IP Library Granted Patent US 7,234,317
Granted Patent B2
US 7,234,317 · App. 10/819,869 · Granted Jun 26, 2007

Air tunnel diverter and method of installing same

Assignee: Maytag Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,234,317
App. No.
10/819,869
Granted
Jun 26, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit includes one or more leg members secured to a hub. The hub is generally formed to include a fitting through which cooler air is passed to the leg member and routed into the desired locations within the refrigerated space. The leg member is placed on the fitting by sliding one end of the leg member onto a leg portion of the fitting. The fitting is then secured to the leg member by an overmolding process in which a soft flexible plastic is cast or otherwise applied around the connection. Installation is further simplified by providing the leg member with a flexible portion. The air tunnel diverter is preferably secured in the refrigeration unit by foam insulation.

Claims (7)

1. An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit, the air tunnel diverter comprising:

a plastic hub having a bore disposed at least partially there through and at least one distally extending hollow stud member in communication with said bore;

a plastic coating at least partially extending beyond a proximal end of said hub, said coating being softer than said plastic hub, said coating further comprising:

a radially extending back face;

a radially extending front face; and

an annular recess disposed between said faces;

at least one longitudinally extending flexible hollow lug member affixed to each of said at least one hollow stud members of said plastic hub.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 22, 2006
From: JENKINS, JR., JAMES H.; SEMAN, SR., RICHARD T.
To: MAYTAG CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 017346/0726 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 1019578500 · Jul 15, 2002
Provisional Application 6030571500 · Jul 16, 2001
Related Publication 20050076669A1 · Apr 14, 2005