Stevan R Dolinsek

US Patent:

20110234074, Sep 29, 2011

Filed:

Mar 26, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/732710

Inventors:

Stevan R. DOLINSEK - Coralville IA, US
Timothy A. FULTON - Evansville IN, US
Daryl L. HARMON - Evansville IN, US
Chad J. ROTTER - Amana IA, US
David A. STAUFFER - Belle Plaine IA, US

Assignee:

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION - Benton Harbor MI

International Classification:

F16L 5/00
F25D 23/00
E05D 5/02
E05D 5/10
F25C 1/22
H02G 3/18

US Classification:

312404, 16 21, 16382, 62340, 174662

Abstract:

Disclosed in this application is a u-shaped grommet for use in a refrigerator. The grommet is fixed so as to allow wires to be routed towards an opening in the liner of the refrigerator, pass through the opening in the liner, and exit the grommet in the opposite direction as the wires entered. The grommet is preferably molded to the wires so that the combined product is inseparable from the wiring which it protects. The grommet is also described as a single piece grommet, although multiple piece grommets are anticipated.Further disclosed in this application is an improved pass-through hinge for routing utilities, including water and electricity, from the door to the body of the refrigerator. The improved hinge features a hollow hinge pin through which utilities may be routed, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of the current state of the art.