Reinforced refrigerator door assembly and method of assembling the same
US5655351A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/238
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A pair of cross brace members are diagonally positioned within an internal cavity of a refrigerator door shell that is defined by an outer front panel, side walls and in-turned, return flanges. The cross brace members are generally L-shaped in cross-section and are interengaged at central portions thereof which are specifically configured with respective cut-out connection portions to aid in assembly and positioning of the cross brace members. The cross brace members have tabs at terminal ends thereof which extend above planes defined by generally horizontally extending upper sections of the cross brace members. These tabs are adapted to rest upon respective ones of the return flanges to initially mount the cross brace members within the door shell. Once the cross brace members are appropriately positioned within the door shell, insulation foam is supplied into the internal cavity. The foam flows through longitudinally spaced holes provided in generally upright sections of the cross brace members and around the cross brace members. Once the insulation foam hardens, the cross brace members become fixed to the door shell such that a reinforced refrigerator door assembly is defined. A…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.