Spring loaded mullion for french door refrigerator
US9709316B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2323/021
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A refrigerator having French-style doors is sealed between the doors by a first sealing pad linearly biased from a base fixed within a recess provided in an inner side portion of one door, and a second sealing pad carried by a mounting arm which is pivotally mounted and angularly biased from an inner side portion of the second door. When either door is closed against the other, the first and second sealing pads deflect and conform to each other to provide an effective seal. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second sealing pads take complementary concave and convex shapes which provide a larger cross-section for the overall sealing area and establish a high insulation value, while avoiding the need for an internal heater commonly employed in refrigerator doors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.