FRAMEWORK OF DRAUGHT EXCLUDER STRIP FOR PIECES OF FURNITURE SUCH AS REFRIGERATORS AND THE LIKE

Abstract: In a framework for closing the aperture between facing edging sections of a fixed part (1), for example a refrigerator cabinet or the like, and another part (1) which moves relative to it, for example a door, the framework consists essentially of a draught excluder profile (4) of flexible material attached to the edge section (3) and carries, if required, a body of magnetic material (10) along one of its face sides. For sealing off a possible uneven aperture of a door in an accurate way, two end sections of two draught excluder profiles (4, 4′) to be joined to each other are connected to each other by means of a connecting piece (11).

Description: Framework of draught excluder strip for pieces of furniture such as refrigerators ant the like The invention relates to a framework for the closing of the aperture between facing edge sections of a fixed part, for example a refrigerator cabinet or the like, and another part which moves relative to it, for example a door, said framework consisting essentially of a draught exluder profile of flexible material attached to the edge section and which, if necessary, carries a body of magnetic material along one of its free sides. Such a framework serves to seal off the abovementioned aperture tightly after the closing of the movable part, even if the size of the aperture varies as a result of surface unevenness. In the case where a magnetic body is used, this will attach itself firmly to the edge section of the piece of furnitur, the flexible profile assuring freedom of movement. The drawback with known frameworks is that they have to be made to size in advance, the dimensions depending on the size of the door. This is done by sawing off the draught excluder profile in a mitre block and subsequently vulcanising the end surfaces together. A corner piece formed in this way has the disadvantage of being relatively rigid and does not moreover form a surface flush with the rest of the profile, with the result that leakages can occur at this point. Furthermore, the vulcanising of draught excluder strip can only be carried out by the manufacturer, who in consequence, is constantly having to apply varying size specifications for the framework for different types of cabinet. The invention aims at disposing of the abovementioned drawback by providing a framework characterized by a connecting piece for joining of the end sections of two lenghts of draught excluder profile that are to be connected to eachother. The connecting piece is preferably of a form corresponding to that of the profile of the draught excluder strip. This guarantees uniform deforming upon opening and closing. The connecting piece can have varies ways, in order for example to connect two aligned lengths of profile. The preferred design shape is, however, L-shaped, in which case the connecting piece can serve as corner piece for the framework. If the draught excluder profile is hollow in form, the connecting piece according to the invention is provided with a joint fastener which can be inserted into the hollow strip. This results in an accurate joint as well as uniform deforming with the adjoining draught excluder profile. This and other aspects of the invention will be further amplified in the following diagrammatic description of am embodiment of the invention. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a refrigerator cabinet provided with a framework of draught excluder profile acording to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a detail of the framework corner piece from fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a detail corresponding with fig. 2 with, however, a disconnected corner piece. The reference number 1 in the drawing indicates the fixed part of the refrigerator and the reference number 2 indicates the door section which moves relative to it. As is usual, the doorframe edge 3 is fitted with a draught excluder profile 4, which falls into position against the frame edging 5 of the fixed unit. The draught excluder strip 4 is illustrated in detail in figure 2. It consists here of a hollow profile 6, the back-side having a bended flanged section 7 which can be attached to the door section 2 by means of a clamp strip 8 The hollow profile' is recessed on the side 9 away from the flange 7. In this recess a magnetic body 10 is embedded and fastened. The curved projecting edges of the profile 4 pro vide a double connection with the frame edging 5 of the fixed part. The bended projecting edges also ensure freedom of movement for the magnetic body 10 in the direction of the frame edging 5 of the fixed part when the door section 2 is slammed shut. The invention concerns a connecting element for the joining of two lenghts of draught excluder strip, 4 and 4'. A corner piece 11 is illustrated which shows in cross section a profile which lies flush with the draught excluder strip 4, in such a way that the bended projecting edges of the draught excluder strips 4 and 4' fit flush with eachother in the corner piece 11. An L-shaped magnetic body 12 is also embedded in the recessed front facing. As shown in fig. 3, the corner piece is provided with connecting elements mounted at the sides 13 which join up with the end facings of the draught excluder strips 4 and 4'. The connecting elements consists of a profile section which fits into the hollow profile in such a way as to obtain a uniform joint. The corner piece can also be fixed in place using a flange 15 the same as the flange 7 and by means of securing strips 8. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. -The corner piece 11 can be shaped as a straight connecting piece, so that the connecting elements 14 align, such that the aligned draught excluder strips 4 and 4' can be joined. The advantage obtained is that frameworks such as that illustrated in fig. 1 can be assembled by the furniture manufacturer in any form required.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. Framework for the closing of the aperture be tween facing edging sections of a fixed part, for example, a refrigerator cabinet or the like, and another part which moves relative to it, for example a door, said framework consisting essentially of a draught excluder profile of flexible material attached to the edge section and carrying, if required, a body of magnetic material along one of its face sides, characterized by a connecting piece to join the end sections of two lenghts of draught excluder profile that are to be connected to eachother. 2. Framework as in claim 1, characterized in that the connecting piece is shaped in correspondence to the profile of the draught excluder strip. 3. Framework as in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connecting piece is L-shaped in order to effect a corner joint. 4. Framework as in any of the preceding claims whereby the draught excluder profile is a hollow strip characterized in that the connecting piece is fitted with a connecting element which fits into the hollow strip. 5. Connecting piece to be used for a draught excluder profile adapted to the construction of a framework as in any of the preceding claims. 6. Method for the manufacture of a framework adapted to close off the aperture between the facing edge sections of a fixed part for example, a refrigerator cabinet or the like, and another part which moves relative to it, for example a door, characterized by the following steps: - cutting off of previously determined lenghts of draught excluder profile, - joining these lengths by means of connecting pieces as in claim 5, - and the mounting of a framework formed in this way on the edge section concerned.

Inventors: VAN GILS, ANTONIUS CORNELIUS MARIA
Applicants: IE PE GE BV
Application year: 1985
Main classification: F25D23
IPC codes: F25D23