U.S. patent application number 09/898226 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for wall mounted refrigerator system.
Invention is credited to Doran, Michael.
Application Number | 20030005716 09/898226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25409127 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030005716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doran, Michael |
January 9, 2003 |
Wall mounted refrigerator system
Abstract
A refrigerator system includes one or more insulated cabinets
structured and disposed for mounting to a wall, soffit, or ceiling
so that the insulated cabinets are positioned at a height which
enables easy viewing and access to items stored therein. In a
preferred embodiment, at least two insulated cabinets are used,
including one insulated cabinet providing a refrigerator
compartment and a second insulated cabinet providing a freezer
compartment. A stand-alone refrigeration and freezing unit for
controlling and maintaining the temperature in the refrigerator
compartment and the freezer compartment is separated from the
insulated cabinets and, in the preferred embodiments, is mounted in
a soffit or ceiling structure above the insulated cabinets. The
insulated cabinets may be manufactured according to a specific size
and configuration and provided with an exterior finish to match
adjacent dry storage cabinets in a kitchen, wherein the insulated
cabinets and dry storage cabinets are mounted side-by-side to a
wall, soffit or ceiling and in spaced relation above a
countertop.
Inventors: |
Doran, Michael; (DelRay
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Downey
ROBERT M. DOWNEY, P.A.
Suite 350
150 E. Palmetto Park Road
Boca Raton
FL
33432
US
|
Family ID: |
25409127 |
Appl. No.: |
09/898226 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2400/08 20130101;
F25D 23/10 20130101; A47B 77/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/263 |
International
Class: |
F25D 023/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A refrigerator system for installation in a kitchen having a
countertop and a plurality of dry storage cabinets mounted in
spaced relation above the countertop, said refrigeration system
comprising: at least one insulated cabinet including insulated
walls and an insulated moveable door surrounding an interior
compartment, and said door being moveable between a closed position
to sealingly enclose the interior compartment and an open position
to permit access to the interior compartment; means for supporting
said insulated cabinet in spaced, unobstructed relation above the
countertop; and means for cooling and/or freezing the interior
compartment, said means for cooling and/or freezing being position
and disposed independent of said insulated cabinet.
2. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 1 comprising: a
plurality of said insulated cabinets including at least one
refrigerator cabinet having an interior refrigerator compartment,
and at least one freezer cabinet having an interior freezer
compartment; and said means for cooling and/or freezing being
structured and disposed for cooling said interior refrigerator
compartment of said at least one refrigerator cabinet and said
means for cooling and/or freezing being further structured and
disposed for freezing said interior freezer compartment of said at
least one freezer cabinet.
3. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 2 wherein said
plurality of insulated cabinets are sized and configured for
mounting adjacent to said dry storage cabinets.
4. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 3 wherein said
plurality of insulated cabinets are provided with an exterior
finish to match said plurality of dry storage cabinets.
5. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means
for supporting includes at least one bracket structured and
disposed for attachment to a wall in the kitchen and said insulated
cabinet for supporting said insulated cabinet above the
countertop.
6. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means
for supporting includes at least one bracket structured and
disposed for attachment to a soffit and said insulated cabinet for
supporting said insulated cabinet above the countertop.
7. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means
for supporting includes at least one bracket structured and
disposed for attachment to a ceiling and said insulated cabinet for
supporting said insulated cabinet above the countertop.
8. A refrigerator system for installation in a kitchen having a
countertop and a plurality of dry storage cabinets mounted in
spaced relation above the countertop, said refrigerator system
comprising: a plurality of insulated cabinets including: at least
one refrigerator cabinet having insulated walls and an insulated
moveable door surrounding an interior refrigerator compartment; at
least one freezer cabinet having insulated walls and an insulated
moveable door surrounding an interior freezer compartment; means
for supporting each of said plurality of insulated cabinets in
spaced, unobstructed relation above the countertop; and cooling and
freezing means for cooling said refrigerator compartment and for
freezing said freezer compartment, said cooling and freezing means
being positioned and disposed independent of said plurality of
insulated cabinets.
9. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 8 wherein at least
one of said plurality of insulated cabinets is structured and
disposed for mounting below the countertop.
10. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 9 wherein said
plurality of insulated cabinets are structured and disposed for
mounting adjacent to said plurality of dry storage cabinets.
11. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 10 wherein said
plurality of insulated cabinets are each provided with an exterior
finish to match an exterior finish of said plurality of dry storage
cabinets.
12. A refrigerator system for installation in a kitchen having a
countertop and a plurality of dry storage cabinets mounted in
spaced relation above the countertop, said refrigerator system
comprising: at least one insulated cabinet with an interior
compartment and a moveable door operable between a closed position
to sealingly enclose the interior compartment and an open position
to permit access to the interior compartment; means for supporting
said insulated cabinet in spaced, unobstructed relation above the
countertop, and said insulated cabinet being sized and configured
for mounting adjacent to said dry storage cabinets; and means for
cooling and/or freezing the interior compartment.
13. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 12 comprising: a
plurality of said insulated cabinets including at least one
refrigerator cabinet having an interior refrigerator compartment,
and at least one freezer cabinet having an interior freezer
compartment; and said means for cooling and/or freezing being
structured and disposed for cooling said interior refrigerator
compartment of said at least one refrigerator cabinet and said
means for cooling and/or freezing being further structured and
disposed for freezing said interior freezer compartment of said at
least one freezer cabinet.
14. The refrigerator system as recited in claim 13 wherein said
plurality of insulated cabinets are provided with an exterior
finish to match said plurality of dry storage cabinets.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to modular refrigeration
systems and, more particularly, to a refrigerator system including
one or more insulated cabinets structured and disposed for mounting
to a wall, soffit or ceiling above a countertop, and a
refrigeration and freezing unit maintained independent of the
insulated cabinets for cooling and/or freezing the insulated
interior compartments of the cabinets.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] For many households, the kitchen is often the most active
place in the home. In addition to the obvious use for meal
preparation and casual dining, the typical kitchen serves as a
storage location as well as a place to do homework, family projects
and domestic business (i.e. payment of bills, making phone calls,
preparation of grocery lists, household chores, etc.). It is,
therefore, not surprising that many new home buyers are demanding
more counter-top space and cabinet space in the modern-day kitchen.
However, extra area in the kitchen is often at a premium, with a
significant amount of space being required for installation of
appliances.
[0005] Of particular concern is the amount of kitchen space
occupied by the conventional floor model refrigerator which can be
found in practically every home throughout the United States and
many other countries. This well known refrigerator style, which has
been in use for many decades, sits on the floor, often on small
wheels, and stands between 5.5 and 7.0 feet tall. The depth of most
floor model refrigerators is approximately 3.5 feet. To accommodate
the significant size of the conventional floor model refrigerator,
a large pocket of area must be reserved along a wall in the
kitchen, often interrupting the continued flow of cabinets and
countertops. Accordingly, the installation of a floor model
refrigerator results in a loss of cabinets and countertop space in
the kitchen.
[0006] The floor model refrigerator has presented numerous problems
and disadvantages to homeowners over the years. Specifically, it is
difficult to clean around, behind and below a floor model
refrigerator. In order do this, the refrigerator must be pulled out
from the cavity where it normally sits adjacent to or between
cabinets and countertops. The constant moving of the refrigerator
often results in damage to the floors in the kitchen. Moreover,
moisture from condensation in the refrigeration system, as well as
spills which inevitably occur when placing or removing items from
the refrigerator, sometimes result in puddles under the
refrigerator which go unnoticed and eventually cause permanent
damage to the kitchen floor. Furthermore, due to the size and
structure of the conventional floor model refrigerator, the
interior refrigerator and freezer compartments often become
cluttered, with many contents being stored below waist level and/or
too deep (i.e. near the back) in the refrigerator/freezer
compartment. This inefficient use of storage space results in many
food items being lost in the refrigerator, sometimes for months. In
fact, because many food items are stored below waist level and/or
too deep in the conventional floor model refrigerator, these items
go unnoticed and eventually spoil. A further disadvantage of the
floor model refrigerator is the inability to expand the
refrigerator/freezer storage space without having to replace the
entire refrigerator with a larger model. In summary, the
conventional floor model refrigerator takes up too much space,
provides inefficient arrangement of space, with limited
adjustability, and results in a loss of countertop and cabinet
space in the kitchen.
[0007] In the past, others have proposed departures from the
conventional floor model refrigerator design to address concerns
other than those of the present invention. Of particular relevance
is the Dehring U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,193 which discloses a horizontal
refrigerator that rests on or just above the floor. Access to the
Dehring Horizontal Refrigerator is provided via top covers which
hinge upwardly and towards the wall behind the refrigerator. And,
while the Dehring Horizontal Refrigerator provides for ease of
access to some of the contents which are stored below the
hinged-top covers, its structure and design does not provide for an
increased amount of countertop space in the kitchen. Specifically,
it is not practical to place any items on the top of the hinged
covers of the Horizontal Refrigerator, as this will prevent opening
of the covers to access the interior of the refrigerator.
Furthermore, the Dehring Horizontal Refrigerator fails to provide
for storage of contents above waist level so that they are more
easily viewable and accessible to persons using the
refrigerator.
[0008] Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it is quite apparent
that there remains an urgent need in the industry for improvements
to the conventional refrigerator design and structure in order to
overcome the long-standing problems and disadvantages of the
conventional floor model refrigerator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a refrigerator system
which includes one or more insulated cabinets, each providing a
refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. The individual
insulated cabinets are structured and disposed for mounting to a
wall or overhead soffit or ceiling structure so that the insulated
cabinets are positioned at a height which enables easy viewing and
access to items stored therein. A refrigeration and freezing unit
is maintained independently of the insulated cabinets and controls
and maintains the temperature in each of the refrigerator and
freezer compartments. In a preferred embodiment, the refrigeration
and freezing unit is separated from the insulated cabinets and is
mounted in the soffit or ceiling structure above the insulated
cabinets. It is intended that the insulated cabinets be mounted
adjacent to dry storage cabinets in the kitchen and in spaced
relation above the countertop. For interior design purposes, the
insulated cabinets may be manufactured according to a specific size
and configuration and provided with an exterior finish to match
adjacent storage cabinets in the kitchen. The refrigerator system
may further provide base insulated cabinets which mount below the
countertop for fresh food, freezer or deep freeze storage.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a compartmental
refrigerator system comprising individual insulated cabinets which
mount to a wall or overhead soffit or ceiling structure and which
are designed to match the appearance of dry storage cabinets,
thereby providing conveniently accessible refrigeration and freezer
storage space and ease of expandability of the refrigerator system,
while also increasing available countertop space in the
kitchen.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0010] With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a compartmental refrigerator system
including one or more wall-mounted insulated cabinets and a
stand-alone refrigeration and freezing unit which provides for ease
of expandability of the system by adding additional refrigerator
and/or freezer compartments at minimal cost while also providing
increased available countertop area in the kitchen.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an improved refrigerator system, as described above, which provides
for maximum efficiency of used spaced.
[0012] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide an improved refrigerator system, as described above, which
provides for efficient organization and customization according to
the design of a kitchen and the needs of the user.
[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide an improved refrigerator system, as described above, which
avoids the problems of having to clean behind or under the
refrigerator cabinet, as occurs with the conventional floor model
refrigerator.
[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide an improved refrigerator system, as described above, which
includes one or more insulated cabinets to provide refrigerator
and/or freezer compartments, and wherein the individual insulated
cabinets are structured for mounting to a wall, soffit or overhead
ceiling structure so that the contents stored in the refrigerator
and/or freezer compartment are maintained at a convenient height
which is above waist level.
[0015] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide an improved refrigerator system, as described above, which
can be manufactured according to a specific size and configuration
in order to match dry storage cabinets in a kitchen, so that the
insulated refrigerator and/or freezer cabinets of the system blend
in with the dry storage cabinets in the kitchen.
[0016] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide an improved refrigerator system, as described above,
wherein individual insulated refrigerator and/or freezer cabinets
are adapted for wall mounting, ceiling mounting or soffit mounting
at a height which is out of the reach of small children.
[0017] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are more readily apparent with reference to the
accompanying drawings and the detailed description which
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator system
of the present invention installed in a kitchen;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator system
of the present invention installed in a kitchen with the hinged
doors of insulated refrigerator cabinets of the system in an open
position to permit access to the contents stored therein;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view, in partial section,
showing insulated refrigerator and freezer cabinets of the
refrigerator system of the present invention installed adjacent to
dry storage cabinets in a kitchen, and in spaced relation above a
countertop;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, in partial section,
showing an insulated cabinet of the refrigerator system mounted to
a wall in a kitchen, above a countertop, and a stand-alone
refrigeration and freezing system installed within a soffit above
the insulated cabinet; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, shown in cross section,
illustrating a first insulated cabinet of the refrigerator system
mounted to the underside of an overhead soffit in a kitchen, with
the first cabinet supported in spaced relation above a countertop,
and a second base insulated cabinet mounted below the countertop,
wherein both of the insulated cabinets are interconnected and
cooled/frozen by a stand-alone refrigeration and freezing unit
maintained within the soffit.
[0024] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] As seen throughout the several views of the drawings, the
present invention is directed to a refrigerator system, generally
indicated as 10, and including one or more insulated cabinets 20
and a stand-alone refrigeration and freezing unit 30, shown
diagrammatically in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0026] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of
a kitchen is shown to illustrate an intended installation and use
of the refrigerator system 10 of the present invention.
Specifically, a typical kitchen wherein the system 10 may be
installed includes a ceiling structure or overhead soffit 50 and a
countertop 60. A first set of dry storage cabinets 54 are mounted
below the soffit in a side-by-side horizontal arrangement so that a
bottom of the cabinets is spaced above the countertop surface,
preferably at a height of greater than two feet above the
countertop, to thereby provide unobstructed access and use of the
countertop. The typical kitchen further includes lower dry storage
cabinets 64 below the countertops 60. The lower cabinets 64 may
rest on a footing 68 or on the floor 70.
[0027] Each insulated cabinet 20 is provided with an insulated wall
structure 24 and a moveable insulated door 26 which surround an
interior storage compartment 22. In the preferred embodiment, the
insulated doors 26 are hinged to the insulated wall structure of
the cabinet to permit swinging movement of the doors between a
closed position, as seen in FIG. 1, and an open position, as seen
in FIG. 2.
[0028] The insulated cabinets 20 of the refrigerator system 10 are
specifically structured and disposed for mounting to a wall 80
which extends upwardly from the countertop to the soffit or ceiling
structure. More specifically, the insulated cabinets 20 are
structured and disposed for mounting to the wall 80 or overhead
soffit or ceiling structure 50 so that they are positioned in
adjacent, side-by-side relation to the upper dry storage cabinets
in the kitchen, as seen throughout the several views of the
drawings. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1-3, three independent
insulated cabinets 20a, 20b and 20c are mounted to the wall in
side-by-side, adjacent relation to one another and along the same
horizontal plane as the upper dry storage cabinets 54. In this
particular example, insulated cabinets 20a and 20b may be used to
provide two independent refrigerator compartments 22a and 22b. The
third insulated cabinet 20c may be used to provide a freezer
compartment 22c. Adjustably positionable shelves 28 are provided
and can be arranged according to the needs of the user to
accommodate for various sized items in both the refrigerator
compartments 22a, 22b as well as the freezer compartment 22c.
[0029] Mounting means 40 are provided for mounting the insulated
cabinets 20 to the wall 80 or an overhead soffit or ceiling
structure 50, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Specifically, one or more
L-shaped brackets 42 may be provided for mounting each of the
insulated cabinets 20 to the wall 80, as seen in FIG. 4. In this
particular embodiment, the L-shaped mounting brackets 42 attach to
the bottom of the insulated cabinets 20 and to the wall 80 and
effectively support the weight of each insulated cabinet 20 and the
contents therein. Conventional hardware, such as steel anchors
and/or toggle anchors may be used to secure the L-shaped bracket 42
to the wall 80. Alternatively, the insulated cabinets 20 may be
mounted to the overhead soffit or ceiling structure 50 with the use
of bolts 44 or other hardware which are received within threaded
bushings 46 or other suitable hardware provided on the top wall of
the insulated cabinets 20, as seen in FIG. 5.
[0030] As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the refrigeration and
freezing unit 30 is preferably maintained in the soffit 50 as an
independent, stand-alone unit. The refrigeration and freezing unit
30 is inter-connected to each of the insulated cabinets 20 to
provide a specific, controlled temperature to each of the
respective interior storage compartments 22 of the insulated
cabinets 20. Controls are provided for adjusting the temperature
and humidity in each of the interior storage compartments 22 of the
insulated cabinets 20, thereby providing for refrigeration of fresh
foods, and freezing and deep freezing of frozen food products. It
is noted that the refrigeration and freezing unit 30 may be
contained in one of the insulated cabinets, or a dedicated dry
cabinet interconnected to other insulated cabinets. And, such an
arrangement and positioning of the refrigerator and freezer unit is
fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0031] A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 5, wherein a base insulated cabinet unit 20' is provided below
the countertop 60. The base insulated cabinet unit 20' may be
provided with a swinging door, as described in connection with the
insulated cabinets 20 or, alternatively, a sliding drawer 26' which
pulls out on tracks to facilitate access to the interior storage
compartment 22' of the drawer 26'. Similar to the insulated
cabinets 20 described above, the interior storage compartment 22'
of the base insulated cabinet unit 20' is inter-connected with the
refrigeration and freezing unit 30 to provide a controlled
temperature therein. One or more of the base insulated cabinet
units 20' may be installed to provide a refrigerator compartment
and/or a freezer or deep freezer compartment.
[0032] It is readily apparent from the foregoing description and
the accompanying drawings that the refrigerator system 10 of the
present invention is adapted to provide optimal utilization of
space while further providing a compartmental modular system which
offers ease of expandability and installation. Moreover, the
insulated cabinets 20 which mount to the wall or soffit are
positioned at a height so that the contents are easily accessible
at a level above the waist, thereby eliminating the need to bend or
crouch in order to search for items in the refrigerator or freezer.
The insulated cabinets 20, as well as the base insulated cabinet
units 20' are further adapted for installation in side-by-side,
adjacent position to the upper and lower dry storage cabinets 54,
64 so that the insulated cabinets of the refrigerator system match
and blend in with the dry storage cabinets, thereby providing a
neat, organized and aesthetic appearance to the kitchen.
[0033] While the present invention has been shown and described in
connection with various preferred embodiments thereof, it is
recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are
contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention which is
not to be limited except as set forth in the following claims as
interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *