Dual-access refrigerator
US6220049A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60P3/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dual-access refrigerator includes a main housing characterized by an internal compartment and having a first side wall spaced apart from a second side wall by a top wall, and a bottom wall. Front and rear movable panels selectively provide access to the internal compartment. A cooling assembly selectively maintains a temperature of the internal compartment. In one embodiment, the rear access panel cooperates with a refrigerator access panel associated with a host vehicle. A refrigerator access aperture disposed within the vehicle side wall allows access to the refrigerator rear access panel. The refrigerator access aperture may selectively be closed by refrigerator access panel. Moving the refrigerator access panel reveals the refrigerator rear access panel, which may be opened to retrieve refrigerated items. In another embodiment, the rear access panel is eliminated, and the rear access aperture is sealed directly by the refrigerator access panel associated with the host vehicle side wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.