The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 19, 2016
Filed:
Jul. 29, 2013
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
Paul B. Allard, Stevensville, MI (US);
Michele E. Wilcox, Stevensville, MI (US);
Douglas D. Leclear, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
John J. Vonderhaar, St. Joseph, MI (US);
Karen J. Querfurth, Coloma, MI (US);
Andrew M. Tenbarge, St. Joseph, MI (US);
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.