Refrigerator door hinge and closure mechanism

Details Refrigerator door hinge and closure mechanism Refrigerator door hinge and closure mechanism

1997-08-29

1999-04-27

Mah, Chuck Y.

Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,

Checks and closers

Hinge

16 67, 16 68, 16286, E05F 320, E05F 108

Patent

active

058966196

ABSTRACT:
A door hinge and closure mechanism which includes a hinge unit and a closure unit is described. The hinge and closure units are integral in that a hinge plate of the hinge unit serves as a support for components of the closure unit. Generally, the closure unit applies a pre-load force on the door when the door is in a closed position. When the door is between a closed position and a neutral force position, the closure unit applies a substantially constant closure force on the door. Once the door is opened beyond a first lock position, the closure unit applies resisting forces to the door when the door which act as a deterrent to further opening of the door. Rather than being expanded during door opening as with known spring closure mechanisms, the spring of the above described closure unit is compressed. Compressing the spring is believed to result in a more smooth and constant closure force on the door, as well as extending the useful life of the spring. Further, a single screw mounts hinge and closure mechanism to the door, which facilitates easy assembly and removal of the door from the cabinet. Also, no component of the mechanism is mounted internally within the door. Rather, all the components are mounted externally of the door, which facilitates avoiding energy loss due to the location of metal parts within the door. The mechanism also provides sufficient closure force so that designed-in rear tilt of the cabinet is unnecessary to ensure proper closure of the door.

REFERENCES:
patent: 409371 (1889-08-01), Pierce
patent: 490886 (1893-01-01), Rock
patent: 678790 (1901-07-01), Nushawg
patent: 2189818 (1940-02-01), Murrin
patent: 4058170 (1977-11-01), Ankenman et al.
patent: 4690468 (1987-09-01), Lau
patent: 5027473 (1991-07-01), Hottmann
patent: 5272789 (1993-12-01), Mitchell et al.
patent: 5497534 (1996-03-01), Caruso
patent: 5522656 (1996-06-01), Jenkins

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