Refrigerator With Individualized Locking Drawers

Abstract

A refrigerator with individualized locking drawers is similar in size and shape to a standard refrigerator, with a plurality of drawers in the refrigerator compartment that can be personalized. The drawers have a locking mechanism, a name placard displaying the user's name, a use frequency display, and a spoilage display. A digital control interface on the refrigerator door allows users to register for and manage drawers, and a network connection device allows users to manage their drawer through a website interface or a mobile application. A community storage shelf below the individual drawers and shelves on the inside face of the refrigerator door provides space for large items or community items, and a freezer compartment below the refrigerator compartment provides storage for items that require lower temperatures than the refrigerator compartment.

Description

[0001]The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61 / 557,467 filed on Nov. 9, 2011.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for a refrigerator. More particularly, the present invention is a refrigerator which provides personal locking compartments for use by multiple individuals.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A refrigerator, colloquially known as a fridge, is a common household appliance that consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a mechanical, electronic, or chemical heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a desired temperature below the ambient temperature of the room. A fridge is useful for storing food, since lower temperatures in a confined volume lowers the reproduction rate of bacteria, which has the result of reducing the rate of food spoilage. A fridge typically maintains a tem...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The design and function of the standard refrigerator has been improved in various ways over the years; however, there is not a refrigerator that specifically exists for exclusive use by multiple individuals in a multi-person office environment.

Because the conventional refrigerator storage space is communal, items may be mistakenly or intentionally taken or misplaced which can cause distrust or unrest among those sharing the storage space.

In addition, there is a considerable amount of food waste that occurs due to individuals forgetting that they have place food items in the fridge.

Images