U.S. patent application number 12/188691 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for cooling tubes for shelving.
Invention is credited to Matthew J. McMillin.
Application Number | 20090158767 12/188691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34393168 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090158767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMillin; Matthew J. |
June 25, 2009 |
COOLING TUBES FOR SHELVING
Abstract
A cooling tube system (100) is formed as part of a refrigerator
shelf (102). The shelf(102) includes a frame (104) having a series
of frame wires (106). Secured above and supported on the frame
wires (106) are a set of cooling tubes (114). A fan (132) directs
cool air generated from cooling air equipment (130) through vents
(136) into the refrigerator interior (129). The air flows through
rear hollow ends (140) of the cooling tubes (114). The cooling air
(138) is directed toward the front (124) of the refrigerator
(120).
Inventors: |
McMillin; Matthew J.; (New
Albany, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VARNUM, RIDDERING, SCHMIDT & HOWLETT LLP
333 BRIDGE STREET, NW, P.O. BOX 352
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501-0352
US
|
Family ID: |
34393168 |
Appl. No.: |
12/188691 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10572824 |
Mar 22, 2006 |
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PCT/US04/31438 |
Sep 27, 2004 |
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12188691 |
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60506532 |
Sep 26, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/407 ;
62/465 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2317/067 20130101;
F25D 17/062 20130101; F25D 25/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/407 ;
62/465 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/04 20060101
F25D017/04; F25D 25/02 20060101 F25D025/02 |
Claims
1. A cooling tube system adapted for use within an interior of a
refrigeration apparatus, for facilitating distribution of cooling
air within said interior, said cooling tube system comprising: at
least one cooling tube disposed within said interior of said
refrigeration apparatus; cooling air generation means for
generating a supply of cooling air; air flow transmission means
positioned so as to receive said supply of cooling air and for
transmitting said supply of cooling air to a position adjacent a
first end of said at least one cooling tube, so that at least a
certain portion of said supply of cooling air is further
transmitted into said first end of said cooling tube; said at least
one cooling tube having a second end opening to said interior of
said refrigeration apparatus; said certain portion of said supply
of cooling air flowing through said second end of said at least one
cooling tube, and into said interior of said refrigeration
apparatus; and said cooling air having temperature and volume
properties sufficient so as to provide an improvement of gradient
temperature within said refrigeration apparatus, relative to the
state of said interior of said refrigeration apparatus in the
absence of said cooling tube system.
2. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 1, characterized
in that said cooling tube system comprises a plurality of cooling
tubes disposed within said interior of said refrigeration
apparatus.
3. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 2, characterized
in that a first set of said plurality of cooling tubes comprises a
structural part of at least one refrigerator shelf.
4. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 3, characterized
in that said at least one refrigerator shelf is positioned within a
freezer portion of said interior of said refrigeration apparatus,
and said cooling air comprises temperature and volume properties
sufficient so as to provide for an improvement in freeze time for
food items placed directly on said at least one refrigerator shelf,
and for food items placed in direct contact with a stream of said
cooling air flowing into said refrigeration apparatus interior from
a second end of at least one of said plurality of cooling tubes,
relative to freeze time which would exist for said food items in
the absence of said cooling tube system.
5. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 4, characterized
in that said improved freeze time is at least 5%.
6. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 4, characterized
in that said improved freeze time is in the range of 5% to 20%.
7. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 1, characterized
in that said gradient temperature improvement is at least 5%.
8. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 1, characterized
in that said gradient temperature improvement is in the range of 5%
to 25%.
9. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 2, characterized
in that a first set of said plurality of cooling tubes are formed
with a straight configuration.
10. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 2, characterized
in that a first set of said plurality of cooling tubes are formed
with angle-cut configurations.
11. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 2, characterized
in that a first set of said cooling tubes comprise formed cooling
tubes.
12. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 2, characterized
in that a first set of said plurality of cooling tubes are formed
with air dam configurations.
13. A cooling tube system in accordance with claim 3, characterized
in that said first set of said plurality of cooling tubes are
positioned so as to provide for shelving support of food items
placed on said at least one refrigerator shelf.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/506,532 filed Sep. 26, 2003.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The invention relates to shelving which may be adapted for
use with refrigerators and other articles employing refrigeration,
and, more particularly, shelving having means for facilitating
spatial cooling.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] Previous types of shelving have been developed for use as
shelves for refrigerators and other types of refrigeration
apparatus. For example, refrigerator shelving is often designed
with means for permitting selected movement of the shelf within the
refrigerator, in addition to providing adequate support for the
shelf. Design features of refrigerator shelving may also relate to
spillage, prevention of bacteria buildup and the like.
[0008] Also, numerous developments have taken place over the past
decades with respect to refrigerators themselves, along with
refrigeration equipment. For example, substantial development has
occurred in providing cooling apparatus for refrigerators. Past
generations first saw refrigerators adapted for use with
conventional ice blocks. Since those early days, means for cooling
(and maintaining cooling) in refrigeration space have developed
into complex apparatus, with sophisticated electronics, motors,
compressors and similar equipment.
[0009] Also, substantial research and development has occurred with
respect to other aspects of refrigeration. For example, numerous
developments have taken place with respect to insulative materials,
and their properties for efficiently maintaining an interior cooled
space. Another development has been undertaken with respect to
efficiencies and continuities related to the refrigeration interior
cooling at various locations within the interior. For example, one
problem which occurs with respect to both residential and
commercial refrigeration units relates to "hot spots." Hot spots
are commonly known in the refrigeration industry, and may be
characterized as areas within a cooled refrigeration interior that
experience relatively warmer temperatures than desired. Such hot
spots are typically measured by means of temperature gradients.
These hot spots may occur, for example, in door bins of traditional
side-by-side refrigeration units. In general, it is advantageous to
provide cooling of a refrigerator interior in an efficient manner
as is possible, with respect to issues such as cost, volume of
refrigeration equipment and the like. Also, it is advantageous to
attempt to minimize hot spots and their attendant temperature
gradients as much as reasonably possible, again without
substantially increasing cost, equipment volume or other
undesirable properties.
[0010] Returning to the concept of refrigerator shelving, various
types of shelving designs are known in the prior art. For example,
Kane, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,809, issued Oct. 14, 1996,
discloses an encapsulated shelf assembly with a shelf support
supporting a panel. The panel has an edge and a one-piece member
encapsulating the panel edge and a substantial majority of the
shelf support. The shelf assembly may be formed in a mold apparatus
which defines a mold cavity and uses a spacing plug to position the
shelf support in a mold cavity of the apparatus in a location
spaced from the sides of the mold cavity.
[0011] Herrmann, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,589, issued Apr. 7,
1998, discloses a shelf assembly for a refrigerator compartment
which includes a member slidably supported for extension and
retraction on a support. The shelf member includes slide members
which are preferably molded as a rim on an article support surface.
A guide member extends from at least one, and preferably both, of
the side members to guide the sliding movement. A stop on the guide
member limits travel by engaging a limit surface on the shelf
support.
[0012] Bird, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,638, issued Oct. 3, 1995,
discloses adjustable refrigerator shelving having a shelf rail for
supporting a partial width shelf within a refrigerator compartment
on first and second, spaced shelf racks vertically oriented in the
compartment. The tracks releasably engage with a number of support
brackets for cantilever support of one or more shelves at a
plurality of vertically spaced locations. The shelf rail includes
rearwardly projecting hooks at each of the two opposing ends for
releasable engagement with the shelf tracks. Locking tabs are
included on the hooks to retain the shelf rails on the track, while
a rub strip is provided between the partial shelf and the shelf
rail, along a top edge of the shelf rail.
[0013] Bird, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,433, issued Jul. 4, 1995,
describes a refrigerator shelf which is adapted for containment of
spills on the shelf. The shelf includes a planer shelf member with
a rim molded around the perimeter edge of the shelf member to form
a liquid tight seal between the rim and the shelf member. The
molded rim projects above the top surface of the shelf member to
form a liquid dam for containing spills on the shelf member. In one
embodiment, the shelf is slidably mounted to allow horizontal
extension of the shelf, with access to the rear portion of the
shelf using slide guides molded into the rim along each side of the
shelf. The shelf is cantilevered upon support brackets from the
rear wall of a refrigerator to allow air flow around the shelf
sides. The support brackets are adapted to support the shelf at a
plurality of vertical positions.
[0014] Meier, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,720, issued Sep. 19,
2000, discloses a method of manufacturing a glass shelf with a
plastic edge. The glass panel is placed on a cavity of a mold with
a peripheral edge of the cavity corresponding to the peripheral
edge of the glass panel. The cavity has side cavity portions, each
housing one of the shelf brackets. Plastic material is injected
into the cavity adjacent corners, so that the forces of the
injected material are essentially self balancing around the
peripheral edge of the glass panel. In this manner, the glass panel
is maintained in a substantially mating conformity with the cavity
to produce a relatively consistently contoured frame.
[0015] The foregoing is merely a sample of the various types of
prior art references which currently exist with respect to
refrigerator shelving.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In accordance with the invention, a cooling tube system is
provided which is adapted for use within an interior of a
refrigeration apparatus. The cooling tube system facilitates
distribution of cooling air within the interior of the
refrigeration apparatus. The cooling tube system includes at least
one cooling tube disposed within the refrigeration apparatus
interior. Cooling air generation means are provided for generating
a supply of cooling air. Air flow transmission means are provided,
and are positioned so as to receive the supply of cooling air. The
air flow transmission means also provides for transmitting the
supply of cooling air to a position adjacent a first end of at
least one cooling tube. In this manner, at least a certain portion
of the supply of cooling air is further transmitted into the first
end of the cooling tube.
[0017] The one cooling tube also includes a second end opening to
an interior of the refrigeration apparatus. A portion of the supply
of cooling air flows through the second end of the one cooling
tube. This air further flows into the interior of the refrigeration
apparatus. The cooling air includes temperature and volume
properties sufficient so as to provide an improvement of gradient
temperature within the refrigeration apparatus. This improvement is
relative to the state of the interior of the refrigeration
apparatus in the absence of the cooling tube system.
[0018] The cooling tube system can comprise a plurality of cooling
tubes, with the tubes disposed within an interior of the
refrigeration apparatus. A first set of the plurality of cooling
tubes can comprise a structural part of at least one refrigerator
shelf. The shelf can be positioned within a freezer portion of the
interior of the refrigeration apparatus, and the cooling air can
comprise temperature and volume properties sufficient so as to
provide for an improvement in freeze time for food items placed
directly on the shelf, and for food items placed in direct contact
with a stream of cooling air flowing into the refrigeration
apparatus interior from a second end of at least one of the
plurality of cooling tubes. This improvement occurs relative to
freeze time which would exist for food items in the absence of the
cooling tube system.
[0019] In accordance with these aspects of the invention, the
improved freeze time can be at least 5%. Further, the improved
freeze time can be in the range of 5% to 20%. Still further, the
gradient temperature improvement can be at least 5%. Also, the
gradient temperature improvement can be in the range of 5% to
25%.
[0020] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, a
first set of the plurality of cooling tubes can be formed with a
straight configuration. Alternatively, a first set of the plurality
of cooling tubes can be formed with angle-cut configurations. Still
further, the first set of cooling tubes can also comprise formed
cooling tubes. The first set of cooling tubes can further be formed
with air dam configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator shelf
employing a cooling tube system in accordance with the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a generalized block diagram of a refrigerator
interior, illustrating example positioning of refrigerator shelving
employing the cooling tube system in accordance with the invention,
and further showing an example of how airflow can be directed into
the cooling tubes;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a refrigerator shelf
utilizing cooling tubes in accordance with the invention, and
having straight configurations;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the refrigerator shelf
of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a refrigerator shelf in
accordance with the invention, utilizing cooling tubes having an
angle-cut configuration;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a refrigerator shelf in
accordance with the invention, utilizing formed cooling tubes;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a refrigerator shelf in
accordance with the invention, utilizing formed cooling tubes with
an air dam configuration; and
[0029] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the refrigerator shelf
utilizing formed cooling tubes with an air dam configuration as
illustrated in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of
example, in certain embodiments of cooling tube systems in
accordance with the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. As
described in subsequent paragraphs herein, cooling tube systems in
accordance with the invention are adapted for use within an
interior of a refrigeration apparatus described subsequently
herein. The cooling tube system facilitates distribution of cooling
air within the interior of the refrigeration apparatus. As also
described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the cooling tube systems
in accordance with the invention may employ a number of cooling
tubes disposed within the refrigeration apparatus interior.
Further, cooling tubes in accordance with the invention can be
utilized so as comprise a structural part of refrigerator shelving,
including at least one refrigerator shelf Various embodiments of
cooling tube systems in accordance with the invention can be used
to direct cooling air in various directions, and assist in reducing
undesirable temperature gradients and hot spots throughout the
interior of the refrigeration unit. While providing the foregoing
air distribution features, the cooling tubes and the cooling tube
systems in accordance with the invention may also provide shelf
support for refrigerated items.
[0031] Turning to the drawings, a cooling tube system 100 is
illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 1. Therein, the cooling
tube system 100 is illustrated as comprising a structural part of a
refrigerator shelf 102. The refrigerator shelf 102 may have a
substantially planar and rectangular configuration. The
refrigerator shelf 102 can include a frame 104. The frame 104
comprises, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a
series of three frame wires 106. The frame wires 106 are each
substantially equal in length and are spaced in a parallel
relationship. The frame wires 106 comprise a front wire 108,
intermediate wire 110 and rear wire 112. The front wire 108 and
rear wire 112 may be positioned equidistant from the intermediate
frame wire 110. The frame wires 106 may be constructed of wire or
similar materials, and do not form any of the particular novel
concepts of the invention.
[0032] Secured above and supported on the frame wires 106 are a set
of cooling tubes 114. In the particular embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, the cooling tubes 114 each comprise an elongated
configuration with a substantially hollow interior 116. The hollow
interior 116 may be formed and shaped in various configurations.
For example, the cooling tubes 114 illustrated in FIG. 4 each have
a hollow interior 116 formed by a tube enclosure 118 with a
substantially circular configuration. With the particular
refrigerator shelf 102, the cooling tubes are each spaced in a
parallel relationship, with each tube being substantially
equidistant from each of its adjacent tubes. The cooling tubes 114
may be constructed of various types of materials, including metal
and plastic. Also, various types of connection means may be
utilized for securing the cooling tubes 114 to the frame wires 106.
For example, the frame wires 106 may be welded to the cooling tubes
114. Also, cooling tubes of various lengths and diameters may be
utilized. For example, it has been found that for the use of
cooling tubes in accordance with the invention within refrigerator
apparatus or refrigerator units of conventional size, a diameter in
the range of 0.1875 to 0.5 inches for the cooling tubes may be
utilized.
[0033] To illustrate the spatial relationship and the use of the
cooling tube system 100 in a refrigeration apparatus, attention is
directed to FIG. 2. Therein, a refrigeration apparatus 120 is
illustrated in partial sectional view as a side, elevation section.
For purposes of simplicity, the refrigeration apparatus 120 may be
referred to herein as a "refrigeration unit" 120 or, alternatively,
a "refrigerator" 120. The refrigerator 120 illustrated in FIG. 2
can be a relatively conventional refrigerator, commercially
available from a number of manufacturers. However, FIG. 2 also
illustrates the refrigerator 120 as incorporating a cooling tube
system 100 in accordance with the invention. The refrigerator 120
includes a top portion 122, front portion 124, rear portion 126 and
bottom portion 128. The refrigerator also consists of side portions
131, only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 2. These portions of
the refrigerator 120 form a refrigerator interior 129. Although a
particular refrigerator is illustrated in FIG. 2, the cooling tube
systems 100 in accordance with the invention may be utilized in
various types of refrigerators and other refrigeration apparatus.
Further, cooling tube systems in accordance with the invention may
be utilized in the conventional refrigeration portion of a
refrigerator and/or within freezer portions of refrigerators.
[0034] In the particular refrigerator 120 illustrated in FIG. 2,
cooling air equipment 130 is located near a bottom section of the
refrigerator 120, separate and apart from the interior 129. Such
cooling air equipment typically consists of various electronics,
along with motor and compressor equipment. Such equipment is well
known in the refrigeration arts. As part of the cooling air
equipment 130, a fan 132 is typically associated therewith. The fan
132 may be utilized to direct cool or cooling air (illustrated by
the arrows 138) upwardly through a cooling air corridor 134. The
cooling air corridor 134 is also conventional in refrigerator
design, and may be adjacent the rear 126 of the refrigerator 120,
or, in other refrigerator designs, may be located elsewhere. In the
particular refrigerator 120, although the air corridor 134 is
separate and apart from the refrigerated interior 129, the forward
wall 137 of the air corridor 134 (which also may be a rear wall of
the refrigerator interior 129) includes a series of spaced apart
vents 136. The vents 136 may be conventional in design and provide
a means for the cooling air 138 to be directed into the interior
129 of the refrigerator 120. The vents 136 may be any of a number
of conventional designs.
[0035] As the cooling air 138 flows upwardly through the air
corridor 134, it passes through the vents 136. As further
illustrated in FIG. 2, the refrigerator shelves 102, with the
cooling tubes 114, are positioned so that each of the shelves 102
illustrated in FIG. 2 is adjacent a separate one of the vents 136.
In this manner, as the cooling air 138 flows through the vents 136
into the refrigerator interior 129, it flows through rear hollow
ends 140 of the cooling tubes 114. With the elongated configuration
of the cooling tubes 114, and with their configuration in the
refrigerator interior 129 directed from the rear 126 to the front
124 of the refrigerator, the cooling air 138 flowing through the
tubes 114 is directed toward the front 124 of the refrigerator 120.
It is near the front of refrigerators (including, for example,
within door bins and the like) where hot spots and temperature
gradients are most likely to occur. With the use of the cooling
tubes 114 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cooling air 138 is "forced"
to be dispersed not only adjacent the vents 136, but also through
the hollow interiors 116 of the cooling tubes 114 and through the
front hollow ends 142 of the cooling tubes 114. In this manner,
more efficient cooling air distribution is provided. Further, and
in accordance with the invention, the cooling tubes 114 not only
act to more efficiently disperse the cooling air 138, but also act
as supporting elements of the refrigerator shelf 102 for supporting
various types of refrigerated items (not shown).
[0036] The cooling tube systems 100 in accordance with the
invention may utilize various configurations of cooling tubes 114.
These configurations are primarily illustrated in FIGS. 3-8.
Turning specifically to FIG. 3, a side elevation view of the
refrigerator shelf 102 is illustrated. In this particular
embodiment of the cooling tube system 100, the cooling tubes 114
comprise straight tubes 144, one of which is shown in the side
elevation view of FIG. 3. The straight tube 144 is of an elongated
and straight configuration. The cooling tube 144 is characterized
as a "straight" tube, in that the rear end cut 145 of the tube
enclosure 118 is straight and perpendicular to the longitudinal
orientation of the tube 144. It is the use of straight tubes 144
which is illustrated in the refrigerator shelf 102 of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 illustrates the front elevation view of the refrigerator shelf
102 illustrated in FIG. 3. Again, as earlier mentioned, the hollow
interior 116 may be of any configuration, including the oval or
elliptical configuration illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a cooling tube
system 100 in accordance with the invention. Therein, the cooling
tubes 114 are illustrated as comprising angled tubes 146. Only one
of the angled tubes 146 is illustrated in the side elevation view
of FIG. 5. With the particular angled tube 146, the front end cut
147 has a straight configuration, similar to the front end cut 147
of straight tube 144 illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the rear
portion of the angled tube 146 includes a rear angled end cut 148.
This end cut 148 comprises a cutting of the end of the tube
enclosure 118 at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal
orientation of the tube enclosure 118. In the particular embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5, the end cut 148 may be of a 45.degree.
angle. Such an angled end cut may be utilized to distribute the
cooling air 138 in a direction different from that which would be
distributed by the straight tube 144.
[0038] A further embodiment of a cooling tube system 100 in
accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. Therein, a
side elevation view is shown of the refrigerator shelf 102, but
with the cooling tubes 114 comprising formed tubes 150. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, only one of the formed tubes 150 is visible.
The visible formed tube 150 includes a angled rear section 152
which may be upwardly angled as illustrated in FIG. 6. In addition
to the angled rear section 152, the rear end cut 158 of the angled
section 152 may also be angled. At the forward portion of the
formed tube 150, an angled front section 154 is utilized, which is
angled downwardly relative to the horizontal plane on which the
elongated section of the formed tube would lie. The angled front
section 154 may also include an end cut 156 which is
correspondingly angled. This type of formed tube configuration may
be utilized to again provide a differing redistribution of cooling
air 138 throughout the refrigerator interior 129. In addition to
the angled configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, a somewhat
different formed tube configuration could be utilized, where the
angled rear section 152 was angled downwardly relative to the
horizontal plane of the longitudinal orientation of the formed tube
150. Correspondingly, the angled front section 154 could be angled
upwardly relative to the horizontal. Such a configuration is
illustrated with respect to the cooling tubes 114 shown in FIG.
2.
[0039] A still further embodiment of a cooling tube system 100 in
accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7
illustrates, as does FIGS. 4 and 6, a side elevation view of the
refrigerator shelf 102. However, rather than use of the straight
tubes 144, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 employs air dam
tubes 160, only one of which is illustrated in the side elevation
view of FIG. 7. The visible air dam tube 160 includes, at its
forward portion, a front angled section 162, similar to the angled
section 154 of the formed tube 150 illustrated in FIG. 6. The front
angled section 162 also includes an end cut 164 which may be
angled. Still further, the air dam tube 160 may include a rear
angled section 166, which is angled upwardly relative to the
horizontal plane of the longitudinal orientation of the air dam
tube 160. Attached to the end of the rear angled section 166 is a
conventional air dam 168 having the configuration illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 8. The air darn 168 may be interconnected or otherwise
coupled to the rear angled section 166 by any suitable and
conventional means. The air dam 168 essentially "ties together" the
air dam tubes 160. The air dam 168 may be constructed of metal,
plastic or other similar materials. The air dam 168 may be utilized
to improve and increase flow of the cooling air 138 into the tubes
160.
[0040] Various types of cooling tube systems 100 in accordance with
the invention have been illustrated and disclosed herein. As
described, the cooling tube systems 100 utilize cooling tubes for
directing air flow to various sections of compartments of a
refrigerator. These compartments may consist of fresh food or
freezer compartments of a conventional refrigerator or other type
of refrigeration equipment. As further described and illustrated,
the cooling tubes of the cooling tube systems 100 act not only to
facilitate air flow direction, but also to support, on refrigerator
shelving, stored foodstuffs and the like.
[0041] As further described herein, the cooling tube systems 100
act in part to redistribute or direct cooling air to "hot spots"
within refrigeration units, such as door bins or the like of
traditional side-by-side refrigerators. Also, cooling tube systems
100 in accordance with the invention can be designed to
redistribute air in various directions. This can be achieved by
placing the cooling tubes at various angles, and could include
forming the tubes at each end. In this regard, although not
particularly shown in FIG. 1, the cooling tubes 114 illustrated
with the refrigerator shelf 102 could be angled along a horizontal
plane, rather than being directed in a straight line from the rear
to the forward portion of a refrigerator.
[0042] With the forgoing, cooling tube systems 100 in accordance
with the invention assist in maintaining more predictable
temperature gradients within a refrigerator, as a result of
directed air flow. Still further, the refrigerator shelves 102
utilizing the cooling tube systems 100 can create air curtains
which lead to more efficient use of refrigerator units, and
potential energy usage reduction. Still further, with the cooling
tube systems 100 in accordance with the invention, more rapid
cooling of food items placed directly on the cooling tubes
themselves will occur, as oppose to traditional shelving
methods.
[0043] In accordance with the foregoing description, the components
of the refrigerator 120 which are utilized to generate the cooling
air can be characterized as cooling air generation means. Also,
components of the refrigerator 120 which facilitate air flow to the
cooling tubes 114 can be characterized as air flow transmission
means. This air flow transmission means can further be
characterized as receiving the cooling air 138 and transmitting the
same to positions adjacent ends of the cooling tubes 114. As also
described herein, the cooling air can have temperature and volume
properties sufficient so as to provide an improvement of gradient
temperature within the refrigerator 120. This is an improvement
relative to the state of the interior of the refrigerator 120 which
would exist in the absence of the cooling tube system 100. In this
regard, it is believed that cooling tube systems in accordance with
the invention can achieve gradient temperature improvements in a
range of at least 5% to 25%.
[0044] Still further, and as earlier stated herein, the cooling
tubes 114 can be utilized within freezer portions of the
refrigerator 120. In this regard, the cooling air can comprise
temperature and volume properties which are sufficient so as to
achieve an improved freeze time, particularly for food items which
are placed directly on a refrigerator shelf having a structural
part formed by the cooling tubes 114. Also, this freeze time
improvement would occur for food items which were placed in direct
contact with the stream of cooling air flowing into the freezer
portion from the cooling tubes 114. In this regard, it is believed
that with appropriate temperature and volume properties, cooling
tube systems in accordance with the invention can provide for an
improved freeze time in the range of at least 5% to 20%. This is an
improvement relative to freeze time which would exist for the
frozen food items in the absence of the use of a cooling tube
system 100 in accordance with the invention.
[0045] In this regard, it should be noted that cooling tube systems
in accordance with the invention do not require any "special" or
"oversized" fans or specially designed cooling air corridors 134 to
properly function. Conventional apparatus within conventional
refrigerators can be used to generate the cooling air. No "special"
air flow volume or air speed is required. Further, the cooling air
temperature can be conventional. For example, the temperature of
the cooling air may be in the range of -15.degree. F. to 5.degree.
F. when first applied to the cooling tubes. However, the invention
is not limited to specific air flow volumes or temperatures.
[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts
that other embodiments of cooling tube systems in accordance with
the invention can be designed. That is, the principles of cooling
tube systems in accordance with the invention are not limited to
the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other
variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of the
invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and
scope of the novel concept of the invention.
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