US4190305A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structural support for a refrigerator
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1978-05-22
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Granted: 1980-02-26
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Expires: 1998-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A refrigerator structural support is provided by permitting polyurethane foam reactant material to impregnate a body of fibrous material and to subsequently harden. The result is a third material having desirable stiffening and support characteristics. Various means are disclosed for controlling and advantageously using the result of the impregnation of fibrous material by foam reactant material.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Nelson Knight
- 👤 Roger C. Turner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 11:46
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H5/00; E04H5/10; F; F25; F25D; F25D23/00; F25D23/06; F25D23/062; F25D23/064; F25D23/065; F25D23/067; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S220/00; Y10S220/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In a refrigerator cabinet of the type employing insitu foamed polyurethane insulation within the wall space between the panel members forming the inner liner and the outer case, a strong, rigid, structural support which comprises: a body formed by fibrous material with pre-formed holes in the body which facilitates thorough impregnation of the foam material and bonded to one of the panel members to lend support thereot, and a screw anchor embedded in the body of the impregnated fibrous material and extending through an aperature in the panel member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a refrigerator cabinet of the type employing insitu foamed polyurethane insulation within the wall space between the panel members forming the inner liner and the outer case, a strong, rigid, structural support which comprises: a body formed by fibrous material with pre-formed holes in the body which facilitates thorough impregnation of the foam material and bonded to one of the panel members to lend support thereot, and a screw anchor embedded in the body of the impregnated fibrous material and extending through an aperature in the panel member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
108 words
In the construction of a refrigerator cabinet of the type having insitu foamed polyurethane thermal insulation material, a structural support which transmits a load applied to the inner liner to the outer case, comprising: a body of fibrous material having a length sufficient to substantially bridge the inner liner and the outer case and attached to the wall space sides of the inner liner and the outer case; and foam reactant material filling the wall space with a portion of the foam reactant material pregnated in the body of fibrous material and solidified to form a strong, rigid support substantially bridging the inner liner and the outer case.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
108 words
In the construction of a refrigerator cabinet of the type having insitu foamed polyurethane thermal insulation material, a structural support which transmits a load applied to the inner liner to the outer case, comprising: a body of fibrous material having a length sufficient to substantially bridge the inner liner and the outer case and attached to the wall space sides of the inner liner and the outer case; and foam reactant material filling the wall space with a portion of the foam reactant material pregnated in the body of fibrous material and solidified to form a strong, rigid support substantially bridging the inner liner and the outer case.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structural support according to claim 2, wherein the fibrous material is glass fiber material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A structural support according to claim 2, wherein the fibrous material is shaped with pre-formed holes in the body which facilitates thorough penetration of the foam reactant material into the body of the fibrous material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A structural support according to claim 2, wherein attaching the body of fibrous material is accomplished by a longitudinal aperture in the body of fibrous material, a mating aperture in both the inner liner and outer case, and a fastener through the bore in alignment with the mating apertures.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-02-25 | 1983-08-27 | 1984-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-02-25 | 1987-08-27 | 1988-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-02-25 | 1991-08-27 | 1992-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |