Enhanced filter indicatior for refrigerator

• US 20070209978A1
• Filed: 03/10/2006
• Published: 09/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Mitchell, Alan
• Granted Patent: US 8,337,693 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/94
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 17/042 Air treating means within refrigerated spaces air conditioning in general F24F
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 23/126 Water cooler
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2323/121 the refrigerator is characterised by a water filter for the water/ice dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2400/36 Visual displays

Abstract

An indicator for a refrigerator filter which has a body configured to contain a replaceable filter cartridge and including an openable cap to enclose the filter cartridge within the body. The indicator includes a control having a filter life determination mechanism and arranged to emit a signal when a life of the filter cartridge is determined to be expired. A visual display is arranged in association with the body which comprises an illuminating component which illuminates upon receipt of the signal from the control, graphics positioned in association with the body, and a light pipe extending from the graphics towards the illuminating component to transmit light from the illuminating component to the graphics.

Claims

1. An indicator for a refrigerator filter comprising:

a body configured to contain a replaceable filter cartridge and including an openable cap to enclose the filter cartridge within the body;

a control having a filter life determination mechanism and arranged to emit a signal when a life of the filter cartridge is determined to be expired; and

a visual display arranged in association with the body which comprises;

an illuminating component which illuminates upon receipt of the signal from the control;

graphics positioned in association with the body; and

a light pipe extending from the graphics towards the illuminating component to transmit light from the illuminating component to the graphics.

2. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the illuminating component comprises an LED.

3. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the graphics comprise a written instruction to a user to replace the filter cartridge.

4. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the graphics are located on the cap.

5. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the cap is a co-injected molded plastic part, with one plastic material being light transmissive.

6. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the indicator includes a second visual display operated by the control providing a user with an indication of the remaining life of the filter cartridge.

7. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the control includes an electronics mechanism for determining a remaining life for the filter cartridge.

8. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the visual display is powered by a battery.

9. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the control is located on the body.

10. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the filter cartridge is a water filter.

11. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein the filter cartridge is an air filter.

12. An indicator for a refrigerator filter comprising:

a body configured to contain a replaceable filter cartridge and including a removable cap to enclose the filter cartridge within the body;

a control having a filter life determination mechanism and arranged to emit a signal when a life of the filter cartridge is determined to be expired;

a visual display arranged on the body; and

an LED mounted on the body which is illuminated upon receipt of the signal from the control;

a light pipe extending from the cap towards the LED to transmit light from the LED to an exterior surface of the cap; and

graphics arranged on the cap illuminated by the illuminating component via the light pipe which graphics are visible from the exterior surface of the cap;

the cap comprising a pair of co-injected molded plastic parts, with the light pipe being one of the plastic parts being co-injected and an opaque plastic part being another of the plastic parts being co-injected.

13. A refrigerator including a filter indicator comprising:

a cabinet;

a body mounted in the cabinet configured to contain a replaceable filter cartridge and including an openable cap to enclose the filter cartridge within the body;

a control having a filter life determination mechanism and arranged to emit a signal when a life of the filter cartridge is determined to be expired; and

a visual display associated with the body which comprises;

an illuminating component which illuminates upon receipt of the signal from the control;

graphics positioned in association with the body; and

a light pipe extending from the graphics towards the illuminating component to transmit light from the illuminating component to the graphics.

14. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the illuminating component comprises an LED.

15. An indicator according to claim 13, wherein the graphics are located on the cap.

16. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the graphics comprise a written instruction to a user to replace the filter cartridge.

17. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the cap is a co-injected molded plastic part, with one plastic material being light transmissive.

18. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the indicator includes a second visual display located in the cabinet remote from the body and operated by the control providing a user with an indication of the remaining life of the filter cartridge.

19. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the visual display is powered by a battery.

20. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the control is located on the body.

21. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the filter cartridge is a water filter.

22. A refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the filter cartridge is an air filter.