U.S. patent application number 10/787805 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for freezer furniture assembly.
Invention is credited to Dearo, Genaro D., Dearo, Joan K..
Application Number | 20050189852 10/787805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34886860 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050189852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dearo, Joan K. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2005 |
Freezer furniture assembly
Abstract
A freezer furniture assembly which allows a user to construct a
device to store a storage freezer (15) having the appearance and
functionality of a table when assembled. The assembly, which can be
purchased in kit form or custom built for a homeowner, includes a
front panel (1), two side panels (5) and a rear panel (7). The
panels (1), (5) and (7) connect to one another by using dovetail
joints. The assembly also includes a top cover (2) which acts as a
table top when the assembled device is closed. The top cover (2) is
hinged to the rear panel (7), preferably by using spring loaded
hinges (4). Holes for power cords (8) and a hole for venting (9)
are cut out from the rear panel (7) for electrical connection and
proper venting of the freezer (15). Additional vent panels (6) are
located on the side panels (5) to aid in ventilation. Decorative
moldings (3) can be affixed to the panels (1), (5) and (7) to give
a more sophisticated appearance.
Inventors: |
Dearo, Joan K.; (Naples,
FL) ; Dearo, Genaro D.; (Naples, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD M. LIVINGSTON, PA
963 TRAIL TERRACE DRIVE
NAPLES
FL
34103
US
|
Family ID: |
34886860 |
Appl. No.: |
10/787805 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2400/40 20130101;
F25D 23/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/204 |
International
Class: |
F25B 005/00; A47B
017/04; A47B 097/00 |
Claims
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A freezer furniture assembly comprising: at least one
substantially planar front panel having a predetermined height and
a predetermined length; at least one substantially planar side
panel having a predetermined height and a predetermined length; a
means for connecting the at least one front panel to the at least
one side panel at a ninety degree angle; at least one substantially
planar rear panel having a predetermined height and a predetermined
length; a means for connecting the at least one rear panel to the
at least one side panel at a ninety degree angle; at least one
substantially planar top cover panel having a predetermined height
and a predetermined length; and a means for attaching the at least
one top cover panel to the at least one rear panel.
2. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one rear panel is wood; the at least one side panel is wood; and
the at least one top cover panel is wood.
3. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one front panel.
4. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 2 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one front panel.
5. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one side panel.
6. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 2 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one side panel.
7. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one rear panel has flaring tenons; the at least one side panel has
fitting mortises; and the means for connecting the at least one
rear panel to the at least one side panel is by matching the tenons
to the mortises to form a dovetail joint.
8. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one front panel has flaring tenons; the at least one side panel has
fitting mortises; and the means for connecting the at least one
front panel to the at least one side panel is by matching the
tenons to the mortises to form a dovetail joint.
9. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the means for
attaching the at least one top cover panel to the at least one rear
panel is by spring loaded hinges.
10. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: a recess is
cut into the at least one front panel; the at least one top cover
panel has an overlap; and the overlap is sized so as to cover the
recess.
11. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 2 wherein: a recess is
cut into the at least one front panel; the at least one top cover
panel has an overlap; and the overlap is sized so as to cover the
recess.
12. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: at least one
hole is cut into the at least one rear panel.
13. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: at least one
vent panel is located on the at least one side panel.
14. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the means
for connecting the at least one rear panel to the at least one side
panel is by hinges.
15. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the means
for connecting the at least one front panel to the at least one
side panel is by hinges.
16. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one rear panel has at least one arm; the at least one side panel
has at least one fitting groove; and the means for connecting the
at least one rear panel to the at least one side panel is by
sliding the at least one arm into the at least one fitting
groove.
17. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one front panel has at least one arm; the at least one side panel
has at least one fitting groove; and the means for connecting the
at least one front panel to the at least one side panel is by
sliding the at least one arm into the at least one fitting
groove.
18. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one front panel has an attached service door.
19. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 18 wherein: the means
for attaching the service door to the at least one front panel is
by using hinges.
20. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 19 wherein: the service
door has a lock.
21. A freezer furniture assembly comprising: at least one
substantially planar front panel having a predetermined height and
a predetermined length; at least one substantially planar side
panel having a predetermined height and a predetermined length; the
at least one front panel is connected to the at least one side
panel at a ninety degree angle; at least one substantially planar
rear panel having a predetermined height and a predetermined
length; the at least one rear panel is connected to the at least
one side panel at a ninety degree angle; at least one substantially
planar top cover panel having a predetermined height and a
predetermined length; and the at least one top cover panel is
attached to the at least one rear panel.
22. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 21 wherein: the at
least one rear panel is wood; the at least one side panel is wood;
and the at least one top cover panel is wood.
23. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 21 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one front panel.
24. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 22 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one front panel.
25. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 21 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one side panel.
26. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 22 wherein: decorative
moldings are attached to the at least one side panel.
27. The freezer furniture assembly of claim 21 wherein: a recess is
cut into the at least one front panel; the at least one top cover
panel has an overlap; and the overlap is sized so as to cover the
recess.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to assembly, more specifically, a
freezer furniture assembly for constructing a device which
surrounds freezers having the appearance and function of a piece of
furniture, such as a buffet table or credenza, when assembled.
[0002] Stand alone large capacity storage freezers are very useful
in that they store large amounts of food or other items for long
periods of time without damaging ice cream, meats and other foods
caused by periodic melting cycles typical of freezers in
self-defrosting refrigerators. In addition, items that have a
strong odor, such as fish or game meat, would not have to be placed
in a refrigerator/freezer within a person's home but could instead
be placed in the storage freezer so as not to leave an unpleasant
odor in one's kitchen and refrigerator/freezer. Large families,
business owners, hunters, fishermen and fisherwomen and vendors can
vouch for the usefulness of a storage freezer in that large amounts
of time and money is saved by purchasing foods in bulk at once and
storing the foods in the storage freezer.
[0003] However, many people are do not own large capacity storage
freezers for two main reasons. First, many people simply do not
have enough space in their homes, apartments, cellars, basements
and/or garages to place a storage freezer. Second, if a person does
have enough space for a storage freezer, he or she would most
likely not display one in the home or apartment because storage
freezers are traditionally plain-looking and not aesthetically
pleasing.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for an assembly for constructing a
device which surrounds a freezer and when assembled, having the
appearance and function of a piece of furniture, such as a buffet
table or credenza.
[0005] The relevant prior art includes the following patents:
1 Pat. No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor Issue Date
4,400,951 Cherry Aug. 30, 1983 1,840,645 Tibbot Jan. 12, 1932
6,532,756 Wang et al. Mar. 18, 2003 4,848,091 Border Jul. 18, 989
5,251,790 Cohn et al. Oct. 12, 1993 3,983,583 Herman et al. Oct.
05, 1976 2,180,460 Earle Nov. 21, 1939 1,729,491 Rygl Sep. 24,
1929
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide an
assembly for storage freezer furniture.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
assembly for storage freezer furniture which surrounds a storage
freezer and, when assembled, has the appearance and function of a
piece of furniture, such as a buffet table or credenza.
[0008] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide an assembly for storage freezer furniture that is easy to
use.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
assembly for storage freezer furniture that is durable.
[0010] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide an assembly for storage freezer furniture that is
attractive.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
assembly for storage freezer furniture that can be assembled
without requiring the aid of others.
[0012] The present invention fulfills the above and other objects
by providing an assembly for storage freezer furniture having
individual interlocking or slidable panels which fit into one
another to cover a storage freezer. The assembly, which can be sold
as a kit or custom built for a homeowner to be used on a
specifically-sized freezer, is preferably made of various types of
wood of various colors and sizes so as to give the user a choice in
aesthetic appearance and size of freezer to be covered. Once
surrounding the freezer, the assembly will have the appearance and
function of another piece of furniture, such as a buffet table or a
credenza. Venting pieces on the panels allow for proper ventilation
of the freezer. The assembly also includes predesigned moldings so
as to give a more sophisticated appearance to the assembly.
[0013] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention should become even more readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown
and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the following detailed description, reference will be
made to the attached drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of the assembled present invention
with decorative moldings attached;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the assembled present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is rear view of the assembled present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembled present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view of a front panel of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a front panel of the embodiment of
FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of a side panel of the present
invention; and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of a front panel of the present
invention having a flip-up service door.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the
terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the
drawings is as follows:
[0025] 1. front panel
[0026] 2. top cover panel
[0027] 3. decorative molding
[0028] 4. hinge
[0029] 5. side panel
[0030] 6. vent
[0031] 7. rear panel
[0032] 8. hole for power cord
[0033] 9. hole for venting
[0034] 10. freezer cover
[0035] 11. power cord
[0036] 12. flaring tenon
[0037] 13. top cover overlap
[0038] 14. fitting mortise panel
[0039] 15. freezer
[0040] 16. recess
[0041] 17. flip-up service door
[0042] 18. lock
[0043] With reference to FIG. 1, a front view of the assembled
present invention with decorative moldings 3 attached is shown. The
present invention includes a front panel 1 and a top cover panel 2.
Decorative moldings 3 can be affixed, preferably by using wood
glue, to the front panel 1 in order to give a more aesthetically
appealing look. All of the features are preferably made of wood so
as to give a high-quality appearance, yet other materials may be
used to achieve the desired look.
[0044] In FIG. 2, a side plan view of the assembled present
invention is shown. The top cover panel 2 has a top cover overlap
13 in order to overhang the front panel 1. This overhang feature
allows a user to easily lift the top cover panel 2 and open the
freezer cover 10 located within without injuring his or her hands.
A vent panel 6 may be located on a side panel 5 to allow for the
ventilation of the heat expelled from the freezer 15. Hinges 6,
preferably spring loaded, are affixed to the top cover panel 2 and
rear panel 7 to allow for the opening and closing of the top cover
panel 2.
[0045] In FIG. 3, a rear view of the assembled present invention is
shown. Holes for power cords 8 and a hole for venting 9 are cut out
of the rear panel 7 in order to allow for an electrical supply and
proper ventilation, respectively.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 4, a top view of the assembled
present invention is shown. The top cover panel 2 is sized so as to
be larger than a freezer cover 10. The power cord 11 is fed out of
the hole for power cords 8 so as to be plugged into an electrical
outlet.
[0047] In FIG. 5, a front view of a front panel 1 of the present
invention is shown. The front panel 1 is substantially rectangular
with the exception of the cut out recess 16 located at the top of
the front panel 1. The recess 16 allows the user to open the
freezer cover 10 without having to reach into the assembled device
and risking injury.
[0048] In FIG. 6, a perspective view of the assembled present
invention is shown. The front panel 1 and the rear panel 7 have
flaring tenons 12 while the side panels 5 have fitting mortises 14.
The flaring tenons 12 and fitting mortises 14 join together to form
a dovetail joint in order to join the corners of the front panel 1
to the side panel 5 and the corners of the back panel 7 to the side
panel 5. Although this type of assembly is preferred, other
interlocking techniques can be used to join the panels 1, 5 and 7
together, as well as having the panels 1, 5 and 7 slide into one
another or having the panels hinged together to create a secured
connection.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 8, a side view of a side panel of the
present invention is shown. The side panel 5 has fitting mortises
14 located along the edges of its height to correspond with the
flaring tenons 12 on the front and rear panels 1 and 7. A vent
panel 6 is also located on a side panel 5 in order to allow the
proper ventilation of the freezer 15.
[0050] Finally, with reference to FIG. 9, a front view of a front
panel 1 having a flip-up service door 17 is shown. The flip-up
service door 17 has a spring loaded, push-to-open lock 18 to keep
the door 17 closed and hidden hinges 4 to allow a user to open the
door 17 to access a hose connection on the lower front of the
freezer, freezer controls, etc.
[0051] To assemble the present invention, the user simply matches
the flaring tenons 12 located on the front panel 1 and back panel 7
to the corresponding fitting mortises 14 located on the side panels
5 to create a dovetail joint. If the user desires a more
sophisticated look, he or she simply adds decorative moldings 3 to
the panels 1, 5 and 7 as desired. Because the top cover panel 2 of
the present invention is flat, the user can utilize the assembled
present invention as a dining table, buffet table, credenza or any
other type of table to suit his or her purposes. Because the side
panels 5 and the rear panel 7 have vent panels 6 and holes for
venting 9, the user need not worry about the freezer 15
overheating.
[0052] The use of the present invention will allow a person to
construct a device having the appearance of a piece of furniture,
such as a buffet table or credenza, while hiding a storage freezer
within.
[0053] Although the freezer furniture assembly has been described
in a kit form for assembly by a homeowner, the freezer furniture
could also be custom built to accommodate a particular size of a
freezer and purchased with the freezer.
[0054] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the invention and the
invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and
described in the specification and drawings.
* * * * *