초록

An articulated hinge allowing non-circular motion of a refrigerator door and having a mechanism for transmitting utilities through the hinge is provided. A support rod for preventing torsional deformation of a refrigerator door adapted to carry utilities to an in-door dispenser is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A hinge connecting a cabinet and a door of a refrigerator, the hinge comprising: an annulus operatively attached to said cabinet;a sun gear mounted about a center of the annulus;a first planet gear engaging said sun gear and annulus, having a first hinge pin attached to said door, said first hing

1. A hinge connecting a cabinet and a door of a refrigerator, the hinge comprising: an annulus operatively attached to said cabinet;a sun gear mounted about a center of the annulus;a first planet gear engaging said sun gear and annulus, having a first hinge pin attached to said door, said first hinge pin having a passage through which at least one utility is routed, and a second planet gear engaging the sun gear and annulus, said second planet gear having a second hinge pin operatively attached to said door, said second hinge pin having a passage through which at least one utility is routed;said first planet gear and said second planet gear maintaining a constant distance between one another. 2. The hinge of claim 1 whereby said first hinge pin and said second hinge pin carry high and low voltage electric current. 3. The hinge of claim 1 whereby said first hinge pin carries electrical current and said second hinge pin carries water. 4. The hinge of claim 1 whereby said first planet gear comprises a second hinge pin, said second hinge pin having a passage through which at least one utility is routed. 5. The hinge of claim 4 whereby said first hinge pin and said second hinge pin of the first planet gear carry high and low voltage electric current. 6. The hinge of claim 4 whereby said first hinge pin carries electrical current and said second hinge pin of the first planet gear carries water. 7. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having at least one refrigeration compartment;a door providing access to the refrigeration compartment;a hinge connecting the cabinet and the door, the hinge comprising;(a) an annulus operatively attached to said cabinet;(b) a sun gear mounted about a center of the annulus;(c) a first planet gear engaging said sun gear and annulus, having a first hinge pin attached to said door, said first hinge pin having a passage through which at least one utility is routed, and a second planet gear engaging the sun gear and annulus, said second planet gear having a second hinge pin operatively attached to said door, said second hinge pin having a passage through which at least one utility is routed;(d) said first planet gear and said second planet gear maintaining a constant distance between one another.