Patent US4120550A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4120550A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mullion adjusting device
Assignee: General Electric Canada Co
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Filing: 1977-09-15
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Granted: 1978-10-17
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Expires: 1997-09-15
Abstract
Abstract In a domestic two door side by side refrigerator, means for adjusting the curvature of the mullion cover so as to provide thereon a good sealing surface of the doors. The means comprises a spring which biases the mullion cover in a first direction, and a screw element acting upon the mullion cover in opposition to the spring bias.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond Robert Sherburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 15:31
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25D; F25D23/00; F25D23/06; F25D23/069; F25D23/02; F25D2400/00; F25D2400/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
In a domestic refrigerating appliance having at least two separate compartments and at least two doors sealing said compartments, said compartments being separated by a divider panel having a mullion cover upon which said doors seal, The improvement wherein said mullion cover is interconnected intermediate the ends thereof to the wall structure defining said compartments by (a) spring means acting to bias said mullion cover in a first direction in the plane of said divider panel (b) a variable length element actuatable to bias said mullion cover in opposition to said spring means, whereby the curvature of said cover may be adjusted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a domestic refrigerating appliance having at least two separate compartments and at least two doors sealing said compartments, said compartments being separated by a divider panel having a mullion cover upon which said doors seal, The improvement wherein said mullion cover is interconnected intermediate the ends thereof to the wall structure defining said compartments by (a) spring means acting to bias said mullion cover in a first direction in the plane of said divider panel (b) a variable length element actuatable to bias said mullion cover in opposition to said spring means, whereby the curvature of said cover may be adjusted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The appliance defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means is a compression spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The appliance defined in claim 1 wherein said variable length element comprises a screw, the head of which bears upon said mullion cover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The appliance defined in claim 1 wherein said variable length element includes a fixed length portion and a variable length portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The appliance defined in claim 4 wherein said fixed length portion is a U shaped bracket, the leg portions thereof attaching respectively to the walls of said divider panel, the bight portion thereof situated rearwardly of said mullion cover and spaced therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The appliance defined in claim 5 where said spring means is a U shaped leaf compression spring, the legs thereof bearing upon the rear surface of said mullion cover, the bight thereof bearing upon the bight of said bracket and being transverse thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The appliance defined in claim 6 wherein said variable length element is a screw means threadably received in the bight of said bracket member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The appliance defined in claim 7 wherein a plastic grommet locates in the bight of said bracket member and wherein said screw means is threadably received in said grommet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The appliance defined in claim 8 wherein said grommet supports said leaf spring.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The appliance defined in claim 1 wherein said compartments are in side by side relationship.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The appliance defined in claim 6, wherein said compartments are in side by side relationship.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-10-16 | 1982-04-17 | 1982-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-16 | 1986-04-17 | 1986-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-16 | 1990-04-17 | 1990-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |