US20160258670A1 - Appliance door with vacuum insulated outer door - Google Patents
Appliance door with vacuum insulated outer door Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160258670A1 US20160258670A1 US14/639,617 US201514639617A US2016258670A1 US 20160258670 A1 US20160258670 A1 US 20160258670A1 US 201514639617 A US201514639617 A US 201514639617A US 2016258670 A1 US2016258670 A1 US 2016258670A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- door
- perimeter
- refrigerator
- perimeter structure
- opening
- 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
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/028—Details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/025—Secondary closures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/04—Doors; Covers with special compartments, e.g. butter conditioners
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/06—Walls
- F25D23/065—Details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2201/00—Insulation
- F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
- F25D2201/12—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material
- F25D2201/126—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material of cellular type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2201/00—Insulation
- F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
- F25D2201/14—Insulation with respect to heat using subatmospheric pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/02—Details of doors or covers not otherwise covered
- F25D2323/021—French doors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/02—Details of doors or covers not otherwise covered
- F25D2323/023—Door in door constructions
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers
Definitions
- Refrigerators typically include an insulated cabinet structure, an electrically powered cooling system, and one or more doors that are movably mounted to the cabinet structure to provide user access to the refrigerated space within the refrigerator.
- Known cabinet structures may include a sheet metal outer wrapper and a polymer inner liner. Closed-cell foam or other suitable insulating material is disposed between the metal wrapper and the polymer liner.
- Refrigerator doors often have a similar construction and include a sheet metal outer wrapper, polymer inner liner, and foam disposed between the sheet metal wrapper and polymer liner.
- Refrigerator doors may include one or more shelves that are configured to hold food and/or other items such as jugs of milk and/or other types of cans, jars, and the like. These items may be quite heavy, and refrigerator doors and hinges are typically therefore rigid and structurally sound to support the loads.
- One aspect of the present invention is a refrigerator including an insulated cabinet structure defining a refrigerated interior space having an access opening that permits user access to the refrigerated interior space.
- a cooling system cools the refrigerated interior space.
- a door assembly selectively closes off at least a portion of the access opening.
- the door assembly includes a first door structure or perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure for movement between open and closed positions.
- the perimeter structure defines an outer perimeter and a door opening through a central portion of the perimeter structure. At least one shelf is supported by the perimeter structure in the door opening.
- the door assembly further includes a vacuum insulated second or outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position.
- the outer door thereby selectively closes off the door opening without moving the perimeter structure or the shelf.
- the vacuum insulated outer door includes inner and outer layers that are spaced apart to define a vacuum cavity. Porous core material may be disposed in the vacuum cavity.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 showing an outer door in an open position;
- FIG. 3 is a partially exploded cross sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 2 taken along the line 2 - 2 FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 2 taken along the line 4 - 4 ; FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is fragmentary cross sectional view of the outer door of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a partially exploded cross sectional view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention taken along the line 7 - 7 ; FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 7 taken along the line 8 - 8 ; FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a partially exploded cross sectional view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention taken along the line 10 - 10 ; FIG. 9 ; and
- FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the refrigerator of FIG. 10 taken along the line 11 - 11 ; FIG. 9 .
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- a refrigerator 1 A includes an insulated cabinet structure 5 including upright side walls 6 A and 6 B, rear side wall 8 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and a generally horizontal lower side wall 10 .
- the cabinet structure defines a refrigerated space or compartment 12 having an access opening 14 to provide user access to the refrigerated compartment 12 .
- Insulated cabinet structure 5 may include a metal outer wrapper or skin 7 , a polymer inner liner 9 , and a foam core 11 .
- the polymer inner liner may comprise a multilayer thermoformed structure or it may comprise an injection molded structure with high barrier properties. This type of cabinet construction is known in the art, and the details of this construction are therefore not described in detail herein.
- the insulated cabinet structure 5 may include a divider panel 16 ( FIG. 3 ) that forms a freezer compartment 18 having an opening 20 .
- the refrigerated compartment 12 is disposed above the freezer compartment 18 .
- insulated cabinet structure 5 may be configured such that the freezer compartment is above the refrigerated compartment 12 or alongside the refrigerated compartment 12 .
- the access opening 14 is selectively closed off by one or more door assemblies 24 A, and the opening 20 to freezer compartment 18 is selectively closed off by a freezer door 26 .
- Freezer door 26 may have a conventional construction including a sheet metal outer wrapper 27 , a polymer liner 29 , and a closed cell foam core 31 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the refrigerator 1 A includes a cooling system 22 that selectively cools the refrigerated compartment 12 and freezer compartment 18 .
- the cooling system 22 may comprise a conventional electrically powered refrigeration system including a controller, sensors, compressor, condenser, and evaporator.
- the cooling system 22 may comprise thermoelectric cooling elements or other suitable devices.
- refrigerator 1 A includes one or more door assemblies 24 A that are configured to close off the access opening 14 of refrigerated compartment 12 .
- Each door assembly 24 A includes a first door component or structure such as perimeter structure 30 A and a second or outer door 32 A that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure 30 A to selectively close off door openings 44 of perimeter structures 30 A.
- Each perimeter structure 30 A includes a horizontal upper section 34 ( FIG. 3 ), a horizontal lower section 36 , and upright side sections 38 and 40 that extend between and interconnect horizontal upper and lower sections 34 and 36 , respectively.
- the horizontal upper and lower sections 34 and 36 and upright side sections 38 and 40 form a quadrilateral outer perimeter 42 .
- Door openings 44 through perimeter structures 30 A may also be generally quadrilateral in shape. However, door openings 44 may have virtually any shape as required for a particular application. Perimeter structures 30 A have a generally ring-like or hoop-like shape. The shape of perimeter structures 30 A may also be somewhat similar to a picture frame when viewed from the front. However, it will be understood that the size, shape, and configuration of perimeter structures 30 A may vary as required for a particular application.
- the perimeter structures 30 A are mounted to the insulated cabinet structure 5 by hinges 28 or other suitable structures for rotation about vertical axes between open and closed positions.
- the perimeter structures 30 A may include a metal outer wrapper or skin 46 and a polymer liner 48 that form a ring-shaped cavity that is at least partially filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation 50 or other suitable insulating material that is disposed between the metal outer wrapper 46 and the polymer inner liner 48 .
- the perimeters of the outer wrapper 46 and the polymer inner liner 48 may be joined/connected utilizing known techniques.
- One or more supports such as shelves 52 A- 52 C extend horizontally between the upright side portions or sections 38 and 40 in or across door opening 44 . Opposite ends 53 of shelves 52 A- 52 C ( FIG.
- the perimeter structure 30 A may removably/adjustably engage the perimeter structure 30 A to permit removal of shelves 52 A- 52 C and/or adjustment of the vertical position of shelves 52 A- 52 C.
- the opposite ends 53 of shelves 52 A- 52 C may be fixed to perimeter structure 30 A.
- the shelves 52 A- 52 C may be configured to support jugs of milk or other items.
- the perimeter structure 30 A preferably comprises a rigid structure having sufficient strength to support significant amounts of weight on shelves 52 .
- Outer doors 32 A are movably mounted to the perimeter structure 30 A for rotation about vertical axes by hinges 54 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the outer doors 32 A have an inner side face 56 that may include a resilient seal 58 that sealingly engage outer side faces 60 ( FIG. 1 ) of perimeter structures 30 A.
- Perimeter structures 30 A include ring-shaped inner side faces 62 ( FIG. 2 ) that sealingly engage a resilient seal 64 secured to outer face 65 of cabinet structure 5 when perimeter structures 30 A are in their closed positions. It will be understood that seals 64 may alternatively be secured to inner faces 65 of perimeter structures 30 A.
- outer doors 32 A comprise an outer skin or wrapper 66 that may comprise sheet metal (e.g. steel) or other suitable material.
- An inner liner 68 is made of a polymer material that may be thermoformed, molded, or otherwise fabricated to provide the required shape/configuration.
- a perimeter 70 of outer skin 66 may be in the form of a flange that is connected to a perimeter 72 of inner liner 68 that may also comprise a flange.
- Perimeter 70 may have a quadrilateral shape corresponding to door openings 44 .
- a cavity 74 is defined between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 .
- a vacuum core panel 76 is disposed in the cavity 74 .
- the vacuum core panel 76 comprises a porous filler material whereby the cavity 74 can be subject to a vacuum without collapsing the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 .
- the vacuum insulated outer doors 32 A may be constructed in various ways.
- the core panel 76 may comprise porous filler material 80 that is disposed inside of a gas impermeable wrapper or envelope 78 .
- Envelope 78 may comprise polymer and/or metal layers that are impermeable to gas.
- suitable envelopes are known in the art, such that the details of envelope 78 are not described in detail.
- the porous filler 80 may be positioned inside of the envelope 78 prior to assembly of door 32 , and the filler 80 may be subject to a vacuum prior to sealing the envelope 78 .
- the core panel 76 can then be positioned between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 during assembly, and the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 can be secured along the perimeters 70 and 72 , respectively utilizing adhesives, mechanical connectors, or other suitable means.
- the envelope 78 provides an airtight, gas-impermeable layer such that the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 do not necessarily need to be impermeable, and a seal along the perimeters 70 and 72 of outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 , respectively, is not necessarily required.
- Door 32 A may also be constructed by placing solid filler material 80 between the outer skin 66 and inner liner 68 .
- the porous filler material 80 comprises a solid block of material that is preformed (e.g. pressed) into a shape corresponding to cavity 74 , and a wrapper or envelope 78 is not required.
- the perimeters 70 and 72 are sealed together utilizing adhesive, heat-sealing processes, or the like.
- the cavity 74 is then subject to a vacuum to remove the air through a vacuum port such as opening 82 in liner 68 .
- the opening 82 is then sealed using a plug or the like (not shown) such that the cavity 74 forms a vacuum.
- An outer door 32 A may be fabricated by first assembling the outer skin or wrapper 66 with the inner liner 68 , and forming an airtight seal at the perimeters 70 and 72 , respectively utilizing adhesives/sealants, a heat sealing process, or other suitable process/means.
- Porous filler 80 in the form of loose powder such as fumed silica or other suitable material is then deposited into the cavity 74 through opening 82 or through a feeder port on the wrapper (not shown). The opening 82 is then subject to a vacuum to remove the air from cavity 74 , and the opening 82 is then sealed.
- the perimeter structures 30 A of door assemblies 24 A have a thickness “T 1 ” that is significantly greater than the thickness “T 2 ” of the vacuum insulated outer doors 32 .
- the vacuum insulated outer doors 32 A may be constructed without shelves or the like such that the vacuum insulated outer doors 32 A are not subjected to significant loading. Because beverages and other items are stored on the shelves 52 A- 52 C of perimeter structure 30 A, the weight of these items is carried by the perimeter structure 30 A and hinges 28 , not the vacuum insulated outer doors 32 A. Because the perimeter structure 30 A includes metal outer wrapper 46 , polymer inner liner 48 , and polyurethane foam or the like 50 , the perimeter structure 30 may be very rigid and structurally sound. Also, this construction does not create issues with respect to potential leakage of vacuum panels in perimeter structure 30 A. Because the vacuum insulated outer doors 32 A are not subject to significant loading, the integrity of the outer doors 32 is maintained and potential leakage with respect to the vacuum cavities is avoided.
- a user can grasp the handles 33 A of outer doors 32 A to thereby open the outer doors 32 A without moving the perimeter structure 30 A relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5 .
- a user can then remove items positioned on shelves 52 A- 52 C without moving perimeter structure 30 A relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5 .
- the door opening 44 may be significantly smaller than the access opening 14 whereby opening outer door 32 A reduces the amount of cold air lost from refrigerated compartment 12 ( FIG. 3 ) relative to opening a conventional refrigerator door to thereby open the entire access opening 14 .
- the user can open the entire door assembly 24 by grasping handle 35 A on perimeter structure 30 A and rotating perimeter structure 30 A about hinges 28 .
- the outer doors 32 A may remain in a closed position relative to the perimeter structure 30 A while perimeter structure 30 A is opened.
- Shelves 52 A- 52 C can be accessed from the inner side 25 A of door assemblies 24 A when perimeter structure 30 A is rotated to an open position.
- outer doors 32 A can be left in a closed position, and door assemblies 24 A can be opened and used in substantially the same manner as conventional refrigerator doors if a user so chooses.
- Seals 64 ( FIG. 3 ) between perimeter structures 30 A and cabinet 5 may include magnets that retain perimeter structures 30 A in a closed position.
- seals 58 of outer doors 32 A may also include elongated magnets tending to retain outer doors 32 A in a closed position relative to perimeter structures 30 A. The magnetic forces of the seals 58 and 64 can be selected such that perimeter structures 30 A remain closed when outer doors 32 A are opened.
- a refrigerator 1 B includes a refrigerated cabinet structure 5 that is substantially the same as the cabinet structure 5 described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Refrigerator 1 B includes at least one door assembly 24 B that includes a perimeter structure 30 B having substantially the same construction as the perimeter structure 30 A described in more detail above.
- Door openings 44 B formed in perimeter structures 30 B are selectively closed off by vacuum insulated outer doors 32 B.
- Outer doors 32 B are movably mounted to the perimeter structures 30 B for rotation about a horizontal axis by hinges 84 positioned along or at lower edges of outer doors 32 B.
- a plurality of racks or shelves 86 extend across the openings 44 B of perimeter structures 30 B.
- the racks 86 may include upwardly-facing cylindrical surfaces 87 that are configured to support cans or other beverages on their sides. Alternatively, racks 86 may be in the form of shelves that are configured to support jugs of milk or the like as described above in connection with FIG. 2 . Beverages on racks 86 can be accessed by pulling on handle 33 B to open the outer door 32 B, without opening perimeter structure 30 B.
- the outer door 32 B comprises a vacuum insulated structure that may be constructed as discussed in more detail above in connection with FIG. 3A .
- Handles 35 B may be mounted to ring-shaped vertical outer side faces 37 of perimeter structures 30 B whereby a user can pull on handles 35 B to open perimeter structures 30 B. As perimeter structures 30 B are opened, outer doors 32 B move with perimeter structure 30 B, such that door assemblies 24 B can operate in a manner that is similar to conventional refrigerator doors.
- racks 86 can be accessed.
- a refrigerator 1 C includes a pair of door assemblies 24 C.
- the door assemblies 24 C include perimeter structures 30 C that are substantially similar to the perimeter structure 30 A described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3 .
- Handles 35 C are disposed on outer side faces 37 C of perimeter structures 30 C.
- Each door assembly 24 C includes a pair of outer doors 32 C that are movably mounted to the perimeter structure 30 C by hinges 88 for rotation about vertical axes.
- a plurality of racks or shelves 90 A- 90 E extend across the openings 44 C to thereby support beverages or other items on perimeter structure 30 C.
- the outer doors 32 C may comprise vacuum insulated structures that are constructed in substantially the same manner as outer doors 32 A as described above in connection with FIGS. 3-5 .
- one or more of the outer doors 32 C may be opened using handles 33 C without moving perimeter structure 30 C relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5 if a user needs to access items on shelves 90 A- 90 E.
- a user can move the perimeter structure 30 C relative to the insulated cabinet structure 5 by grasping handles 35 C and rotating the perimeter structure 30 C about hinges 28 .
- a refrigerator having an insulated cabinet 5 could include combinations of perimeter structures 10 A- 10 C and outer doors 32 A- 32 C as required for a particular application.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Refrigerator Housings (AREA)
Abstract
A refrigerator includes an insulated cabinet structure and a cooling system. A door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure and an outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position The outer door may comprise a vacuum insulated structure including porous core material disposed in a cavity of the outer door.
Description
- Refrigerators typically include an insulated cabinet structure, an electrically powered cooling system, and one or more doors that are movably mounted to the cabinet structure to provide user access to the refrigerated space within the refrigerator. Known cabinet structures may include a sheet metal outer wrapper and a polymer inner liner. Closed-cell foam or other suitable insulating material is disposed between the metal wrapper and the polymer liner. Refrigerator doors often have a similar construction and include a sheet metal outer wrapper, polymer inner liner, and foam disposed between the sheet metal wrapper and polymer liner.
- Refrigerator doors may include one or more shelves that are configured to hold food and/or other items such as jugs of milk and/or other types of cans, jars, and the like. These items may be quite heavy, and refrigerator doors and hinges are typically therefore rigid and structurally sound to support the loads.
- One aspect of the present invention is a refrigerator including an insulated cabinet structure defining a refrigerated interior space having an access opening that permits user access to the refrigerated interior space. A cooling system cools the refrigerated interior space. A door assembly selectively closes off at least a portion of the access opening. The door assembly includes a first door structure or perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure for movement between open and closed positions. The perimeter structure defines an outer perimeter and a door opening through a central portion of the perimeter structure. At least one shelf is supported by the perimeter structure in the door opening. The door assembly further includes a vacuum insulated second or outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position. The outer door thereby selectively closes off the door opening without moving the perimeter structure or the shelf. The vacuum insulated outer door includes inner and outer layers that are spaced apart to define a vacuum cavity. Porous core material may be disposed in the vacuum cavity.
- These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 showing an outer door in an open position; -
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded cross sectional view of the refrigerator ofFIG. 2 taken along the line 2-2FIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the refrigerator ofFIG. 2 taken along the line 4-4;FIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is fragmentary cross sectional view of the outer door ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded cross sectional view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention taken along the line 7-7;FIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the refrigerator ofFIG. 7 taken along the line 8-8;FIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a partially exploded cross sectional view of a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present invention taken along the line 10-10;FIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the refrigerator ofFIG. 10 taken along the line 11-11;FIG. 9 . - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , arefrigerator 1A according to one aspect of the present invention includes an insulatedcabinet structure 5 includingupright side walls FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and a generally horizontallower side wall 10. The cabinet structure defines a refrigerated space orcompartment 12 having an access opening 14 to provide user access to the refrigeratedcompartment 12. Insulatedcabinet structure 5 may include a metal outer wrapper orskin 7, a polymerinner liner 9, and afoam core 11. The polymer inner liner may comprise a multilayer thermoformed structure or it may comprise an injection molded structure with high barrier properties. This type of cabinet construction is known in the art, and the details of this construction are therefore not described in detail herein. The insulatedcabinet structure 5 may include a divider panel 16 (FIG. 3 ) that forms afreezer compartment 18 having anopening 20. In the illustrated example, the refrigeratedcompartment 12 is disposed above thefreezer compartment 18. However, it will be understood that insulatedcabinet structure 5 may be configured such that the freezer compartment is above the refrigeratedcompartment 12 or alongside the refrigeratedcompartment 12. Theaccess opening 14 is selectively closed off by one ormore door assemblies 24A, and the opening 20 tofreezer compartment 18 is selectively closed off by afreezer door 26.Freezer door 26 may have a conventional construction including a sheet metalouter wrapper 27, apolymer liner 29, and a closedcell foam core 31 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The
refrigerator 1A includes acooling system 22 that selectively cools the refrigeratedcompartment 12 andfreezer compartment 18. Thecooling system 22 may comprise a conventional electrically powered refrigeration system including a controller, sensors, compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Alternatively, thecooling system 22 may comprise thermoelectric cooling elements or other suitable devices. - With reference to
FIGS. 1-4 ,refrigerator 1A includes one ormore door assemblies 24A that are configured to close off the access opening 14 of refrigeratedcompartment 12. Eachdoor assembly 24A includes a first door component or structure such asperimeter structure 30A and a second orouter door 32A that is movably mounted to theperimeter structure 30A to selectively close offdoor openings 44 ofperimeter structures 30A. Eachperimeter structure 30A includes a horizontal upper section 34 (FIG. 3 ), a horizontallower section 36, andupright side sections lower sections lower sections upright side sections outer perimeter 42.Door openings 44 throughperimeter structures 30A may also be generally quadrilateral in shape. However,door openings 44 may have virtually any shape as required for a particular application.Perimeter structures 30A have a generally ring-like or hoop-like shape. The shape ofperimeter structures 30A may also be somewhat similar to a picture frame when viewed from the front. However, it will be understood that the size, shape, and configuration ofperimeter structures 30A may vary as required for a particular application. - The
perimeter structures 30A are mounted to the insulatedcabinet structure 5 byhinges 28 or other suitable structures for rotation about vertical axes between open and closed positions. Theperimeter structures 30A may include a metal outer wrapper orskin 46 and apolymer liner 48 that form a ring-shaped cavity that is at least partially filled with closed-cellpolyurethane foam insulation 50 or other suitable insulating material that is disposed between the metalouter wrapper 46 and the polymerinner liner 48. The perimeters of theouter wrapper 46 and the polymerinner liner 48 may be joined/connected utilizing known techniques. One or more supports such asshelves 52A-52C extend horizontally between the upright side portions orsections Opposite ends 53 ofshelves 52A-52C (FIG. 2 ) may removably/adjustably engage theperimeter structure 30A to permit removal ofshelves 52A-52C and/or adjustment of the vertical position ofshelves 52A-52C. Alternatively, theopposite ends 53 ofshelves 52A-52C may be fixed toperimeter structure 30A. Theshelves 52A-52C may be configured to support jugs of milk or other items. Theperimeter structure 30A preferably comprises a rigid structure having sufficient strength to support significant amounts of weight onshelves 52. -
Outer doors 32A are movably mounted to theperimeter structure 30A for rotation about vertical axes by hinges 54 (FIG. 1 ). Theouter doors 32A have an inner side face 56 that may include aresilient seal 58 that sealingly engage outer side faces 60 (FIG. 1 ) ofperimeter structures 30A.Perimeter structures 30A include ring-shaped inner side faces 62 (FIG. 2 ) that sealingly engage aresilient seal 64 secured toouter face 65 ofcabinet structure 5 whenperimeter structures 30A are in their closed positions. It will be understood thatseals 64 may alternatively be secured toinner faces 65 ofperimeter structures 30A. - With further reference to
FIG. 5 ,outer doors 32A comprise an outer skin orwrapper 66 that may comprise sheet metal (e.g. steel) or other suitable material. Aninner liner 68 is made of a polymer material that may be thermoformed, molded, or otherwise fabricated to provide the required shape/configuration. Aperimeter 70 ofouter skin 66 may be in the form of a flange that is connected to aperimeter 72 ofinner liner 68 that may also comprise a flange.Perimeter 70 may have a quadrilateral shape corresponding to dooropenings 44. Acavity 74 is defined between theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68. Avacuum core panel 76 is disposed in thecavity 74. Thevacuum core panel 76 comprises a porous filler material whereby thecavity 74 can be subject to a vacuum without collapsing theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68. - The vacuum insulated
outer doors 32A may be constructed in various ways. For example, thecore panel 76 may compriseporous filler material 80 that is disposed inside of a gas impermeable wrapper orenvelope 78.Envelope 78 may comprise polymer and/or metal layers that are impermeable to gas. Various suitable envelopes are known in the art, such that the details ofenvelope 78 are not described in detail. Theporous filler 80 may be positioned inside of theenvelope 78 prior to assembly of door 32, and thefiller 80 may be subject to a vacuum prior to sealing theenvelope 78. Thecore panel 76 can then be positioned between theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68 during assembly, and theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68 can be secured along theperimeters envelope 78 provides an airtight, gas-impermeable layer such that theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68 do not necessarily need to be impermeable, and a seal along theperimeters outer skin 66 andinner liner 68, respectively, is not necessarily required. -
Door 32A may also be constructed by placingsolid filler material 80 between theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68. According to this aspect of the present invention, theporous filler material 80 comprises a solid block of material that is preformed (e.g. pressed) into a shape corresponding tocavity 74, and a wrapper orenvelope 78 is not required. After the solid block ofporous filler 80 is positioned between theouter skin 66 andinner liner 68, theperimeters cavity 74 is then subject to a vacuum to remove the air through a vacuum port such asopening 82 inliner 68. Theopening 82 is then sealed using a plug or the like (not shown) such that thecavity 74 forms a vacuum. - An
outer door 32A according to another aspect of the present invention may be fabricated by first assembling the outer skin orwrapper 66 with theinner liner 68, and forming an airtight seal at theperimeters Porous filler 80 in the form of loose powder such as fumed silica or other suitable material is then deposited into thecavity 74 throughopening 82 or through a feeder port on the wrapper (not shown). Theopening 82 is then subject to a vacuum to remove the air fromcavity 74, and theopening 82 is then sealed. - Referring again to
FIG. 4 , theperimeter structures 30A ofdoor assemblies 24A have a thickness “T1” that is significantly greater than the thickness “T2” of the vacuum insulated outer doors 32. The vacuum insulatedouter doors 32A may be constructed without shelves or the like such that the vacuum insulatedouter doors 32A are not subjected to significant loading. Because beverages and other items are stored on theshelves 52A-52C ofperimeter structure 30A, the weight of these items is carried by theperimeter structure 30A and hinges 28, not the vacuum insulatedouter doors 32A. Because theperimeter structure 30A includes metalouter wrapper 46, polymerinner liner 48, and polyurethane foam or the like 50, the perimeter structure 30 may be very rigid and structurally sound. Also, this construction does not create issues with respect to potential leakage of vacuum panels inperimeter structure 30A. Because the vacuum insulatedouter doors 32A are not subject to significant loading, the integrity of the outer doors 32 is maintained and potential leakage with respect to the vacuum cavities is avoided. - In use, a user can grasp the
handles 33A ofouter doors 32A to thereby open theouter doors 32A without moving theperimeter structure 30A relative to theinsulated cabinet structure 5. A user can then remove items positioned onshelves 52A-52C without movingperimeter structure 30A relative to theinsulated cabinet structure 5. As shown inFIG. 2 , the door opening 44 may be significantly smaller than the access opening 14 whereby openingouter door 32A reduces the amount of cold air lost from refrigerated compartment 12 (FIG. 3 ) relative to opening a conventional refrigerator door to thereby open the entire access opening 14. If a user needs to gain access to therefrigerated compartment 12, the user can open theentire door assembly 24 by graspinghandle 35A onperimeter structure 30A androtating perimeter structure 30A about hinges 28. Theouter doors 32A may remain in a closed position relative to theperimeter structure 30A whileperimeter structure 30A is opened.Shelves 52A-52C can be accessed from theinner side 25A ofdoor assemblies 24A whenperimeter structure 30A is rotated to an open position. Thus,outer doors 32A can be left in a closed position, anddoor assemblies 24A can be opened and used in substantially the same manner as conventional refrigerator doors if a user so chooses. Seals 64 (FIG. 3 ) betweenperimeter structures 30A andcabinet 5 may include magnets that retainperimeter structures 30A in a closed position. Similarly, seals 58 ofouter doors 32A may also include elongated magnets tending to retainouter doors 32A in a closed position relative toperimeter structures 30A. The magnetic forces of theseals perimeter structures 30A remain closed whenouter doors 32A are opened. - With further reference to
FIGS. 6-8 , arefrigerator 1B according to another aspect of the present invention includes arefrigerated cabinet structure 5 that is substantially the same as thecabinet structure 5 described in more detail above in connection withFIGS. 3 and 4 .Refrigerator 1B includes at least onedoor assembly 24B that includes aperimeter structure 30B having substantially the same construction as theperimeter structure 30A described in more detail above.Door openings 44B formed inperimeter structures 30B are selectively closed off by vacuum insulatedouter doors 32B.Outer doors 32B are movably mounted to theperimeter structures 30B for rotation about a horizontal axis by hinges 84 positioned along or at lower edges ofouter doors 32B. A plurality of racks orshelves 86 extend across theopenings 44B ofperimeter structures 30B. Theracks 86 may include upwardly-facingcylindrical surfaces 87 that are configured to support cans or other beverages on their sides. Alternatively, racks 86 may be in the form of shelves that are configured to support jugs of milk or the like as described above in connection withFIG. 2 . Beverages onracks 86 can be accessed by pulling onhandle 33B to open theouter door 32B, without openingperimeter structure 30B. Theouter door 32B comprises a vacuum insulated structure that may be constructed as discussed in more detail above in connection withFIG. 3A .Handles 35B may be mounted to ring-shaped vertical outer side faces 37 ofperimeter structures 30B whereby a user can pull onhandles 35B to openperimeter structures 30B. Asperimeter structures 30B are opened,outer doors 32B move withperimeter structure 30B, such thatdoor assemblies 24B can operate in a manner that is similar to conventional refrigerator doors. Whenperimeter structure 30B is opened,racks 86 can be accessed. - With further reference to
FIGS. 9-11 , arefrigerator 1C according to another aspect of the present invention includes a pair ofdoor assemblies 24C. Thedoor assemblies 24C includeperimeter structures 30C that are substantially similar to theperimeter structure 30A described in more detail above in connection withFIGS. 1A, 2 and 3 .Handles 35C are disposed on outer side faces 37C ofperimeter structures 30C. Eachdoor assembly 24C includes a pair ofouter doors 32C that are movably mounted to theperimeter structure 30C byhinges 88 for rotation about vertical axes. A plurality of racks orshelves 90A-90E extend across theopenings 44C to thereby support beverages or other items onperimeter structure 30C. Theouter doors 32C may comprise vacuum insulated structures that are constructed in substantially the same manner asouter doors 32A as described above in connection withFIGS. 3-5 . - In use, one or more of the
outer doors 32C may be opened usinghandles 33C without movingperimeter structure 30C relative to theinsulated cabinet structure 5 if a user needs to access items onshelves 90A-90E. Alternatively, a user can move theperimeter structure 30C relative to theinsulated cabinet structure 5 by graspinghandles 35C and rotating theperimeter structure 30C about hinges 28. - It will be understood that the features described in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a refrigerator having an
insulated cabinet 5 could include combinations of perimeter structures 10A-10C andouter doors 32A-32C as required for a particular application.
Claims (21)
1. A refrigerator, comprising:
an insulated cabinet structure defining a refrigerated interior space having an access opening that permits user access to the refrigerated interior space;
a cooling system that is configured to cool the refrigerated interior space;
a door assembly that selectively closes off at least a portion of the access opening;
wherein the door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure for movement between open and closed positions, the perimeter structure defining an outer perimeter and a door opening through a central portion of the perimeter structure to provide access to the refrigerated interior space when the perimeter structure is in a closed position, wherein the perimeter structure includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner that is secured to the outer wrapper to define a ring-shaped cavity, extending around the perimeter structure between the outer perimeter of the structure and the door opening, and wherein the ring-shaped cavity is filled with closed-cell foam insulation to form a rigid structure, wherein the perimeter structure includes oppositely facing inner and outer surfaces defining a first thickness;
wherein the door assembly further includes at least one shelf supported by the perimeter structure, and wherein the shelf has an upwardly opening U-shape in cross section to support jugs of milk thereon, and wherein the shelf is disposed in the door opening;
wherein the door assembly further includes a vacuum insulated outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position to selectively close off at least a portion of the door opening without moving the least one shelf, wherein the vacuum insulated outer door includes inner and outer layers that are spaced apart to define a cavity, and wherein the cavity defines a vacuum, and wherein the inner and outer layers have outer surfaces defining a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness is significantly greater than the second thickness.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein:
the perimeter structure is generally ring-shaped.
3. (canceled)
4. The refrigerator of claim 2 , wherein:
the door opening is quadrilateral, and wherein the outer door has a quadrilateral perimeter that is smaller than the quadrilateral door opening and the vacuum insulated door is disposed inside the door opening.
5. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein:
the at least one shelf extends horizontally across the door opening.
6. The refrigerator of claim 5 , wherein:
the at least one shelf defines opposite ends that are fixed to the perimeter structure.
7. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein:
the perimeter structure defines a ring-shaped inner side face that sealingly engages the insulated cabinet structure around the access opening, and a ring-shaped outer side face; and
wherein the outer door sealingly engages the outer side face around the door opening.
8. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein:
the outer layer of the outer door comprises sheet metal, and the inner layer of the outer door comprises a polymer liner having a perimeter that is secured to a perimeter of the sheet metal of the outer layer.
9. The refrigerator of claim 8 , wherein:
the outer door includes a core panel disposed between the sheet metal outer layer and the polymer liner, wherein the core panel comprises porous core material disposed inside an airtight sheet of material forming an envelope.
10. The refrigerator of claim 9 , wherein:
the core panel is adhesively bonded to at least one of the sheet metal and the polymer liner.
11. The refrigerator of claim 8 , wherein:
the sheet metal is sealingly connected to the polymer liner to define an airtight vacuum cavity therebetween, and including porous core material disposed between the sheet metal and the polymer liner.
12. The refrigerator of claim 1 , wherein:
the insulated cabinet structure further defines an insulated freezer compartment having a freezer opening, wherein the cooling system is configured to maintain the freezer compartment at or below freezing; and including:
a freezer door movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure for movement between open and closed positions to selectively close off the freezer opening, wherein the freezer door includes a vacuum insulated panel structure.
13. The refrigerator of claim 12 , wherein:
the freezer door includes a ring-shaped perimeter structure defining a freezer door opening therethrough and having non-porous foam insulation disposed within the perimeter structure; and
wherein the freezer door includes an outer freezer door comprising a vacuum insulated panel, wherein the outer freezer door is movably mounted to the perimeter structure of the freezer door to selectively close off the freezer door opening.
14. The refrigerator door of claim 1 , wherein:
the vacuum insulated outer door is pivotably mounted to the perimeter structure and rotates about a vertical axis.
15. The refrigerator door of claim 1 , wherein:
the door opening includes horizontally juxtaposed first and second portions;
the vacuum insulated outer door comprises a first vacuum insulated outer door that closes off the first portion of the door opening when in its closed position; and including:
a second vacuum insulated outer door movably mounted to the perimeter structure for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the second vacuum insulated outer door closes off the second portion of the door opening.
16. The refrigerator door of claim 1 , wherein:
the vacuum insulated outer door is pivotably mounted to the perimeter structure and rotates about a horizontal axis between its open and closed positions.
17. A refrigerator, comprising:
an insulated cabinet structure defining a refrigerated interior space having an access opening that permits user access to the refrigerated interior space;
a door assembly that selectively closes off at least a portion of the access opening;
wherein the door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure for movement between open and closed positions, the perimeter structure defining a first outer perimeter and a door opening through a central portion of the perimeter structure, wherein the door opening is significantly smaller than the access opening, wherein the perimeter structure includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner that is secured to the outer wrapper to define a ring-shaped cavity extending around the perimeter structure between the outer perimeter of the structure and the door opening, and wherein the ring-shaped cavity is filled with closed-cell foam insulation;
wherein the door assembly further includes at least one shelf supported by the perimeter structure, and wherein the shelf is disposed in the door opening;
wherein the door assembly further includes a vacuum insulated outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position to selectively close off at least a portion of the door opening, wherein the vacuum insulated outer door defines a second perimeter that is significantly smaller than the first perimeter.
18. The refrigerator of claim 17 wherein:
the perimeter structure includes at least one shelf extending across the door opening.
19. The refrigerator of claim 17 , wherein:
the perimeter structure defines a vertical outer side face, and includes a handle on the outer side face.
20. The refrigerator of claim 19 , wherein:
the vacuum insulated outer door defines a second vertical outer side face, and includes a handle on the second vertical outer side face.
21. The refrigerator door of claim 1 , wherein:
the inner and outer layers of the vacuum insulated door are planar, and wherein the vacuum insulated door is constructed without shelves.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/639,617 US20160258670A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | Appliance door with vacuum insulated outer door |
PCT/US2016/020896 WO2016141292A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-03-04 | Appliance door with vacuum insulated outer door |
US15/290,723 US10161669B2 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-10-11 | Attachment arrangement for vacuum insulated door |
US16/192,102 US11243021B2 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2018-11-15 | Attachment arrangement for vacuum insulated door |
US17/565,600 US11713916B2 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2021-12-30 | Attachment arrangement for vacuum insulated door |
US18/209,093 US20230324106A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2023-06-13 | Attachment arrangement for vacuum insulated door |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/639,617 US20160258670A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | Appliance door with vacuum insulated outer door |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/290,723 Continuation-In-Part US10161669B2 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-10-11 | Attachment arrangement for vacuum insulated door |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160258670A1 true US20160258670A1 (en) | 2016-09-08 |
Family
ID=56849097
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/639,617 Abandoned US20160258670A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | Appliance door with vacuum insulated outer door |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160258670A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016141292A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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US20170039511A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Object recognition system for an appliance and method for managing household inventory of consumables |
US20170191745A1 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2017-07-06 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
US11215391B1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2022-01-04 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Staged access door for a home appliance |
US11300354B2 (en) * | 2017-10-05 | 2022-04-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filling ports for insulated structures incorporated within an appliance |
US20230114849A1 (en) * | 2021-10-13 | 2023-04-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Hinge assembly for a vacuum insulated door |
US11668513B2 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2023-06-06 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Staged access door for a home appliance |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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KR100376167B1 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2003-03-15 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Cool & hot storage chamber |
KR100887575B1 (en) * | 2002-04-22 | 2009-03-09 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator with double door |
TR200700242T1 (en) * | 2004-07-22 | 2007-02-21 | Ar�El�K A.�. | A cooler. |
DE602008003806D1 (en) * | 2008-08-27 | 2011-01-13 | Panasonic Corp | refrigeration Equipment |
-
2015
- 2015-03-05 US US14/639,617 patent/US20160258670A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-03-04 WO PCT/US2016/020896 patent/WO2016141292A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10474987B2 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2019-11-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Object recognition system for an appliance and method for managing household inventory of consumables |
US20170039511A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Object recognition system for an appliance and method for managing household inventory of consumables |
US11556889B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2023-01-17 | Whirlpool Corporation | Object recognition system for an appliance and method for managing household inventory of consumables |
US11709017B2 (en) | 2016-01-05 | 2023-07-25 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
US20170191745A1 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2017-07-06 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
US10119751B2 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2018-11-06 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Door in door refrigerator having illuminated see-through feature and control method therefor |
US10598427B2 (en) | 2016-01-05 | 2020-03-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
US11859900B2 (en) | 2016-01-05 | 2024-01-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
US11300354B2 (en) * | 2017-10-05 | 2022-04-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filling ports for insulated structures incorporated within an appliance |
US11686524B2 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2023-06-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filling ports for insulated structures incorporated within an appliance |
US12061042B2 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2024-08-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filling ports for insulated structures incorporated within an appliance |
US11668513B2 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2023-06-06 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Staged access door for a home appliance |
US11215391B1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2022-01-04 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Staged access door for a home appliance |
US20230114849A1 (en) * | 2021-10-13 | 2023-04-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Hinge assembly for a vacuum insulated door |
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WO2016141292A1 (en) | 2016-09-09 |
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Owner name: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DEKA, LAKSHYA;NAIK, ABHAY;SIGNING DATES FROM 20150304 TO 20150305;REEL/FRAME:035096/0102 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |