U.S. patent application number 13/691893 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-05 for custom location ice maker.
This patent application is currently assigned to Whirlpool Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Patrick J. Boarman, Mark E. Thomas.
Application Number | 20140150474 13/691893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49382303 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140150474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boarman; Patrick J. ; et
al. |
June 5, 2014 |
CUSTOM LOCATION ICE MAKER
Abstract
A method of configuring an ice maker within a refrigerator
includes providing the refrigerator, the refrigerator having a
refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the
refrigerator cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the
refrigerator cabinet, the ice maker having a fluid line extending
to a fluid supply within the refrigerator, and a door providing
access to within the refrigerator cabinet. The method further
includes configuring the refrigerator for relocation by positioning
the ice maker in a first position within the refrigerator cabinet
without disconnecting the fluid line from the ice maker; relocating
the refrigerator. The method further includes installing the
refrigerator by moving the ice maker from the first position within
the refrigerator cabinet to a second position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting or connecting the fluid
line to the ice maker.
Inventors: |
Boarman; Patrick J.;
(Evansville, IN) ; Thomas; Mark E.; (Corydon,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
49382303 |
Appl. No.: |
13/691893 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/66 ;
62/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 5/22 20180101; F25C
1/22 20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101; F25C 1/00 20130101; F25D
2400/40 20130101; F25D 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/66 ;
62/340 |
International
Class: |
F25C 1/00 20060101
F25C001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of configuring an ice maker within a refrigerator, the
method comprising: providing the refrigerator, the refrigerator
comprising (a) a refrigerator cabinet, (b) a fresh food compartment
disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, (c) a freezer compartment
disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, (d) the ice maker having
a fluid line extending to a fluid supply within the refrigerator,
and (e) a door providing access to within the refrigerator cabinet;
configuring the refrigerator for relocation by positioning the ice
maker in a first position within the refrigerator cabinet without
disconnecting the fluid line from the ice maker; relocating the
refrigerator; installing the refrigerator by moving the ice maker
from the first position within the refrigerator cabinet to a second
position within the refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting or
connecting the fluid line to the ice maker.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first position is within the
fresh food compartment.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first position is within the
freezer compartment.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the second position is on an
interior portion of the door.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the door is a fresh food
compartment door providing access to the fresh food
compartment.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the door is a first French door
and wherein the refrigerator further comprises a second French door
and wherein the freezer compartment is positioned below the fresh
food compartment.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the door is a freezer compartment
door providing access to the freezer compartment.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the fresh food compartment is
positioned to vertically extend side-by-side with the freezer
compartment.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the relocating the refrigerator
comprises delivering the refrigerator to a home.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing the door from
the refrigerator cabinet.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the installing the refrigerator
further comprises replacing the door on the refrigerator
cabinet.
12. The method of claim 1 further comprising selecting the second
position from a plurality of different mounting locations
positioned within the refrigerator cabinet.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein each of the mounting locations
has an associated first support member and a second support
member.
14. A refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator cabinet; a fresh
food compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet; a
freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet; an
ice maker having a fluid line extending to a fluid supply within
the refrigerator, the ice maker configured to be removably mounted;
a door providing access to within the refrigerator cabinet; a
plurality of mounting locations within the refrigerator cabinet for
the ice maker, each of the plurality of mounting locations
providing a first support member and a second support member for
removably mounting the ice maker.
15. The refrigerator of claim 14 wherein the plurality of mounting
locations comprise locations on a fresh food compartment door of
the refrigerator.
16. The refrigerator of claim 14 wherein the plurality of mounting
locations comprise locations on a freezer compartment door of the
refrigerator.
17. The refrigerator of claim 14 wherein the plurality of mounting
locations comprise locations within the fresh food compartment.
18. The refrigerator of claim 14 wherein the plurality of mounting
locations comprise locations within the freezer compartment.
19. The refrigerator of claim 1 further comprising fluid
connections to the ice maker such that the ice maker is moveable
between the plurality of mounting locations without disconnecting
the fluid connections.
20. A method of configuring an ice maker within a refrigerator, the
method comprising: providing the refrigerator, the refrigerator
comprising (a)refrigerator cabinet, (b) a fresh food compartment
disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, (c) a freezer compartment
disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, (d) an ice maker having a
fluid line extending to a fluid supply within the refrigerator, the
ice maker configured to be removably mounted, (e) a door providing
access to within the refrigerator cabinet, and (f) a plurality of
mounting locations within the refrigerator cabinet for the ice
maker, each of the plurality of mounting locations providing a
first support member and a second support member for removably
mounting the ice maker; configuring the refrigerator for relocation
by positioning the ice maker in a first position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting the fluid line from the
ice maker; relocating the refrigerator; and installing the
refrigerator by moving the ice maker from the first position within
the refrigerator cabinet to a second position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting or connecting the fluid
line to the ice maker.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to refrigerators. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a custom location
ice maker for a refrigerator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One of the problems presented with refrigerators which have
ice makers on the doors relates to shipping and installation. When
installing a refrigerator into a home, there is often a need to
remove the door of the refrigerator. Where an ice maker is on the
door, due to liquid exchange to the ice maker it would usually be
necessary to also disconnect plumbing to the door. This may
increase the likelihood of a coolant spill or damage to the
refrigerator. What is a needed is a refrigerator and related
methods which address this issue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to improve over the state of the art.
[0004] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present
invention to provide for improved methods and apparatuses for
refrigerators which allow a door of the refrigerator to be removed
without risking a coolant spill and damage to the refrigerator.
[0005] It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the
present invention to provide for improved methods and apparatuses
for refrigerators which allow a door of the refrigerator to be
easily removed.
[0006] It is another object, feature, or advantage of the present
invention to provide for an ice maker which may be moved to various
locations within a refrigerator.
[0007] One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or
advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
specification and claims that follow. No single embodiment need
meet or provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.
Different embodiments may have different objects, features, or
advantages. The present invention is not to be limited by or to
these objects, features, or advantages.
[0008] According to one aspect, a method of configuring an ice
maker within a refrigerator is provided. The method includes
providing the refrigerator, the refrigerator having a refrigerator
cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator
cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator
cabinet, the ice maker having a fluid line extending to a fluid
supply within the refrigerator, and a door providing access to
within the refrigerator cabinet. The method further includes
configuring the refrigerator for relocation by positioning the ice
maker in a first position within the refrigerator cabinet without
disconnecting the fluid line from the ice maker; relocating the
refrigerator. The method further includes installing the
refrigerator by moving the ice maker from the first position within
the refrigerator cabinet to a second position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting or connecting the fluid
line to the ice maker. The first position may be within the fresh
food compartment, the freezer compartment, or on a door of the
refrigerator.
[0009] According to another aspect, a refrigerator is provided. The
refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food
compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet; a freezer
compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker
having a fluid line extending to a fluid supply within the
refrigerator, the ice maker configured to be removably mounted; a
door providing access to within the refrigerator cabinet, and a
plurality of mounting locations within the refrigerator cabinet for
the ice maker, each of the plurality of mounting locations
providing a first support member and a second support member for
removably mounting the ice maker. The plurality of mounting
locations may include locations on a fresh food compartment door of
the refrigerator, locations on a freezer compartment door of the
refrigerator, locations within the fresh food compartment, and/or
locations within the freezer compartment.
[0010] According to another aspect, a method of configuring an ice
maker within a refrigerator is provided. The method includes
providing a refrigerator, the refrigerator having a refrigerator
cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator
cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator
cabinet, an ice maker having a fluid line extending to a fluid
supply within the refrigerator, the ice maker configured to be
removably mounted, a door providing access to within the
refrigerator cabinet, and a plurality of mounting locations within
the refrigerator cabinet for the ice maker, each of the plurality
of mounting locations providing a first support member and a second
support member for removably mounting the ice maker. The method
further includes configuring the refrigerator for relocation by
positioning the ice maker in a first position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting the fluid line from the
ice maker, relocating the refrigerator, and installing the
refrigerator by moving the ice maker from the first position within
the refrigerator cabinet to a second position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting or connecting the fluid
line to the ice maker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a refrigerator with an
ice maker installed on a door.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the refrigerator with
the ice maker stowed in the refrigerator cabinet for shipping.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a door of a refrigerator with an ice
maker removably mounted thereon.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an ice maker configured for removable
mounting.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an end view of an ice maker removably mounted on a
door of a refrigerator.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a refrigerator with an ice maker mounted
inside of the cabinet.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a refrigerator with an ice maker mounted
on a left French door of the refrigerator.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a refrigerator with the ice maker mounted
on a right French door of the refrigerator.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a refrigerator with the ice maker mounted
within the freezer compartment.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a refrigerator with the ice maker
mounted on a freezer door.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a refrigerator of the
present invention. In FIG. 1 a refrigerator 10 has a bottom mount
freezer with French doors. It is should be understood that the
present invention may be used in other configurations including
side-by-side refrigerator configurations and other types of
configurations. The refrigerator 10 has a refrigerator cabinet 12.
One or more compartments are disposed within the refrigerator
cabinet 12. As shown in FIG. 1, a fresh food compartment 14 is
shown with French doors 16, 18 providing access to the fresh food
compartment 14. Below the fresh food compartment 14 is a freezer
compartment 22 which may be accessed by pulling drawer or door 24
outwardly. Mounted on the inside of the left side French door 16 is
an ice maker 30 preferably with a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 30.
Below the ice maker 30 is an ice storage bucket 34. Electric
connections 36 and fluid connections 38 provide electric
connections and fluid to the ice maker including water for making
ice and cooling fluid. These connections may connect to connections
42, 44 which may in turn be operatively connected to a cooling bank
40. Preferably the connections are durable and robust with quick
connectors. As shown, connection 44 may be a coiled to allow it to
be stretched.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates the refrigerator of FIG. 1, however, in
FIG. 2, the ice maker 30 is stowed in the fresh food compartment or
refrigerator cabinet 14. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is
particularly applicable when the refrigerator is being shipped to a
home location. Thus, the refrigerator door 16 may be removed for
installation or shipping and then once the refrigerator door 16 is
mounted to the refrigerator cabinet 12, the ice maker 30 may be
moved to the inside of the French door 16. In other words, the
refrigerator may be configured for relocation by positioning the
ice maker in a first position within the refrigerator cabinet
without disconnecting the fluid line from the ice maker. Then the
refrigerator may be relocated. Then the refrigerator may be
installed by moving the ice maker from the first position within
the refrigerator cabinet to a second position within the
refrigerator cabinet without disconnecting or connecting the fluid
line to the ice maker.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of the ice maker 30 mounted
on the door 16. Note that a series of support members 62 extend
along the door to provide a plurality of different mounting
locations for the ice maker at different heights along the door.
The ice maker 30 has mounts 60, such as tabs or pins, which can be
attached to the support members 62 at the mounting locations to
thereby allow the ice maker 30 to be removably mounted. It is to be
further understood that ice maker 30 may be hinged on one side to
allow it to rotate and to assist in alignment. Thus, the ice maker
30 when mounted on a hinge may then be swung over and hooked in
place on a mount 60 opposite of the hinge. FIG. 4 provides a top
view of the ice maker 20 with the mounts 60 present. FIG. 5
provides an end view of the ice maker 30 as mounted at support
members 62 of the door 16. As shown in FIG. 5, note that the
position of the ice maker 30 on the door is height adjustable
because there is a plurality of different mounting locations on the
door 16 at various heights.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative mounting location. In FIG.
6, the ice maker 30 and ice bucket or bin 34 are mounted on the
cabinet side of the refrigeration compartment.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates another mounting location. In FIG. 7, the
ice maker 30 and ice bucket or bin 34 are mounted on the inside
left French door 16.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates another mounting location. In FIG. 8, the
ice maker 30 and ice bucket or bin 34 are mounted on the inside
right French door 18.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates another mounting location. In FIG. 9, the
ice maker 30 and ice bucket or bin 34 are mounted to the cabinet
side of the freezer compartment.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates another mounting location. In FIG. 10,
the ice maker 30 and ice bucket or bin 34 are mounted to the inside
of the freezer compartment door or drawer 24.
[0029] It is to be further understood that different configurations
of refrigerators are contemplated including French door bottom
mount freezer configurations and side-by-side configurations in
which the fresh food compartment is to the left or right of the
freezer compartment. It is to be further understood that there may
be adjustable height mounting wherever the ice maker is to be
mounted including on a refrigerator door, within a fresh food
compartment, within a freezer compartment, on a freezer drawer or
door.
[0030] Therefore, a refrigerator with an ice maker with custom
locations is provided. The present invention contemplates numerous
variations including the placement of the ice maker and ice bin,
the refrigerator configuration, the number of connections to the
ice maker, and options, variations, and alternatives. In general,
the present invention is only intended to be limited by the scope
of the following claims.
* * * * *