IP Library Granted Patent US 7,491,327
Granted Patent B2
US 7,491,327 · App. 11/331,569 · Granted Feb 17, 2009

Method for accessing a hinge down refrigerator water filter

Assignee: Maytag Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,491,327
App. No.
11/331,569
Granted
Feb 17, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Claims (5)

1. A method of accessing a refrigerator filter cartridge mounted in a ceiling portion of the refrigerator, comprising:

opening a filter cover attached to a filter manifold to expose the filter cartridge, said filter cartridge having an end mounted on the manifold, the end of the filter cartridge having an inlet and an outlet; and

pivoting the filter cover and the manifold downwardly such that the filter cartridge can be grasped and removed from the manifold; wherein the filter cover and the manifold pivot about a common axis.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising pivoting the cover further than the manifold to provide access to the cartridge.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising retaining the cover in a closed position with a clip.

Continuity (3)
Division 1019565900 · Jul 15, 2002
Provisional Application 6030573500 · Jul 16, 2001
Related Publication 20060113237A1 · Jun 1, 2006