(19)
(11) EP 0 505 171 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
13.01.1993 Bulletin 1993/02

(43) Date of publication A2:
23.09.1992 Bulletin 1992/39

(21) Application number: 92302346.9

(22) Date of filing: 18.03.1992
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: F25D 21/14, F25D 25/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

(30) Priority: 19.03.1991 NZ 237482

(71) Applicant: FISHER & PAYKEL LIMITED
East Tamaki, Auckland 1006 (NZ)

(72) Inventors:
  • Yeoh, Swee Hock
    Mt. Albert, Auckland 3 (NZ)
  • McMullen, Andrew Malcolm
    Kingsland, Auckland (NZ)
  • Deans, Joseph
    Devonport, Auckland (NZ)

(74) Representative: Brown, John David et al
FORRESTER & BOEHMERT Franz-Joseph-Strasse 38
80801 München
80801 München (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Improvements in or relating to a condensate collector


    (57) The invention relates to a condensate collector comprising a lid (1) having a downwardly facing portion (4) which is positioned over a vegetable bin 2 in a refrigerator (24). The downwardly facing portion (4) has a plurality of spaced apart, drainable elongate channels or grooves (9). Condensate formed as a result of fruit/vegetables in the vegetable bin (2) respiring collects in the channels or grooves (9) and tends to be drawn towards the upwardly disposed bases (10) thereof as a result of water tension. The ability of the condensate to collect in the grooves (9) is reliant on the dimensions and spacings of the grooves (9,). The lid (1) is provided on a slight angle towards the rear of the refrigerator (24) so that condensate can drain to a baffle (13) and evaporate therefrom. A combination of the lid (1) and vegetable/fruit bin (2) is also claimed as is a method of collecting condensate using the condensate collector.






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