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AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsPaul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. LeClear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu
Estimating the term…
A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.
A connection system for connecting a feature module to an interior surface of an appliance door of an appliance and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the appliance door comprising:
An appliance system comprising:
A method of providing user-selected features to an appliance comprising:
A connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source comprising:
A connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements: bus-bar or other wiring layouts, e.g. in cubicles,…
Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage
Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles ; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles: for supporting on, or attaching to, an…
For circulating air, e.g. by convection: air treating means within refrigerated spaces
About 3 years 3 months of term left · ends 29 Jan 2030 (estimated)
Refrigerators are available in many styles, but the most common styles include both a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, which may be side-by-side or one on top of the other. Often, refrigerator features such as ice making, ice crushing, water dispensing, precise temperature and/or humidity control, vacuum packaging, thawing, and fast chilling are available. All of these features require some type of utility, such as water, chilled air or mechanical power to provide the benefit.
Newer concepts in refrigeration have included modular units which fit within a refrigerated cabinet in order to provide the advantageous features above. Such modules are themselves a great convenience for the users of the refrigerators so equipped.
Accordingly, an apparatus is desired having the aforementioned advantages in solving and/or making improvements on the aforementioned disadvantages.
FIG. 1 is an upper left perspective view of the appliance system;
FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of a feature module just prior to engaging a refrigerator door;
FIG. 2A is an elevational side view of the feature module engaging the refrigerator door;
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference number 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates an appliance system with a rear wall section 12, a first side wall section 14, a second side wall section 16, a top 18, a bottom 20, and at least one appliance door 22 providing access to the refrigerator section 24 where the rear wall section, the first side wall section, the second side wall section, the top and bottom and the appliance door define an appliance interior. The refrigerator section 24 within the appliance interior may have the same or a smaller volume than the overall interior of the appliance, i.e., the appliance may be solely a refrigerator or be an appliance having both a refrigerator section and another section, such as a freezer section. The door(s) 22 of the appliance 10 have an exterior surface 28 and an interior surface 30 typically having a door liner 32. The liner 32 is typically formed with a cavity or pocket 34 for receiving one or more feature modules with the same or different features. The feature module 36 of the present invention may, for example, produce a modified atmosphere to preserve food such as that disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 12/343,682 and 12/343,690, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The feature module may have a housing 35A defining an enclosed interior space 35B (FIGS. 3 and 4) accessible to the user via an access door 35C (FIG. 1).
The illustrated appliance 10 is shown with the door hingably attached to the appliance 10. The appliance door 22 covers at least a portion of the refrigerator section 24 that lies within the appliance interior 26, and as shown, the door 22 is in an opened position. The appliance door 22 has an exterior surface 28 and an interior surface 30, with the interior surface 30 exposed in the opened position. The door liner 32 at least partially covers, but more typically covers all or substantially all of the interior surface 30 of the appliance door 22. An interface between the feature modules and the appliance door 22, such as interconnecting tabs and grooves or a magnetic engagement, allows for quick and easy installation docking without the use of tools. Differently sized feature modules 36 may be accommodated through the use of spacer systems that engage the interior of the appliance door 22 and shorten the lateral distance that the feature module 36 must traverse to engage the spacer. The spacer, when used would mimic a smaller mounting distance/door pocket or cavity 34 and similarly have an interface such as a tabular on groove mating or magnetic engagement.