U.S. patent application number 11/501001 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for brace for a refrigerator machine compartment cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Maytag Corp.. Invention is credited to Michael Scot Carden, Edward Crompton, Mark Jeffery Reimer.
Application Number | 20080036348 11/501001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39050052 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080036348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carden; Michael Scot ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
Brace for a refrigerator machine compartment cover
Abstract
A brace is provided to hold a refrigerator machine compartment
cover open during servicing of various refrigeration compartments.
The brace includes a longitudinal center section having first and
second ends, a hinge support section attached to the first end and
a mounting section attached to the second end. The brace is placed
against a hinge assembly to support the cover in the open position.
When not in use, the brace may be stored in a machine compartment
portion of the refrigerator.
Inventors: |
Carden; Michael Scot;
(Williamsburg, IA) ; Crompton; Edward; (Iowa City,
NE) ; Reimer; Mark Jeffery; (Coralville, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DIEDERIKS & WHITELAW, PLC
#301, 12471 Dillingham Square
Woodbridge
VA
22192
US
|
Assignee: |
Maytag Corp.
|
Family ID: |
39050052 |
Appl. No.: |
11/501001 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/401 ;
312/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/401 ;
312/405 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/04 20060101
A47B096/04 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator assembly comprising: a refrigerated compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the refrigerator for
selectively closing the refrigerated compartment; a machine
compartment arranged over the refrigerated compartment, said
machine compartment housing refrigeration components which operate
to maintain a selected temperature in the refrigerated compartment;
a machine compartment cover shiftable between an open position
exposing the machine compartment and a closed position covering the
machine compartment; a hinge assembly pivotally interconnecting the
machine compartment cover and the machine compartment for movement
between open and closed positions; and a brace selectively mounted
to the hinge assembly to retain the machine compartment cover in
the open position, said brace including: a longitudinal center
section having first and second ends; a hinge support section
provided at the first end of the longitudinal center section, said
hinge support section being received by the hinge assembly; and a
mounting section provided at the second end of the longitudinal
center section, said mounting section engaging the hinge assembly
so as to selectively retain the machine compartment cover in the
open position to provide unobstructed access to the machine
compartment.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the hinge support
section is about 11/4 inches (3.18 cm) long and about 1 (2.54 cm)
inch wide.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal
center section is approximately 2.5-3 inches (6.35-7.62 cm) long
and is connected the hinge support section.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the mounting
section is connected to the second section and has an elongated
U-shape.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the mounting
section is spring biased so that the U-shape forms a clip.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the hinge
assembly includes a support portion and a pivoting portion, said
brace extending between the support portion and the pivoting
portion to retain the machine compartment cover in the open
position.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the support
portion includes a back panel, a bottom panel and a side panel,
said brace clipping to the bottom panel of the support portion and
abutting the pivoting portion to retain the machine compartment
cover in the open position.
8. A brace selectively mounted to a hinge assembly to retain a
machine compartment cover in an open position comprising: a
longitudinal center section having first and second ends; a hinge
support section provided at the first end of the longitudinal
center section, said hinge support section being received by the
hinge assembly; and a mounting section provided at the second end
of the longitudinal center section, said mounting section engaging
the hinge assembly so as to selectively retain the machine
compartment cover in the open position to provide unobstructed
access to the machine compartment.
9. The brace according to claim 8, wherein the hinge support
section is about 11/4 inches (3.18 cm) long and about 1 inch (2.54
cm) wide.
10. The brace according to claim 8, wherein the longitudinal center
section is approximately 2.5-3 inches (6.35-7.62 cm) long and is
connected the hinge support section.
11. The brace according to claim 8, wherein the mounting section is
connected to the second section and has an elongated U-shape.
12. The brace according to claim 11, wherein the mounting section
is spring biased so that the U-shape forms a clip.
13. A method of accessing a machine compartment positioned above a
refrigerated compartment of a refrigerator comprising: lifting a
machine compartment cover through a hinge assembly having a support
portion and a pivoting portion; clipping a first end of a brace to
the support portion of the hinge assembly; abutting a second end of
the brace against the pivoting portion of the hinge assembly so as
to support the machine compartment cover in an open position
thereby providing unobstructed access to the machine compartment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to the art of refrigerators
and, more particularly, to a brace that supports a cover for a
refrigerator machine compartment.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] In general, a refrigerator includes a variety of
refrigeration components, such as a compressor, a condenser, an
evaporator etc., for maintaining selected temperatures in one or
more refrigerated compartments. Normally the refrigerator
components are mounted in a rear portion of the refrigerator. When
access to the refrigeration components is necessary, a technician
simply removes a panel from the rear portion of the refrigerator
and performs any required service. If necessary, the components may
be completely removed and replaced through the back panel.
[0005] In today's market, it is becoming more popular to recess
refrigerators into kitchen walls and adjacent cabinetry or the like
in order to provide a built-in look that is considered
aesthetically appealing. However, so called recessed refrigerators
cannot be readily serviced if the refrigeration components are
located in the back of the refrigerator. Recessed refrigerators
tend to be large and therefore are often very cumbersome to move.
Also, by definition, they are located in a recess so the back side
of such a refrigerator cannot be readily accessed once installed.
In order to address this problem, manufacturers have arranged the
refrigeration components in a compartment located atop the
refrigerator. A decorative panel or cover is provided to cover the
compartment and hide the refrigeration components. In some cases,
the cover must be removed each time the refrigerator requires
servicing. However, some manufacturers attach the cover with an
upper hinge that allows the cover to close under the force of
gravity. With such an arrangement, service personnel simply open
the cover when the refrigerator requires servicing.
[0006] Of course, an advantage exists with a cover that closes
under the force of gravity in that the cover will remain closed
during the refrigerator's normal operation. However, one
disadvantage exists in that the cover also tends to close when the
refrigerator is being serviced. In order to address this problem,
several manufacturers employ a biasing unit that supports the cover
in an open position. Typically, the biasing unit constitutes a gas
filled cylinder that interconnects the cover and the refrigerator.
While effective, gas filled cylinders add to manufacturing
complexity and costs and, over time, can wear out, thereby
requiring replacement.
[0007] Thus, despite the existence of cover supports in the prior
art, there still exists a need in the art for a cover support or
brace that securely holds a machine compartment cover open,
particularly during servicing of the refrigerator. Moreover, there
exists a need for a brace that is simple, inexpensive, easily
manufactured and requires no maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a brace for supporting
a refrigerator machine compartment cover. The machine compartment
houses various refrigeration components which are operated to
maintain selected temperatures in one or more refrigerated
compartments. The cover, or panel, is preferably attached at an
upper edge portion with a hinge so as to pivot upward about a
substantially horizontal axis to provide access to the machine
compartment. The cover is designed to close under the force of
gravity with the brace being adapted to support the cover in an
open position when one or more of the refrigeration components
require servicing and access to the machine compartment is
necessary.
[0009] In accordance with the invention, the brace includes a
longitudinal center section having first and second end portions, a
hinge support section provided at the first end portion and a
mounting section provided at the second end portion. In accordance
with one aspect of the invention, the hinge support section is
preferably approximately 11/4 inches (3.18 cm) long and
approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide. The longitudinal center
section is preferably approximately 2.5-3 inches (6.35-7.62 cm),
most preferably about 2.8 inches (7.11 cm) long. The mounting
section preferably has an elongated U-shape that is spring biased
so as to form a clip. When the brace is placed against the hinge,
the cover is supported in the open position to provide access to
the machine compartment. Service personnel can then readily access
the refrigeration components. When not in use, the brace is simply
stored in the machine compartment.
[0010] Additional objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more readily apparent from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in
conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer
to corresponding parts in the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an upper right perspective view of a refrigerator
incorporating a machine compartment cover support brace constructed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a partial, lower left perspective view of a
machine compartment portion of the refrigerator of FIG. 1
illustrating the machine compartment cover in an open, unsupported
position, with the support brace shown in a stored position;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a partial lower left perspective view of the
machine compartment illustrating the machine compartment cover in
an open, supported position, with the support brace shown
positioned within a hinge assembly that pivotally connects the
machine compartment cover and the refrigerator; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a left perspective view of the support brace of
FIG. 2B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] With initial reference to FIG. 1, a refrigerator constructed
in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at
2. Refrigerator 2 is shown to include a freezer door 6 having an
associated handle 7 and a fresh food door 10 having an associated
handle 11. In a manner known in the art, freezer and fresh food
doors 6 and 10 selectively provide access to corresponding freezer
and fresh food compartments 12 and 13. In the embodiment shown,
refrigerator 2 is of the recessed type such that, essentially, only
freezer and fresh food doors 6 and 10 project forward of an
adjacent wall 15, as well as a plurality of cabinets generally
indicated at 18-23. Refrigerator 2 also includes a plurality of
peripheral trim pieces 28-30 which provide an aesthetically
appealing, seamless appearance for refrigerator 2.
[0016] As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, refrigerator 2 is
preferably designed with main refrigeration components, indicated
generally at 31, of a refrigeration circuit positioned in a machine
compartment 32 provided above freezer and fresh food compartments
12 and 13. For the sake of simplicity, not all components of a
conventional refrigeration system have been shown. Refrigeration
components 31, which include a compressor, a condenser, an
evaporator and the like, are preferably located within machine
compartment 32 and are operated to maintain selected temperatures
in freezer and fresh food compartments 12 and 13. A machine
compartment cover 33 is preferably pivotally mounted across machine
compartment 32 through a pair of left and right hinge assembles, a
right side one of which is indicated at 39. With this construction,
machine compartment cover 33 is pivoted upward, about hinge
assemblies 39, to provide access to machine compartment 32 and
downward, under the force of gravity, to close machine compartment
32.
[0017] In the embodiment shown, hinge assembly 39 includes support
portion 40 and an articulating or hinge portion 41. Support portion
40 includes a support base 42 having an open box portion 46
including a side panel 52, a back panel 54, a bottom panel 57 and a
top panel 58. Side panel 52 is secured to an inner wall portion 59
of machine compartment 32, with back panel 54 being attached to a
flange member 60 that extends substantially perpendicularly outward
from inner wall portion 59. Bottom panel 57 is attached to side and
back panels 52 and 54 to form a floor of box portion 46. In a
manner similar to that described with respect to side panel 52, top
panel 58 is secured to an inside top wall portion 61 of machine
compartment 32, such as through suitable mechanical fasteners (not
shown).
[0018] Hinge portion 41 includes a lower bracket 62 that is
connected to an upper bracket 64 through lower and upper
intermediate pivoting members 66 and 68. More specifically, lower
bracket 62 is secured to back and top panels 54 and 58 of support
base 42, while upper bracket 64 is secured to an underside 69 of
machine compartment cover 33 through an upper mounting plate 70.
Lower intermediate pivoting member 66 is pivotally attached at an
upper portion (not separately labeled) of lower bracket 62 through
a pin 72 and pivotally attached to upper intermediate pivoting
member 68 through a pin 76. Lower pivoting member 66 also includes
detents (not shown) that prevent upper pivoting member 68 from
freely pivoting about pin 76 when machine compartment cover 33 is
open. Of course, it should be realized that a spring or a spring
combination with detents could also be employed. As shown, upper
intermediate pivoting member 68 connects upper bracket 64 with
lower intermediate pivoting member 66. With this arrangement,
machine compartment cover 33 is able to automatically close under
the force of gravity. However, in order to prevent machine
compartment cover 33 from inadvertently closing, particularly
during servicing, refrigerator 2 is provided with a cover support
brace 100.
[0019] In accordance with the invention, brace 100 is positioned
within box portion 46 to retain machine compartment cover 33 open
during servicing of refrigeration components 31. When properly
positioned during use as shown in FIG. 2B, brace 100 engages with
hinge assembly 39, supporting lower pivoting member 66 and
preventing machine compartment cover 33 from falling under the
force of gravity, thereby retaining cover 33 open. As best shown in
FIG. 3, brace 100 includes a longitudinal center section 110 having
a first end 111 that extends to a second end 112 through an
intermediate section 113. A hinge support section 115 projects from
first end 111 and a mounting section 120 extends from second end
112. Mounting section 120 includes a spring-biased clip portion 122
defined by a leg 123 that extends through a curved portion 124 back
along, and below, leg 123 prior to terminating in a down turned end
section 126.
[0020] In the most preferred form of the invention, hinge support
section 115 is preferably approximately 11/4 inches (3.18 cm) in
length and approximately 1-inch (2.54 cm) in width, while
longitudinal center section 110 is preferably approximately 2.5-3
inches (6.35-7.62 cm) in length, most preferably about 2.8 inches
(7.11 cm). As described above, brace 100 is placed within box
portion 46 to support cover 32 in the open position. Once in place,
hinge support section 115 abuts lower pivoting member 66 while clip
portion 122 engages with bottom panel 57 so as to retain brace 100
in an operative position as clearly shown in FIG. 3. When not in
use, bracket 100 may simply be stored in machine compartment 32 as
shown in FIG. 2A.
[0021] At this point, it should be readily apparent that brace 100
is a simple, easy to manufacture device that requires no servicing
yet, when properly positioned, securely maintains machine
compartment cover 33 in the open position. With this construction,
service personnel are provided unobstructed access to the
refrigeration components located in machine compartment 32.
Although described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the
invention, it should be readily understood that various changes
and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing
from the spirit thereof. For instance, the shape of the brace could
be altered while still functioning to hold open the machine
compartment door. In addition, while described as employing a
single brace, multiple braces, e.g., a brace for each hinge
assembly could also be employed. In general, the invention is only
intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *