CA2103282A1 - Energy efficient refrigerator seal and method - Google Patents
Energy efficient refrigerator seal and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2103282A1 CA2103282A1 CA 2103282 CA2103282A CA2103282A1 CA 2103282 A1 CA2103282 A1 CA 2103282A1 CA 2103282 CA2103282 CA 2103282 CA 2103282 A CA2103282 A CA 2103282A CA 2103282 A1 CA2103282 A1 CA 2103282A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- component
- extending
- door
- set forth
- magnetic seal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION:
A magnetic seal for releasably sealing the door and cabinet of a thermally insulated container, while reducing heat transfer between an interior volume and an exterior of the container. A retainer is affixed to the cabinet or the door and defines a first planar surface, and a flexible magnetic seal gasket defines a second planar surface.
The gasket is affixed to the retainer by tape which includes a layer of thermally insulating material having adhesive on both sides thereof. The layer reduces heat flow from the exterior to the interior volume of the cabinet.
A magnetic seal for releasably sealing the door and cabinet of a thermally insulated container, while reducing heat transfer between an interior volume and an exterior of the container. A retainer is affixed to the cabinet or the door and defines a first planar surface, and a flexible magnetic seal gasket defines a second planar surface.
The gasket is affixed to the retainer by tape which includes a layer of thermally insulating material having adhesive on both sides thereof. The layer reduces heat flow from the exterior to the interior volume of the cabinet.
Description
3 2 ~ :2 --ENERGY EFFICIENT REFRIGER~TOR SEAL AND MEI~OD
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BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTION:
, 1. Technical Field:
. The present invention relates generally to thermally insulated containers, and more .
particularly to an apparatus and method for affixing a magnetic seal gasket to a therrnally S insulated container.
~, . ~ .
~` 2. Discussiom Thermally insulated containers have many applications, including refrigerators and - freezers. These containers are usually constructed of a box-shaped cabinet and a door -- for covering an opening of said cabinet and thereby enclosing an interior volume which .
10 is thermaliy insulated from the exterior of the container. 'The door is generally releasably sealed to the edges of the cabinet by a magnetic seal and gasket assembly affixed to the -door of the container. The magnet in the seal gasket assembly attracts an outer metal ' shell of the cabinet when the door is in a closed position, thus forming a releasable . - . .
~ magnetic seal between the door and the cabinet.
;`` lS With reference to the drawings, releasable magnetic seals according to the prior art are shown in figures I and 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a magnetic seal indicated generally at 10 is affixed to a box-shaped cabinet 12 and forms a releasable j' magnetic seal with a door 14 of the thermally insu]ated container. Cabinet 12 and door ,~ 14 are each similarly constructed of a metal outer shell 16 and 1~ and a hard plastic 20 inner liner 20 and 22, as weli as insulation 24 and 26 which is placed in a gap between them.
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. . - . Magnetic seal 10 is formed of a retainer 28 and a flexible seal gasket 30. Retainer 28 has outer side walls 32 and 34? retaining lips 36 and 38, plateaus 40 and 42, inner side walls 44 and 46, retainer flanges 48 and 50, and a U-shaped channel 52. Outer side walls 32 and 34 cooperate with retaining lips 36 and 38 to form a first and second channel for 5 accepting inner liner 20 and gripping outer shell 16 respectively. Seal gasket 30 is formed with a base 54, side walls 56 and 58, outwardly ]aterally extending flanges 60 and 62, flexible webs 64 and 66, a sleeve 68 for closing a magnet 70, a post 74, and a dart 72.
`' Seal gasket 30 rests on retainer 28, with its flanges 60 and 62 in contact with plateaus 40 . ~ and 42 formed on retainer 28. Seal gasket 30 is held in place by dart 72 which extends within channel 52 and engages retainer flanges 48 and 50. Flexible webs 64 and 66 allow .~ sleeve 68 and 70 to move in a transverse direction, and post 74 supports sleeve 58 and magnet 70 from impacts of door 14. Magnet 70 attracts outer shell 18 of door 14 when it is in a closed position, and thus forms a releasable magnetic seal between cabinet 12 and door 14.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, magnetic seal 76 is formed similar to ~, magnetic seal 10. Identical reference numerals indicate similar elements. Seal gasket 78 is constructed almost identically to seal gasket 30. Retainer 80 has a base 82; inner side walls 84 and 86; plateaus 88 and 90; anchoring ribs 92; a dead air space 94 which ~- is defined by side wall 32, retaining lip 36, and an end wall 95; and dead air spaces 96 , 1, `?~:: 20 and 98.
~1 It is desirable that the thermally insulated container allow as little heat transfer as possible between the interior volume and the exterior of the container. A
,~j . refrigeration system incorporating a more insulated container will generally be more energy efficient. However, magnetic seals of the prior art have generally allowed heat .~.................... .
-i : 2 103'~g2 -to flow from the exterior into the interior of the container. As a result, it is therefore desirable to provide a magnetic seal which will reduce heat flow between the interior volume and the exterior of the container.
SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION:
The present invention provides a magnetic seal for releasably sealing the door and box-shaped cabinet of a thermally insulated container together. The magnetic seal consists of a retainer which defines a first planar surface and is affixed to either the cabinet or the door, a seal gasket which encloses a magnet and defines a second planar surface, and tape which includes a layer of thermally insulating material having adhesive .~ 10 on both sides thereof which is placed between the retainer and seal gasket so that the ' adhesive affixes the seal gasket to the retainer. The layer of thermally insulating material reduces heat transfer between an interior volume and an exterior of the thermally ;
insulated container.
These and other various advantages and features of the present invention will 15 become apparent from the following description and claims, in conjunction vith the ... .
-= appended drawings: ~;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic seal gasket according to the prior ~ art;
`~ 20 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;
` Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of a magnetic seal ` gasket according to the prior art; and 3 ~ ' ' 32 ~ 2 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- DEIAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:
The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in 5 nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or its application or uses.
With reference to the drawings, the novel releasable magnetic seals according to the present invention are shown in Figures 2 and 4. In the drawings, identical reference !` numerals are used to indicate similar elements. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, ..~
a magnetic seal shown generally at 100 is affixed to a cabinet 102, and forms a releasable 10 magnetic seal with a door 104 of the thermally insulated container. Magnetic seal 100 may alternatively be affixed to door 104, thereby forming a releasable magnetic seal with `. cabinet 102.
`~ Cabinet 102 and door 104 are each similarly formed of an outer shell 106 and 108 ii and an inner liner 110 and 112, as well as insulation 114 and 116 placed in a gap - .
; ~ 15 therebetween. Outer shells 106 and 108 are preferably formed of metal, and inner liners ' 110 and 112 are preferably made of hard plastic.
Magnetic seal 100 is preferably formed of a hard plastic retainer 118 and a fJexib]e plastic seal gasket 120. Retainer 118 extends longitudinally along an edge of cabinet 102 and is formed in cross-section wilh transversely extending outer side walls 122 and 124, , 2U retaining lips 126 and 128 extending substantially parallel to side walls 122 and 124, laterally extending plateaus 130 and 132, inner side walls 134 and 136 each extending transversely, and a retainer base 138 which extends laterally and defines a first planar ` surface. Outer side wall 124 cooperates with retaining lip 128 to form a first channel for ., ~
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; ~ accepting and gripping outer shell 106. Outer side wall 122 cooperates retaining lip 126 to form a second channel for receiving and gripping inner liner 110.
Seal gasket 120 extends longitl~dinally and is formed in cross-section of a gasket - base 140 extending laterally, side walls 142 and 144 extending transversely from the ends of base 140, ollt~vardly laterally extending f1anges 146 and 148, flexible webs 150 and lS2, a sleeve 154 enclosing a magnet 156, and a post 158. Flexible webs 150 and 152 extend from sleeve 154 to flanges 146 and 148 respectively, and i2110w sleeve 154 and magnet 156 .,~
.
to move a transverse direction for absorbing impacts of door 104 against seal 100. Post - 158 supports sleeve 154 and magnet 156 from collapsing excessively under impacts hy ;
. 10 door 104. Magnet 156 is attracted to outer shell 10~3 of door ]04 when it is in a closed 'i position, thereby forming a releasable magnet seal between cabinet 102 and door 104. ~:
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~` Seal gasket ]20 is held in place and affixed to retainer 118 by tape 160 which includes a layer of thermally insulating material and has an adhesive on both sides ~i ~ thereof. Tape 160 may preferably be made of closed cell foam. Tape 160 is placed 5 between, and adheres to, the first and second planar surfaces defined by retainer base .i 138 and gasket base 140 respectively.
.' . Because tape 160 includes a layer of thermally insulating material, tape 160 ~ provides insulation for reducing heat transfer between an interior volume of the thermally ,, :: :
insulated container and an exterior of the container. As a result, the novel magnetic seal ?~ 20 of the present invention improves heat transfer insulation characteristics which increase the efficiency of the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, the present invention improves the ease of assembly of the magnetic seal.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4~ in which seal gasket 162 is formed substantially similar IO seal gaskel 120. Retainer 164 is ;~.
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BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTION:
, 1. Technical Field:
. The present invention relates generally to thermally insulated containers, and more .
particularly to an apparatus and method for affixing a magnetic seal gasket to a therrnally S insulated container.
~, . ~ .
~` 2. Discussiom Thermally insulated containers have many applications, including refrigerators and - freezers. These containers are usually constructed of a box-shaped cabinet and a door -- for covering an opening of said cabinet and thereby enclosing an interior volume which .
10 is thermaliy insulated from the exterior of the container. 'The door is generally releasably sealed to the edges of the cabinet by a magnetic seal and gasket assembly affixed to the -door of the container. The magnet in the seal gasket assembly attracts an outer metal ' shell of the cabinet when the door is in a closed position, thus forming a releasable . - . .
~ magnetic seal between the door and the cabinet.
;`` lS With reference to the drawings, releasable magnetic seals according to the prior art are shown in figures I and 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a magnetic seal indicated generally at 10 is affixed to a box-shaped cabinet 12 and forms a releasable j' magnetic seal with a door 14 of the thermally insu]ated container. Cabinet 12 and door ,~ 14 are each similarly constructed of a metal outer shell 16 and 1~ and a hard plastic 20 inner liner 20 and 22, as weli as insulation 24 and 26 which is placed in a gap between them.
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. . - . Magnetic seal 10 is formed of a retainer 28 and a flexible seal gasket 30. Retainer 28 has outer side walls 32 and 34? retaining lips 36 and 38, plateaus 40 and 42, inner side walls 44 and 46, retainer flanges 48 and 50, and a U-shaped channel 52. Outer side walls 32 and 34 cooperate with retaining lips 36 and 38 to form a first and second channel for 5 accepting inner liner 20 and gripping outer shell 16 respectively. Seal gasket 30 is formed with a base 54, side walls 56 and 58, outwardly ]aterally extending flanges 60 and 62, flexible webs 64 and 66, a sleeve 68 for closing a magnet 70, a post 74, and a dart 72.
`' Seal gasket 30 rests on retainer 28, with its flanges 60 and 62 in contact with plateaus 40 . ~ and 42 formed on retainer 28. Seal gasket 30 is held in place by dart 72 which extends within channel 52 and engages retainer flanges 48 and 50. Flexible webs 64 and 66 allow .~ sleeve 68 and 70 to move in a transverse direction, and post 74 supports sleeve 58 and magnet 70 from impacts of door 14. Magnet 70 attracts outer shell 18 of door 14 when it is in a closed position, and thus forms a releasable magnetic seal between cabinet 12 and door 14.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, magnetic seal 76 is formed similar to ~, magnetic seal 10. Identical reference numerals indicate similar elements. Seal gasket 78 is constructed almost identically to seal gasket 30. Retainer 80 has a base 82; inner side walls 84 and 86; plateaus 88 and 90; anchoring ribs 92; a dead air space 94 which ~- is defined by side wall 32, retaining lip 36, and an end wall 95; and dead air spaces 96 , 1, `?~:: 20 and 98.
~1 It is desirable that the thermally insulated container allow as little heat transfer as possible between the interior volume and the exterior of the container. A
,~j . refrigeration system incorporating a more insulated container will generally be more energy efficient. However, magnetic seals of the prior art have generally allowed heat .~.................... .
-i : 2 103'~g2 -to flow from the exterior into the interior of the container. As a result, it is therefore desirable to provide a magnetic seal which will reduce heat flow between the interior volume and the exterior of the container.
SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION:
The present invention provides a magnetic seal for releasably sealing the door and box-shaped cabinet of a thermally insulated container together. The magnetic seal consists of a retainer which defines a first planar surface and is affixed to either the cabinet or the door, a seal gasket which encloses a magnet and defines a second planar surface, and tape which includes a layer of thermally insulating material having adhesive .~ 10 on both sides thereof which is placed between the retainer and seal gasket so that the ' adhesive affixes the seal gasket to the retainer. The layer of thermally insulating material reduces heat transfer between an interior volume and an exterior of the thermally ;
insulated container.
These and other various advantages and features of the present invention will 15 become apparent from the following description and claims, in conjunction vith the ... .
-= appended drawings: ~;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic seal gasket according to the prior ~ art;
`~ 20 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;
` Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of a magnetic seal ` gasket according to the prior art; and 3 ~ ' ' 32 ~ 2 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- DEIAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:
The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in 5 nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or its application or uses.
With reference to the drawings, the novel releasable magnetic seals according to the present invention are shown in Figures 2 and 4. In the drawings, identical reference !` numerals are used to indicate similar elements. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, ..~
a magnetic seal shown generally at 100 is affixed to a cabinet 102, and forms a releasable 10 magnetic seal with a door 104 of the thermally insulated container. Magnetic seal 100 may alternatively be affixed to door 104, thereby forming a releasable magnetic seal with `. cabinet 102.
`~ Cabinet 102 and door 104 are each similarly formed of an outer shell 106 and 108 ii and an inner liner 110 and 112, as well as insulation 114 and 116 placed in a gap - .
; ~ 15 therebetween. Outer shells 106 and 108 are preferably formed of metal, and inner liners ' 110 and 112 are preferably made of hard plastic.
Magnetic seal 100 is preferably formed of a hard plastic retainer 118 and a fJexib]e plastic seal gasket 120. Retainer 118 extends longitudinally along an edge of cabinet 102 and is formed in cross-section wilh transversely extending outer side walls 122 and 124, , 2U retaining lips 126 and 128 extending substantially parallel to side walls 122 and 124, laterally extending plateaus 130 and 132, inner side walls 134 and 136 each extending transversely, and a retainer base 138 which extends laterally and defines a first planar ` surface. Outer side wall 124 cooperates with retaining lip 128 to form a first channel for ., ~
~ 4 ` 2~0~2'~2 `; C~
; ~ accepting and gripping outer shell 106. Outer side wall 122 cooperates retaining lip 126 to form a second channel for receiving and gripping inner liner 110.
Seal gasket 120 extends longitl~dinally and is formed in cross-section of a gasket - base 140 extending laterally, side walls 142 and 144 extending transversely from the ends of base 140, ollt~vardly laterally extending f1anges 146 and 148, flexible webs 150 and lS2, a sleeve 154 enclosing a magnet 156, and a post 158. Flexible webs 150 and 152 extend from sleeve 154 to flanges 146 and 148 respectively, and i2110w sleeve 154 and magnet 156 .,~
.
to move a transverse direction for absorbing impacts of door 104 against seal 100. Post - 158 supports sleeve 154 and magnet 156 from collapsing excessively under impacts hy ;
. 10 door 104. Magnet 156 is attracted to outer shell 10~3 of door ]04 when it is in a closed 'i position, thereby forming a releasable magnet seal between cabinet 102 and door 104. ~:
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~` Seal gasket ]20 is held in place and affixed to retainer 118 by tape 160 which includes a layer of thermally insulating material and has an adhesive on both sides ~i ~ thereof. Tape 160 may preferably be made of closed cell foam. Tape 160 is placed 5 between, and adheres to, the first and second planar surfaces defined by retainer base .i 138 and gasket base 140 respectively.
.' . Because tape 160 includes a layer of thermally insulating material, tape 160 ~ provides insulation for reducing heat transfer between an interior volume of the thermally ,, :: :
insulated container and an exterior of the container. As a result, the novel magnetic seal ?~ 20 of the present invention improves heat transfer insulation characteristics which increase the efficiency of the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, the present invention improves the ease of assembly of the magnetic seal.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4~ in which seal gasket 162 is formed substantially similar IO seal gaskel 120. Retainer 164 is ;~.
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constructed with a base 166, inner side walls 168 and 170, plateaus 172 and 174,` anchoring ribs 17S, an end wall 178, and dead air spaces 180, 182 and 184.
~; It should be understood that an unlimited number of configurations of the present invention can be realized. The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely ~ 5 exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily ;` recognize from the discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and .- scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.
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~; It should be understood that an unlimited number of configurations of the present invention can be realized. The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely ~ 5 exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily ;` recognize from the discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and .- scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.
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Claims (21)
1. A magnetic seal for releasably sealing a first and second component of a thermally insulated container together, comprising:
said first and second components each having an outer shell and an inner liner being mutually spaced apart and having a thermally insulating material in a gap between said shell and liner;
a retainer affixed to said first component and defining a first planar surface;
a seal gasket enclosing a magnet and defining a second planar surface; and a tape having an adhesive on a first and second side thereof and being located such that said first and second sides are in contacting relationship with said first and second planar surfaces, thereby affixing said seal gasket to said retainer, said magnet being attracted to said second component when said first and second components are in a closed position in which said components of said container define an interior volume within said container, thereby forming a releasable magnetic seal between said first and second components, said tape being formed of a thermally insulating material to reduce heat transfer between said interior volume and an exterior of said container.
said first and second components each having an outer shell and an inner liner being mutually spaced apart and having a thermally insulating material in a gap between said shell and liner;
a retainer affixed to said first component and defining a first planar surface;
a seal gasket enclosing a magnet and defining a second planar surface; and a tape having an adhesive on a first and second side thereof and being located such that said first and second sides are in contacting relationship with said first and second planar surfaces, thereby affixing said seal gasket to said retainer, said magnet being attracted to said second component when said first and second components are in a closed position in which said components of said container define an interior volume within said container, thereby forming a releasable magnetic seal between said first and second components, said tape being formed of a thermally insulating material to reduce heat transfer between said interior volume and an exterior of said container.
2. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said first component is formed as a box-shaped cabinet defining an opening, and said second component is formed as a door formed to cover said opening when said door is in said closed position.
3. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said first component is formed as a door and said second component is formed as a box-shaped cabinet defining an opening, said door being formed to cover said opening when said door is in said closed position.
4. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said seal gasket has a base extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction which defines said second planar surface; a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction from one of two laterally spaced ends on said base; a first and second flange each extending laterally outwardly from said first and second side walls respectively, said flanges being transversely spaced from said base; a sleeve for enclosing said magnet; and a first and second flexible web each extending between said sleeve and said first and second flanges respectively.
5. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said seal gasket has a post for supporting said sleeve and enclosed magnet against impacts of said second component when said first and second components are placed in said closed position.
6. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said retainer has a base extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction which defines said first planar surface;
a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction; a first and second retaining lip each extending in said transverse direction and being affixed to said first and second side walls respectively, said first side wall and first retaining lip cooperating to form a first channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said shell of said first component, said second side wall and second retaining lip cooperating to form a second channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said liner of said first component.
a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction; a first and second retaining lip each extending in said transverse direction and being affixed to said first and second side walls respectively, said first side wall and first retaining lip cooperating to form a first channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said shell of said first component, said second side wall and second retaining lip cooperating to form a second channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said liner of said first component.
7. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said flexible webs allow said sleeve and enclosed magnet to move in a transverse direction.
8. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said outer shells are fomed of metal and said inner liners are formed of plastic.
9. A magnetic seal for releasably sealing a first and second component of a thermally insulated container, comprising:
said first and second components each having an outer shell and an inner liner being mutually spaced apart and having a thermally insulating material in a gap between said shell and liner;
a retainer affixed to said first component having a retainer base extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction and defining a first planar surface, a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction, a first and second retaining lip each extending in said transverse direction and being affixed to said first and second side walls respectively, said first side wall and first retaining lip forming a first channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said outer shell of said first component, said second side wall and second retaining lip forming a second channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said inner liner;
a seal gasket being formed of a gasket base extending laterally and longitudinally and defining a second planar surface, a first and second side wall each extending transversely from one of two laterally spaced ends of said gasket base, a first and second flange each extending laterally outwardly from said side walls respectively, said flanges being transversely spaced from said gasket base, a sleeve enclosing a magnet, and a first and second flexible web each extending between said sleeve and said first and second flanges respectively, said magnet attracting said outer shell of said second component and releasably sealing said first and second components together when said components are in a closed position; and a tape having an adhesive on a first and second side thereof extending longitudinally and laterally and being located such that said first and second sides are in contacting relationship with said first and second planar surfaces, thereby affixing said seal gasket to said retainer, said tape being formed of a thermally insulating material for reducing heat transfer between an interior of said cabinet and an exterior of said cabinet.
said first and second components each having an outer shell and an inner liner being mutually spaced apart and having a thermally insulating material in a gap between said shell and liner;
a retainer affixed to said first component having a retainer base extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction and defining a first planar surface, a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction, a first and second retaining lip each extending in said transverse direction and being affixed to said first and second side walls respectively, said first side wall and first retaining lip forming a first channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said outer shell of said first component, said second side wall and second retaining lip forming a second channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said inner liner;
a seal gasket being formed of a gasket base extending laterally and longitudinally and defining a second planar surface, a first and second side wall each extending transversely from one of two laterally spaced ends of said gasket base, a first and second flange each extending laterally outwardly from said side walls respectively, said flanges being transversely spaced from said gasket base, a sleeve enclosing a magnet, and a first and second flexible web each extending between said sleeve and said first and second flanges respectively, said magnet attracting said outer shell of said second component and releasably sealing said first and second components together when said components are in a closed position; and a tape having an adhesive on a first and second side thereof extending longitudinally and laterally and being located such that said first and second sides are in contacting relationship with said first and second planar surfaces, thereby affixing said seal gasket to said retainer, said tape being formed of a thermally insulating material for reducing heat transfer between an interior of said cabinet and an exterior of said cabinet.
10. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said first component is formed as a box-shaped cabinet defining an opening, and said second component is formed as a door formed to cover said opening when said door is in said closed position.
11. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said first component is formed as a door and said second component is formed as a box-shaped cabinet defining an opening, said door being formed to cover said opening when said door is in said closed position.
12. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said outer shells are formed of metal and said inner liners are formed of plastic.
13. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said seal gasket has a post for supporting said sleeve and enclosed magnet against impacts of said second component when said first and second components are placed in said closed position.
14. The magnetic seal as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said flexible webs allow said sleeve and enclosed magnet to move in said transverse direction.
15. A method of affixing a magnetic seal gasket onto one component of a thermally insulated cabinet having a first and second component, comprising the steps of:
assembling each of said first and second components by placing an outer shell and an inner liner in spaced apart relationship, affixing a retainer defining a first planar surface onto an edge of said shell and an edge of said liner, and placing a thermally insulating material in a gap between said shell and said liner; and affixing a magnetic seal gasket to said retainer, said seal gasket defining a second planar surface and enclosing a magnet, by placing a tape having an adhesive on a first and second side in contacting relationship between said first and second planar surfaces, said tape being formed of a thermally insulating material for reducing heat transfer between an interior of said container and an exterior of said container when said magnet forms a releasable magnetic seal between said first and second components.
assembling each of said first and second components by placing an outer shell and an inner liner in spaced apart relationship, affixing a retainer defining a first planar surface onto an edge of said shell and an edge of said liner, and placing a thermally insulating material in a gap between said shell and said liner; and affixing a magnetic seal gasket to said retainer, said seal gasket defining a second planar surface and enclosing a magnet, by placing a tape having an adhesive on a first and second side in contacting relationship between said first and second planar surfaces, said tape being formed of a thermally insulating material for reducing heat transfer between an interior of said container and an exterior of said container when said magnet forms a releasable magnetic seal between said first and second components.
16. The method as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said first component is formed as a box-shaped cabinet defining an opening, and said second component is formed as a door formed to cover said opening when said door is in said closed position.
17. The method as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said first component is formed as a door and said second component is formed as a box-shaped cabinet defining an opening, said door being formed to cover said opening when said door is in said closed position.
18. The method as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said seal gasket has a base extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction which defines said second planar surface;
a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction from one of two laterally spaced ends on said base; a first and second flange each extending laterally outwardly from said first and second side walls respectively, said flanges being transversely spaced from said base; a sleeve for enclosing said magnet; and a first and second flexible web each extending between said sleeve and said first and second flanges respectively.
a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction from one of two laterally spaced ends on said base; a first and second flange each extending laterally outwardly from said first and second side walls respectively, said flanges being transversely spaced from said base; a sleeve for enclosing said magnet; and a first and second flexible web each extending between said sleeve and said first and second flanges respectively.
19. The method as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said seal gasket has a post for supporting said sleeve and enclosed magnet against impacts of said second component when said first and second components are placed in said closed position.
20. The method as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said retainer has a base extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction which defines said first planar surface;
a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction; a first and second retaining lip each extending in said transverse direction and being affixed to said first and second side walls respectively, said first side wall and first retaining lip cooperating to form a first channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said shell of said first component, said second side wall and second retaining lip cooperating to form a second channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said liner of said first component.
a first and second side wall each extending in a transverse direction; a first and second retaining lip each extending in said transverse direction and being affixed to said first and second side walls respectively, said first side wall and first retaining lip cooperating to form a first channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said shell of said first component, said second side wall and second retaining lip cooperating to form a second channel for accepting and gripping an edge of said liner of said first component.
21. The method as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said flexible webs allow said sleeve and enclosed magnet to move in a transverse direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US588393A | 1993-01-15 | 1993-01-15 | |
| US005,883 | 1993-01-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2103282A1 true CA2103282A1 (en) | 1994-07-16 |
Family
ID=21718192
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2103282 Abandoned CA2103282A1 (en) | 1993-01-15 | 1993-11-17 | Energy efficient refrigerator seal and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2103282A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105222485A (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2016-01-06 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | A kind of refrigerator door strip of paper used for sealing |
| CN106940114A (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2017-07-11 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Inside door is sealed seal structure and refrigeration plant |
-
1993
- 1993-11-17 CA CA 2103282 patent/CA2103282A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105222485A (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2016-01-06 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | A kind of refrigerator door strip of paper used for sealing |
| CN106940114A (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2017-07-11 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Inside door is sealed seal structure and refrigeration plant |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |