US6134906A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Refrigerator with video monitor workstation
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1999-05-31
•
Granted: 2000-10-24
•
Expires: 2019-05-31
Abstract
Abstract A video monitor attached to a refrigerator for combining visual graphic display with the functional capability to store and access refrigerated products. Near continuous workstation operation can be conducted while permitting access to refrigerated food and beverage products. Access to the refrigerator interior can be made through a moveable video screen or through a side door. A controller can be engaged with the video monitor for transmitting graphic data, and a keyboard can provide interactive control over the displayed information. The video monitor and refrigerator can be portable to extend the flexibility of workstation operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Winthrop A. Eastman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:38
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25D; F25D23/00; F25D23/12; F25D11/00; G; G09; G09G; G09G5/00; H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/18; F25B; F25B21/00; F25B21/02; F25D2400/00; F25D2400/36; H04N5/00; H04N5/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A cooling apparatus for storing goods, comprising: a container having an interior space for storing the goods and having a door over a door opening for selectively accessing said container interior space; a refrigerator attached to said container for cooling said container interior space; and a flat screen video monitor engaged with said container for permitting display of graphic information while permitting access through said door opening to the stored goods.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A cooling apparatus for storing goods, comprising: a container having an interior space for storing the goods and having a door over a door opening for selectively accessing said container interior space; a refrigerator attached to said container for cooling said container interior space; and a flat screen video monitor engaged with said container for permitting display of graphic information while permitting access through said door opening to the stored goods.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said monitor is attached to said door and is moveable relative to said container when said door is opened and closed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said flat screen video is attached to said container so that operation of said container door does not interrupt viewing of said monitor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said container is portable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, further comprising a battery attached to said container for providing direct current to said refrigerator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said refrigerator comprises a thermoelectric cooler.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a keyboard for displaying information on said monitor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a controller engaged with said monitor for generating information and for transmitting such information to said monitor for display.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a modem connected to said monitor and to a communications link for permitting information to be received for display on said monitor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said monitor is detachable from said container.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said monitor is engaged with said container at a selected distance from said container.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising an articulated base attached to said container for permitting rotational movement of said container.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second door through said container for providing access to said container interior space.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
103 words
A portable cooling apparatus for storing goods, comprising: a container having an interior space for storing the goods and having a door over a door opening for selectively accessing said container interior space; a hinge attached to said door and to said container for controlling movement of said door relative to said container; a refrigerator engaged with said container for cooling said container interior space; a flat screen video monitor attached to said container for permitting display of graphic information while permitting access through said door to the stored goods; and a communication link for engaging a data source to said video monitor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
103 words
A portable cooling apparatus for storing goods, comprising: a container having an interior space for storing the goods and having a door over a door opening for selectively accessing said container interior space; a hinge attached to said door and to said container for controlling movement of said door relative to said container; a refrigerator engaged with said container for cooling said container interior space; a flat screen video monitor attached to said container for permitting display of graphic information while permitting access through said door to the stored goods; and a communication link for engaging a data source to said video monitor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising a battery attached to said container for providing direct current power to said monitor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising a controller attached to said container, said battery, and said monitor for providing data to said monitor for display.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 16, further comprising a keyboard attached to said controller.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising a keyboard attached to said container and engaged with said video monitor for controlling graphic displays on said monitor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5319937A
Cited
US5501076A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-24 | 2004-04-24 | 2004-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-24 | 2008-04-24 | 2008-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-24 | 2012-04-24 | 2012-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |