FR2780146A1 - Refrigerator panel for applying a vacuum to removable containers that are kept within - Google Patents

Abstract

In a refrigerator or freezer an original panel is removed and replaced by a ready to fit panel which has splined wheels (2) for height adjustment and slider tracks (3) to facilitate the movement of food compartments. The panel has a system of pipe work, automatically operated switches and valves on it's underside which enable incoming food compartments to be placed under vacuum and air to be restored to outgoing compartments.

Description

The present invention relates to a vacuum device intended for

improve conservation of

  food in a fridge and / or freezer.

  This device can be coupled to a dependent or autonomous external box or cabinet.

  It is a ready-to-assemble set with multiple options, modular and reusable from one refrigerator to another.

  It is designed so as to avoid strengthening the refrigerator since it is not itself under vacuum.

  It does not require a specially adapted compartment.

  The system used only requires to plan the passage of pipes, of small diameter and therefore the setting

  duct space for the passage of pipes.

  This operation can be planned before foaming the carcass of the refrigerator.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

  FIG 1 and FIG 2 show the tray of option 1 open in two parts.

  In a refrigerator, the original tray serves as a vegetable drawer top, it has a circumference giving it a certain rigidity, sometimes it is reinforced by a metal rod placed below and is placed

  in the refrigerator rails.

  This will be removed to be replaced by the option 1 tray.

  In FIG 1 which represents the top of the tray, there are holes (1). These holes intended to receive the screws which serve to hold the underside of the plate (FIG 2) are placed around and not below to avoid

  air infiltration, because this tray will serve as a cover for the vegetable bins below.

  On each side there are two wheels (2). It is an adjustment system that we find detailed in FIG

11.

  The wheel (2) has on its internal face a cylinder (65) centered in the center, this cylinder has grooves

  longitudinal identical to those in the orifice (66) intended to receive it.

  After determining the height by rotating the wheel (2), it fits into the hole (66), it is pushed in) then more or less to determine the width, it then remains to tighten the screws (70) placed laterally relative to the cylinder, each screw (70) will be accessible through a hole placed on top of the slide (3). These

  slides (3) are four in number and serve to guide the bins of option 2.

  Still in FIG 11 on the wheel (2), there is an orifice (71), a hollow screw (69) passes through a support (67) which pivots on the hollow screw which serves as its pivot axis, l the assembly will be fitted into the hole (71) of the wheel (2), then will be held in place by the screw (68) tightened in the hollow screw (69), the supports (67)

  will be supported in the refrigerator and / or freezer slides.

  However, this adjustment system will be optional in the event of exclusivity for a refrigerator and / or freezer manufacturer, a specific fixing system will be adopted. In FIG I there is a plug (4), it is used to close the orifice (37 FIG 2) which is used to transplant the vacuum outlet which is located on the base of the tray (FIG 2). This system is detailed FIG 5. There is a vacuum system after passage of the pipe (34) in the rear part of the refrigerator and / or freezer, it is fitted on a convex suction cup (32) and then replaced in the hole (33) provided for this purpose, the concave suction cup (35) will be fitted and glued in the part

  internal support (11) intended to receive it.

  A tab (36) which passes inside the suction cups will open the vacuum outlet of the system (31) which can be distinguished FIG 9. In this figure there are three variants, the one which interests us is the variant (31 ). this system is fixed in the suction cup (32 FIG 5) which has a housing intended to receive it, the nozzle (49) of the -2- system (31) will be fitted on the pipe (34 FIG 5) and will keep an opening ( 50) free, (of the three variants

  the orifice (50) is that which is not blocked by the valve).

  The system (31) therefore has two end pieces (49 and 50) which are orifices and a shutter (53), this shutter will always be in front of a suction orifice (49), in this way in the relaxed position this shutter will be pressed by the 'suction, and it is mandatory to exert pressure on the tip (52) to open the shutter (53). So as we see in FIG 5 it is the tongue (36) which comes to press on the nozzle

  (52) to open the shutter (53 FIB 9) when the tray is put in place.

  The three detailed systems FIG 9 are waterproof and the rubber end piece (52) receives the polyamide end piece (48), the diameter of the end piece (52) being greater than that of the end piece (48) a very small one. stroke will suffice to open the shutter (51). Still FIG 9 variants 14 and 15 are different from variant (31) in that the end piece (48) is straight and the end piece (50) is placed on the right side for variant 15 and on the

left side for variant 14.

  In FIG 1 there are also several orifices (5) intended to receive the tray of option 2. They

  serve to hold it securely, apart from the orifice of the plug (4) intended for taking vacuum.

  Again in FIG 1 there are two sliders (6) which will serve to hold the tray in place once its height

set see FIG 6.

  The polyamide cursor (6) fits inside the upper part of the tray, on each side there is a cutout (40) and on the cursor (6) as well as around the cutout (40) a notching (38), the cursor rod is fitted into the hole (41) provided for this purpose, the cursor tongue (6) is then pushed outside the cutout (38), then the cursor is slightly moved back so that the tongue can take support on the edge of

  the outer face of the tray, in this way the tab of the cursor will stand out due to its flexibility.

  The rod of the cursor will fit into a nozzle (39) which will be mounted by drilling in the internal wall of the

  refrigerator (a small manual spin will be provided).

  In FIG 2, there is a first branch (18) close to the vacuum system (11), this makes it possible to

  double the installation shown in FIG 2, allowing two separate tanks to be used.

  When placing a tray under the tray, a pivoting system inside the handle of the tray allows you to close the air inlet to open the vacuum outlet and vice versa: see FIG 4: inside the handle of the tank, a flat piece (24) provided with two lugs (25) pivots up and down, on a central axis (30) held by a pivot (28). This pivot once the part (24) in place inside the handle of the tray, will be introduced into the axis (30) through an opening on the front of the handle of the tray, and will be fixed inside the handle in a cavity (and not a hole) intended to receive the end of the pivot (28). This pivot will be kept fitted thanks to a protuberance (29). Before fixing the part (24), there is introduced into it (in the middle of the part a cavity is provided) a spring (26) and a small part with a spherical head (27). Once in place the spherical head enters a rectangular housing with a flat bottom, which causes the workpiece to be maintained (24)

in the chosen position.

  On the top of the handle of the tank two cutouts are provided to allow the pins (25) to pass. These pins

  press on the vacuum systems (14 and 15 FIG 2) described previously in FIG 9.

  As seen in FIG 2 when a vacuum intake system (15) is open, the vacuum settles in the pipes T2 T3 T5 the pipes T1 being constantly under vacuum. Then when we switch to the left side under the

  handle of the tank, the air intake is opened, the vacuum intake then being closed.

33-

  The air is introduced into the pipes T2 T3 T5 the pipes T4 being constantly under air intake.

  Air is also introduced into the tank, freeing it from its position. T4 pipes are connected to small

  compartments (13) which receive a small filter replaceable from the front of the tray.

  The branches (18) are used to allow air or vacuum to enter the tanks.

  In the middle of the pipes T2 is a non-return valve (17) see FIG 7.

  This valve with its end piece (47) connected to the side corresponding to the tank and its end piece (42) on the vacuum intake side.

  These valves serve to prevent air communication (bacteria, etc.) between the tanks.

  Indeed if one or more neighboring tanks are in place under vacuum while I replace a tank that I have just used, when I open the vacuum, the other tank (s) being already under maximum vacuum, it will suck the air from tray that I replace, this air will pass through the piping (mixture of odors or other), so the valve (17) is intended to

  prevent this phenomenon of communication between tanks.

  Back to FIG 2, there is a tab (16), this tab is detailed in FIG 8. It is fitted on

  lugs (45) molded on the base of the plate.

  It has a part (44) intended to marry the shape of a nozzle (52) as well as a grip system.

  empty (15), it has a lug (43), intended to serve as a stop.

  We see below that it has an over thickness (46) whose diameter is less than that of its

  head, which leaves a rim around the periphery of the over thickness.

  FIG 2 we see the tongue mounted on the underside of the tray, below its head a hole whose diameter is greater than the thickness, but less than the head of the tongue. is intended to receive the extra thickness which will be accessible from below the tray. Only when the bin is not in place, because the handle of the

bac then makes it inaccessible.

  This tab is used, once the trays removed, to press above from below to open the air intake, the air then entering through the pipes T5 T2 and T1 allows to release the tray from its vacuum outlet

to clean it.

  Before that, you will have to return the sliders (6) to put it back in place, just push the tray,

  pull out the sliders to hold it in place.

  In FIG 3 we see the holes (19) intended to let pass the lugs (25 FIG 4) of the handles of trays, we also see on the over thickness of the tongue (16). The fitting (12) is mounted from above in the rubber part (20), installed in a leaktight manner, then a small grid (21) is fitted into it which is used to prevent

  food does not block the part (20).

  We can see in section Ai the underside of the plate and the seal as well as the edge of the tank.

  The underside of the tray has an extra thickness (75) allowing the edge of the tray (72) not to bend inward when the latter comes to bear on its seal (73), which has a double edge for better efficiency .

  The underside of the tray is reinforced inside with a metal plate for better resistance.

  The two plates (74) can be welded by ultrasound on each side of the metal plate which will be

  provided with the holes required for the system to operate.

  Still in FIG 3 we see that the tray (22) is provided with internal flanges (23) which allow the choice of dividing it by fitting partitions. In FIG 10 we see a tray (55) which will be placed below the trays, it has four articulated slides (54). When the trays reach the end of the slides (54), the surfaces (57) of the trays will tilt the parts (59) backwards, these parts (59) mounted on two pivot axes (61)

  will lift the slides (54), because the basic pivot is fixedly mounted in the plate (55).

  Cut-outs (63) are provided for this purpose.

  Two parts (58) have two orifices (60) identical to the part (59) are mounted in the same way as the latter, they accompany the slides in a vertical movement when the tray comes to push the rollers (64) of the part (59), this allowing the tanks to be pressed onto their seals (73). On the central part of the plate (55) two openings (62) are side by side, they can benefit from a pivot axis (61) more

  large and common to both rooms (58).

  For option 2 it always offers bins, but these are provided with a cover and can remain

  vacuum once removed from the refrigerator and / or freezer.

  The air filling system is described in FIG 12. It is installed on the front face of the cover.

  plastic part (76) will be fitted onto lugs (87), for this it has two orifices (82).

  It has in its center an orifice (83) which receives a small filter (89) from above (all the filters are the same as those used on the tray of option 1, the replacement system is the same). Then a part (88) perforated with small holes is fitted by a bayonet system from below, the cylindrical housing (83) has a rod (78) on which is housed a spring (77), when the part is put

  in place, this spring will enter a base (85).

  So when we press on the top of the part (76), the tongue (79) will come to press on the nozzle

  (52) and the cylindrical hole (80) will sink into the end piece (50) of the system (31) described in FIG 9.

  A tongue (81) takes place in the cavity (86) (it is not a cut there is a bottom) which while

  now in place, limits its course.

  FIG 13 presents the details of the vacuum system of option 2. The whole is contained in a box

  inside the option 2 tray.

  A plastic housing (104). in which two fixing supports (100) are molded, designed to receive a part (91) on which a concave suction cup (90) is fitted, will allow the suction cup (90)

  to have a slight horizontal movement because the part (91) is mounted on a pivot axis (101).

  A piping system identical to that mounted in the tray of option I is connected to the suction cup (90)

  via a fitting (12).

  The two vacuum systems (15 and 14) are mounted one above the other in the location

(105) intended to receive them.

  In the housing (104) two small tabs (93) receive a part (97).

  This piece (97) is fixed on the legs (93) after having been introduced into the location (102) provided for this

  indeed, a spring (95). This spring will be held on the other side in the location (94).

  The part (97) is then held on the legs (93) by a screw (92) which serves as a pivot axis the part (97) is provided above and below a small cavity (103) allowing it to fit between the two

  nozzles (52) of the vacuum or air intake systems (14 and 15).

  The part (97) once in place keeps the system (15) open by means of the spring (95), thus allowing the air which comes through the pipe T4 to freely enter the pipes T3 T2 and T5. We see that the part (97) has an inclined face (99), we also see a tip (98) which also has a face (99) but -5- inclined it on the other side. The end piece (98) is part of the option 2 tray. It is actually molded behind it (see FIG 14). So when the tray is replaced, the end piece (98) will lift the part (97)

  which then releases the tip (52) of the system (15) to open the vacuum system (124).

  When the tank is simply removed, the reverse occurs, the suction cup (90) will slightly accompany the movement until the air enters the pipes T3 T2 and T5. The two T4 pipes which serve for the air intake are connected together on a single air intake (106 FIG 14)

  but without filters since they are on the lids of the tanks.

  The end caps (96) molded in the bottom of the housing (104) are the stops of the part (97) In FIG 14, we see the interior of the tray of option 2, it is fixed vertically on the tray option 1 via the mounting lugs (110). On the tray of option 1 we remove the screws (10), we fit the tray of option 2 on that of option 1 then we tighten the screws (10) which hold

  together the legs (9) of the trays of options 1 and 2.

  On the tray of option 2, the nozzle (107) will enter the orifice (37) of the tray of option 1.

  The end piece (37) of option 2 will be closed by a plug (4) designed to drift onto option 3.

  Still FIG 14, the boxes (104) described in FIG 13 have an opening (108) intended to allow entry

  the nozzle (98) molded on the bins of option 2.

  We see that the T4 pipes are connected to a single air intake.

  We also see the non-return valves (17) mounted vertically.

  Of course the undersides of the plates are molded by plastic injection with lugs (117) used to fit the piping system and the various elements which are added to it. On the top of the option 2 tray, the holes (114 and 108) are present to be able to reach the vacuum systems and the suction cups

  (90), so that the suction cup (112) comes into contact with it.

  We see the plug (4) used to close off the part (37) intended for transplanting option 3.

  On the covers of the bins of option 2 there are curvatures (111) to be able to slide your fingers when

opening the cover.

  The convex suction cup (112) has a non-return valve inside so that the tanks can remain under

empty, once removed.

  In FIG 15, there is option 3.

  The tray (118) is less high, it is twice as wide and covers the entire width of the tray of its option.

  This container has flanges (23) because it can also be compartmentalized by plastic partitions,

  reinforced with a metal insert.

  The option 2 trays sit on top of the option 1 tray.

  For option 3 a tray (116) is necessary, it is fixed on the front part by two sliders (6), in the same way as the tray of option 1. It is held on the tray of option 2 per four supports (115)

  nested in four holes (109), located at the top of the tray of option 2.

  The plate (116) also has two lateral guides and a double central guide (3).

  We see that the tray (118) has an internal flange (119) to be able to slide flat on the guides.

  We see that the tray (118) has two vacuum suction cups, it is that this tray can optionally be replaced by two separate trays (121) because in the vertical tray (122) of option 3 there is a double system

  vacuum outlet identical to that of option 2.

  -6- In addition, the vertical plate (122) is provided at the top with four orifices (109) identical to those of the plate

vertical of option 2.

  The tray (122) of option 3 also has a plug (4) and cutouts (5) at the top.

  In this way we can reverse options 2 and 3, or use only option 3 with option 1, option 3 being rather intended for meat with the large tray, the use of two separate trays allows to place a tray of fish and in the other of meat. There is no longer a mixture of smells. For option 3 with a large bin,

  a large cover is provided with a central handle (120) placed in a curved housing.

  The suction cups (112) of the large container or of the two separate containers also have a non-return valve (113).

  Option 4 offers a refrigerator door fitted with a vacuum system, intended for

  the use of a batch of boxes of various utilities (see FIG 16).

  This option can be offered as a replacement for the original storm door.

  But if the manufacturer of the refrigerator wishes a counter door pre-equipped to install the socket system

  vacuum can be fitted as standard with the original boxes.

  For the installation of this system, when foaming the carcass of the refrigerator, ducts are installed to be able to pass a pipe on each side of the refrigerator door to the door pivot. If a pipe is provided on each side of the door, it is to allow the movement of the door pivot from one side to the other

  from the same door, whether you want the door to open on the right or on the left.

  When we lift the plastic cover (123) from the door pivot (125) we see at the base of the pivot, a tube

  (138), which is used to bring the vacuum to the refrigerator door.

  With the original pivot the end piece (139) is closed by a plug (4).

  Also with the original pivot the end piece (124) has a cavity where the pipe T1 is fitted so as to

hold firmly.

  On the other side of the storm door there is also a T1 pipe fitted into the plug which is used to close the hole

  designed for the left or right door opening system.

  So after removing the original pivot, we fit the pivot (125) after removing the pipe T1 which is

  fitted into the end piece (124) of the original pivot.

  This pipe is then fitted into the hollow end piece of the pivot (125), intended to enter the door.

  The other end of the pivot (125) will enter the end (139) after the plug (4) has been removed.

  If the system is reversed from left to right, the plug is replaced from one side to the other.

  Always keep unused TI hoses sealed.

  The pipes T1 of the refrigerator casing or those entering the door are connected together by a

indoor bypass.

  In FIG 18 is shown in section the vacuum system (126) installed in the door against.

  It is the same system as that of option 2 and 3 except that here the tab (131) which will be molded on the lids of the different boxes of this option will act directly on the part (127) which supports the suction cup

(130).

  This part (127) held on its pivot axis by two legs (128) has a tongue (140) which will act

  on the vacuum or air intake systems (14 and 15).

  This tab returns to its normal position thanks to the spring (95) which is placed behind it.

  The piping is connected in the same way as for the boxes (104) of option 2 and 3.

-7-

  A cutout is provided to allow the tongue (131) to pass.

  We see in the sectional presentation of a cover (141) (all the covers have the same system), that the small convex suction cup (112) is also provided with a non-return valve (113) and that the

  cover seals are identical to the tank seals.

  The T4 pipe is fitted on the air intake (106). FIG. 20 shows two types of box which will be proposed, the box (137) being able to be used for

  cheese or a round cake, the box (138) for cold cuts or a square cake.

  The boxes that we see (FIG 16) in the door panel will be used at the user's choice, but all

  have an air intake with a small filter.

  FIG 19 represents a pot intended to contain liquids (wines or others).

  The cover can be easily removed for cleaning, the tabs (153) have a vertical cutout,

  it can also be seen that the pivot axis (134) of the cover has a rectangular profile.

  The thickness of this pivot just allows it to enter the legs (133) when it is in the vertical position, so when the pot lid is in the horizontal position it cannot be removed, but however, the diameter of the cutouts ( 142) intended to receive the pivot axis (134) is slightly greater than the diameter of the pivot axis (134), so as to leave sufficient ease in the cover when the latter is pushed onto its seal. When the pot is under vacuum, all you have to do is press the part (76) to let the air in, then press

  the tab on the lid to open the jar.

  FIG 21 represents option 5 whose main interest is to have a bread box.

  Bread being a food which dries very quickly it needs to be consumed quickly and frozen bread is not really excellent. Vacuuming therefore presents itself as a more suitable solution for its preservation.

  A carcass (143) is intended to receive a central box (144) and two lateral drawers (145).

  This carcass is designed with a double wall with a space inside the two walls.

  It is therefore a hollow carcass, the outer wall (146) of reinforced steel, is thicker than the wall

interior (147).

  Between the two walls there are pins (5), because this hollow carcass is in fact a vacuum reserve, it is it which will be connected to the vacuum pump, when we put a drawer back in place after use this carcass already under vacuum will suck up a large part of the air contained in the drawer eg: if the internal volume of the carcass is equivalent to the volume of the location of the central drawer, when it is replaced, the

  carcass will suck almost instantly 50% of the air contained in the location of the central drawer.

  The advantage of this system is to reduce the vacuuming times which are generally long and

  request the installation of a high flow vacuum pump.

  This system allows a vacuum pump with a lower flow rate to work more gently, moreover this vacuum reserve system also makes it possible to maintain a certain autonomy in the event of a power cut or failure. In addition, the vacuum balance between the internal walls of the carcass and the vacuum of the drawer locations, once this is put in place, will prevent the internal walls from tightening the drawers under the effect of vacuum. The pins (148) are part of a thin plate slid between the two walls (146 and 147), to

  avoid, when the drawer is removed, the crushing of the walls one on the other.

  -8- The box (144) made of injected plastic is composed of a container (149), a facade (150),

  spacers (151), a handle (152), a drawer (153) and on its rear part two castors (154).

  On the container (149) we mount a facade (150), on this facade we see a curved face (155)

  allowing the hand to pass through the handle (152).

  This plastic handle is circular, to allow it to pivot on itself. It is held by two supports (156), these supports are screwed from the inside of the facade with a small rubber seal for sealing and as this box is designed to tilt forward, the pivoting handle remains firmly held in the hand. We also see on the container (149) of the box, two spacers (151), they are intended to hold the bread in the container when it will tip,

  the remaining opening above the spacers will be sufficient to introduce the bread.

  A few centimeters above the inside of the facade, there is a partition with at the end a

  rectangular cutout (158) which has a rim (159) on its periphery. This cut gives access to a space (160), in this space we

  introduces a drawer (153), the function of this small drawer is to collect the bread crumbs which will not fail to be introduced when

  tilt the bread box, the rim (159) will guide the crumbs inside the drawer.

  Still FIG 21 we see on the internal rim of the carcass (143) that there are six casters (161), two for the box (144) and two per side drawer (145), the box (144) slides at the inside by two rollers (154) fixed on its rear part, these rollers being inside runners (we will see the detail later)

  guide the box (144) to the edge of the carcass (143).

  For the side drawers (145), the handles (152) of which are mounted vertically on the front (167),

  castors are attached to the rear and below the container (165).

  These drawers are designed to place either your baguettes of bread or biscuits which can not withstand humidity in the air. These drawers can also receive several small boxes (166) for placing

  peanuts or various foods e.g. caramelized popcorn that absorb moisture from the ambient air.

  These boxes and drawers are made of injected plastic, the carcass (143) is placed on top of the

  refrigerator, it is held by four suction cups (162) adjustable by screwing.

  In FIG 22 we see that the carcass (143) is also held on the rear part of the refrigerator by

  two small expanders, it is a security in case the suction cups lose hold.

  Also in FIG 22 we see the principle of tilting of the box (144), we notice that under the facade

  (150) there are two rubber end caps (164) to protect the refrigerator door.

  So the box (144) comes out maintained on the front by the rollers (161) and on the rear part by the rollers (154) which accompany the box by moving in a system of slides which we find described in FIG

  23: on a metal axle (168) are fixed two polyamide wheels (154).

  This axis is provided with two flats (169).

  Two parts (170) having an identical flat are screwed into the bottom of the container (149) of the

  box, the flats are used to prevent the axis from moving from right to left.

  The parts (170) also receive a small shock absorber (171), composed of a polyamide end piece fitted into a small spring, the assembly being held in a hole by a washer and a small pin. right and left are screwed tightly inside

  the space intended to receive the box (144) (see FIG 21).

  -9- These slides that can be seen in section A2 have a cutout (173) intended to allow the axis (168) to pass,

  once the wheels (154) are inserted inside.

  These metal slides (172) will serve at the same time to reinforce the carcass from the inside.

  Below this slide (172) is welded another slide (174) shorter and shorter, this slide receives a part (178) provided with a cutout (175) into which a rod (176) made of stainless metal is introduced. , this rod has a head (177) of the same diameter as the rod itself, this rod is introduced from below into the cutout of the part (178), then it will be rotated so that its head (177)

  comes to rest inside the part (178).

  The rod assembly is then slid down into the slide (174).

  A metal part (180) having a housing (181) intended to receive a wheel (154), will be mounted laterally at the edge of the slide (172), at the rounded base of the part (180), a cylinder (182), with a

  cutout (184) and a stud (183) receives a helical spring (185).

  This spring is held in place by a screw (186) which will serve at the same time as a pivot axis to the part (181), this screw will be introduced into the part (181) through the hole (187), the spring (185 ) will be fitted beforehand on its base. By the interior of the part (181) a washer (188) is placed on the screw (186), the

  outer diameter will be sufficient to hold the spring (185) in place.

  The internal diameter of the washer (188) will be just sufficient to allow it to fit onto the cylindrical part (189) of the screw, this part of the screw enters the cylindrical part (182) of the part (181), the

  part (190) of the screw makes a spacer and comes to bear on the washer (188) which holds the spring (185).

  The threaded end of the screw has a diameter smaller than the part (189) of the latter so that it is screwed in fully and so

  waterproof, it does not block the part (181).

  On the spring (185) the curved end (191) will be fixedly fixed in the internal walls of the carcass (143) by a screw mounted in a sealed manner. Before mounting the part (180), proceed to a small assembly inside it (see section A3), mount a spring leaf (191) held from the outside by a screw ( 192) which simultaneously holds a triangular metal piece

(193) fitted from above.

  A part (194) which may be made of polyamide will be mounted in support on the spring leaf (191), this part (194) pivots on a screw (195) which serves as its pivot axis, this screw is mounted recessed by to his milled head. Once this operation has been carried out, and the part (180) mounted, it is maintained vertically by

to the helical spring (185).

  At the other end of the rod (176), there is a hollow cylindrical head (196), the outside diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the rod itself. This head enters the part (180) to be held there by

  a screw (197) serving as a pivot axis, this screw with a countersunk head is mounted recessed in the part (180).

* I then have to slide more or less the part (178) in the slide (174), at the desired height, the head (177) of the rod (176) abutting at the end of the part (178). This part (178) will then be held in position by a short screw (179) placed under the slide (174). This screw is placed on the edge of this slide (174) to tighten on a wall of the part (178). Still FIG 23 on the sectional view A3,

  we see that the part (194) comes to bear on a caster (154) in place in its housing (181).

  This is to avoid that the caster (154) cannot easily leave its housing (181), while the box is

in the tilted position.

  - 10- The slides (172) have at the end a protruding part (198), which when the bread box is raised, pushes the part (194). as soon as the part (180) comes into contact with the slide (172), thereby releasing the

  passage so that the caster (154) easily enters the slide (172).

  If you want to remove the bread box for cleaning, while it is tilted, a second person comes to press with his fingers on the parts (194), it remains for the person holding the box, to lift it by now up and down while the other person keeps the pieces (194) down and then

conversely for reassembly.

  The triangular piece (193) is provided so that the box keeps a good seat (199) at the end of the piece

(180).

  In FIG 24 there is seen in section A4 a box (200) mounted behind the front (150) in a sealed manner with a

  seal (201). it is held securely by a dozen screws (202).

  Inside a piece (204) which comes out on the outside by a cut in the top of the case (200), arrives

  behind the handle (152) of the facade (150).

  This part (204) is held by a pivot axis (211), it has a curved end piece (210) which comes out

  on the rear part of the housing (200) through a seal (219).

  This tip (210) has a location (209) provided for adopting the seal (219).

  The part (204) is in fact a handle intended to actuate the vacuum or air intake system.

  This part is held in the rear position by two springs (206), fitted into two bases (207), molded at the rear of the facade (150), since the open side of the housing (200) is placed on the rear of

this one.

  On the other side, the springs (206) are held on the part (204) by end caps (208).

  Also on the part (204) there are two stops (205) intended to limit its travel.

  It is therefore necessary, when taking hold of the handle (152), pull on the handle (204) to lift the end piece

  (210) which will act on the vacuum or air reversal system.

  We see behind the facade (150) seen from the back, with the housing (200) in place, that the end piece (210) is intended to push a tab (214) that we see on the sectional presentation of the edge of the inner wall of the

carcass (143).

  Below this tongue (214) there is a housing (215) mounted in a sealed manner, between the two walls of the carcass. It is the same vacuum or air intake system as that of the option 2 and 3 tanks that we have described in FIG 13. It adjusts two modifications: as the vacuum is done, no longer in a tray but in a space, the suction cup (90 FIG 13) has been replaced by a cylinder (244) plated (once the housing (105) screwed), on a

  rubber seal (216) on which a small grid (21) is fitted.

  The second modification consists of a variant of the part (97 FIG 13).

This is part (212).

  Like the part (97), it has the curvatures (103) allowing it to fit between two systems

  (14 and 15), as well as the base (97) for fitting a spring (95) into it.

  But at the end there is a tongue inclined upwards, the surface (214) of the part (212) replaces the surface

(99) of part (97).

- 11 -

  The housing (215) being placed horizontally at the base, at the edge and inside the walls of the carcass (143), it is the end piece (210) of the housing (200) which will open the vacuum by pressing the tongue of the

piece (212).

  When the handle of the part (204) is pulled, the vacuum will be closed to allow air to enter.

  For the side drawers, the system is identical except for a variant of the part (204).

  This part (218) is actuated vertically behind the handles (152) of the side drawers.

  It exits behind the handle (152) through a vertical opening (220).

  It has the stops (205) and the supports for the springs (208).

  It will be mounted in an identical housing.

  The modifications relating to it, with respect to the part (204) will be found on the interior face of the facades

of drawers.

  For the central box and the two lateral drawers, the three air intakes will be connected together inside the carcass walls, to result in a single filter (216), placed at the front below and in the middle of the carcass.

  Each facade is provided on its internal periphery with a seal (203).

  It is a wide lip which comes to bear on the front face of the carcass (143), it has an extra thickness (217) intended to increase the flexibility of the rubber seal and also to avoid crushing

  of the lip on its base, to prevent it from cracking after a certain number of uses.

  Also FIG 24, on the front (150), we see the end caps (213) intended to receive the screws which will fix the

container (149).

  In FIG 25, we see a variant of the bread box.

  The previous box being more suitable for tall refrigerators, the model presented here is

  composed of a simpler box, without system for tilting the box.

  This variant offers a box that can be placed horizontally on top of the refrigerator and

  coupled to the vacuum system already installed in it.

  This box can also be placed vertically on a base which contains its own vacuum pump,

  thus making this box autonomous.

  This box (221) is also composed of a hollow carcass reserving a vacuum.

  It has a front (150) identical to the front of the box (144).

  It also has a handle (152) identical to the box (144) and the vacuum system is also the

  same as that described in FIG 24 (case (200) for the front and case (215) for the carcass of the box).

  This facade here pivots on two hinges (222), it has a seal (203) identical to that of

the box (144).

  Inside the box (221), slides in two slides (223), a tray (224).

  Thin, it has a bottom (225).

  It is equipped with eight castors (226) and a fine handle (227).

  It is used to collect the bread crumbs, whether the box is in a horizontal or vertical position.

  This box is provided from behind and from below rubber feet (228) to allow it to be placed

  either on top of the refrigerator, or vertically on its base (230) equipped with a vacuum pump.

  The nozzle (229) will allow the box to be connected to the vacuum pump of the base (230), because this male nozzle

- 12 -

  will fit into a female end-piece which will be in the base of the base.

  We can also fit inside the end piece (229) a pipe allowing the box to be coupled to the vacuum system already in place in the refrigerator (a bypass will be provided). A end piece (229) will also exist

  behind the carcass (143) of the bread box, for transplanting the vacuum system.

  FIG 26 shows a modular vacuum reserve in its volume.

  It is the vacuum reserve of options 1, 2, 3 and 4.

  It is modular to allow more or less intensive use of a refrigerator equipped with its

four options.

  However, bread boxes with their own vacuum reserve can be coupled to the vacuum reserve

modular.

  This reserve is made up of hollow boxes (231).

  They have inside. reinforcement pads (233).

  They are made of plastic and are nestable into each other by tabs provided with a lug

(236).

  They also have two identical tips (235), but the top one penetrates inside the case.

  while the bottom one comes out of the case.

  These tips (235) fit into each other.

  When one housing is added to the other, the lower end of the upper housing enters the upper end of the

lower case.

  The box located at the very top will be closed on top by a plug (234).

  The lower case has no end piece (235) below, but two other end pieces (237) allowing

  connect the vacuum pump to one and the hose leading to the different options to the other.

  The boxes (231) are molded with a system (232) allowing it to be hung at the very top behind the refrigerator. In FIG 27, we see a plate (240), it is hollow and fully pre-equipped internally,

  piping systems of option 2 and 3.

  It has the cutouts (108 and 114) like the vertical plates of options 2 and 3.

  There are also the holes (109) intended to receive the studs (115) of the horizontal plates of option 3.

  This plate can be installed in the bottom of the refrigerator, which will thus be pre-equipped to receive the

options 2 and 3.

  Also FIG 27 we see walls (238 and 239), they are plastic with reinforcement pads

  internal and slides (242) on the walls (239).

  The four plates fit into each other by studs which enter watertight holes.

  The vacuum will communicate with each other through end pieces (235) as for the vacuum reserve of the boxes (231).

  These plates are in fact a variant of the vacuum reserve and are provided in the event of exclusivity, to be

  mounted in a model selected by the manufacturer of the refrigerator.

  The slides (242) are placed to support the horizontal shelves of option 3 or the refrigerator shelves. FIG 27, we also see that the bottom plate (240) which can be installed without the walls (238, and 239) leave

  free the location (241) of the cooling system.

- 13 -

  If the plates are installed (239 and 238), this, in addition to serving as a vacuum reserve, may

  improve the insulation capacity of the refrigerator casing.

  FIG 28 shows a fridge freezer fully equipped with the five options, as well as a series

  element (231) composing the vacuum reserve.

  There are branches (18) allowing the installation of all the piping (T1) which is the same in all

  options is used to create the vacuum. There is the box (126) used for the vacuum connection of option 4.

  The vacuum pump (244) is placed in the rear part next to the compressor, next to it, a

  electrical bypass will be provided to be able to connect the vacuum pump.

- 14 -

Claims (4)

  1) Vacuum device intended to improve the preservation of food in a refrigerator or fridge-freezer, characterized by the fact that it consists of a vacuum pump sucking inside the various vegetable, meat or any other box making up the interior of a refrigerator or   fridge freezer, all associated with a vacuum reserve.   2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that all the vacuum systems   operating with a single pump, each has a non-return valve (17).   3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that its effectiveness is based on its modular vacuum reserve composed of hollow housings (231) interlocking on each other, or internal panels   (238 and 239) having the same function.   4) Device according to the preceding claims characterized by a tray which serves as a cover for the tanks   vegetable container underneath which is used to evacuate these trays.