US 2023/0069462 A1 · APPLIANCE WITH AN INTERIOR UNLOCKING FEATURE

Abstract

An appliance includes a cabinet that defines an interior chamber. A door is mounted to the cabinet. A lock assembly is configured to selectively secure the door in a closed arrangement. The lock assembly includes a first latch arm rotatably mounted on the cabinet and a second latch arm rotatably mounted on the door. A handle is positioned within the interior chamber of the cabinet. The handle is coupled to one of the first and second latch arms such that the one of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the handle. A motor is coupled to the other of the first and second latch arms such that the other of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the motor.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An appliance, comprising:

a cabinet defining an interior chamber;
a door mounted to the cabinet;
and
a lock assembly configured to selectively secure the door in a closed arrangement, the lock assembly comprising
a first latch arm rotatably mounted on the cabinet,
a second latch arm rotatably mounted on the door,
a handle positioned within the interior chamber of the cabinet, the handle coupled to one of the first and second latch arms such that the one of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the handle, and
a motor coupled to the other of the first and second latch arms such that the other of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the motor.

5 more elements

A refrigerated appliance, comprising:

an insulated cabinet defining an interior chamber and an opening;
a sealed system operable to transfer heat from the interior chamber of the insulated cabinet;
a door rotatably mounted to the insulated cabinet at the opening of the insulated cabinet;
and
a lock assembly configured to selectively secure the door in a closed arrangement over the opening of the insulated cabinet, the lock assembly comprising
a first latch arm rotatably mounted on the insulated cabinet,
a second latch arm rotatably mounted on the door,
a handle positioned within the interior chamber of the insulated cabinet, the handle coupled to one of the first and second latch arms such that the one of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the handle, and
a motor coupled to the other of the first and second latch arms such that the other of the first and second latch arms is rotatable with the motor.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

17/458,968Filed 27 Aug 2021

Published

2 Mar 2023

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

E05B 65/0053
For refrigerators or cold rooms: with safety release from inside
E05B 47/0012
With electric actuators; Constructional features thereof: with rotary electromotors
E05B 47/0046
Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means: electric or magnetic means in the striker or on the…
E05B 47/023
Movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means; Adaptation of locks, latches, or parts thereof, for movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means:…

Appliance with an interior unlocking feature

Life of this patent

Appliance with an interior unlocking feature

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19