrigerated cabinet with door assembly
    Patent number: 8500224
    Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet includes a door assembly for closing a cooling chamber. The door assembly includes a door supported by pivot bearings being configured to pivot about a vertical axis between a closed position and an opened position. Rails arranged substantially parallel to a side wall of the refrigerated cabinet are configured to displaceably support the pivot bearings of the door. The door is displaceable in the rails between a use position in front of the cooling chamber, in which the door is pivotable between the opened position and the closed position, and a parking position next to the cooling chamber, in which the door cannot be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Remis Gesellschaft fuer Entwicklung und Vertrieb Technischer Elemente mbH
    Inventor: Erik Moeller
  • Built-in refrigerator provided with a water and drinks dispenser
    Patent number: 8499579
    Abstract: A built-in refrigerator includes a water and drinks dispenser, or an ice maker, placed on the outside of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator is installed in a modular kitchen furniture unit provided with a door panel. A sliding connection between the dispenser and the door panel of the furniture unit allows the simultaneous opening and closing of the door and the door panel and, when the door is in the closed position, prevents residual liquids or solids from falling into the air space existing between the door and the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Armando Luisi, Fiorenzo Casoli
  • Refrigerator Having a Disbursed Cooling Air Stream Directed Upwardly From a Pressurized Plenum
    Publication number: 20130192799
    Abstract: In a refrigerator, warm air is collected or drawn into a warm air return duct opening located at or near the top of the refrigerated space instead of the bottom. The warm air is passed through an evaporator where it cools. The cooled air is driven into a pressurized plenum located at the bottom of the refrigerated space. The plenum is defined by a screen extending across the bottom of the refrigerated space. Air in the plenum passes through holes in the screen and driven upward. The air flow inside the refrigerator is thus upwardly, i.e., from the bottom to the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE, LLC.
    Inventors: Travis Yoch, Isaac Daniel Beaver, Casimir August Sienkiewicz, Nicholas Scott Johnson, Christoper Lyons
  • VERSCHLUSSELEMENT
    Publication number: 20130193827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure element, in particular to a cover or door, for a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit, wherein the closure element has at least one blocking means or is connected thereto, which blocking means is movable into a release position and into a locked position, wherein the blocking means is arranged such that the closure element or a part of the closure element cannot be opened in the locked position of the blocking means, wherein at least one displaceably arranged covering is provided which is movable into different positions, and wherein the covering covers the blocking means or an opening leading to the blocking means in a first position and releases it for use in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE LIENZ GMBH
    Inventor: Liebherr-Hausgerate Lienz GmbH
  • Refrigerator door pocket hinge assembly
    Patent number: 8491070
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with a casing in the form of a shell that defines an internal storage compartment, such as a freezer or fresh-food section. A door is configured on the casing to provide access to the storage compartment, with the door closing on front edges of the casing. A hinge assembly connects the door to the casing and includes a hinge bracket having an insert end that extends through one of the front edges, for example the top front edge, and is fixed to an internal surface of the casing. The hinge bracket has an opposite end that is rotationally connected to the door for hinged support of the door on the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew William Davis, Wayne Edward Lawson, Scott Gabriel Brown
  • REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20130181592
    Abstract: An exemplary refrigerator that can comprise a housing sized to be placed on a countertop and a door associated with the housing. The door can have an inner surface that contacts an opening surface of the housing when closed, wherein a significant portion of the inner surface is provided within a plane, and at least a part of the inner surface includes a curve that protrudes from the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: EMS Mind Reader LLC
    Inventor: EMS Mind Reader LLC
  • REFRIGERATOR HAVING STORAGE CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20130169139
    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: Moongyo JUNG, Jindong KIM, Gyeongjin JANG, Myoungju KANG, Jihyun IM
  • WINE PRESENTER
    Publication number: 20130162133
    Abstract: A wine presenter is provided for presenting one or more bottles of wine. The wine presenter has a base portion configured to support the wine presenter, a foot portion operatively coupled to a bottom side of the base portion and configured to rest the wine presenter on a surface, and an elongated portion having a bottom end, a top end, a front side, and a back side. The elongated portion is operatively coupled to the base portion at the bottom end and extends in an orthogonal direction from the base portion and the elongated portion has one or more grooves configured to hold at least a portion of a wine bottle. The wine presenter is configured to hold one or more wine bottles on both the front side and the back side of the elongated portion of the wine presenter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Ziya Arslankiray, Phelan Miller, Laura Ringemann, Andrew Roberson