A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A swing bolt lock mechanism for preventing false status switch enabling is described. The lock mechanism is a swing bolt lock mechanism wherein the swing bolt has an inner ramp wall against which a blocker rod is spring-biased. A ramp extension arm is displaceably secured with the swing bolt and provides an extension of the ramp wall whereby the blocker rod may only be displaced when the swing bolt is at its fully locked position whereby to arrest the swing bolt at that position. The displacement of the blocker rod also toggles a lock status switch to provide an indication that the lock is at its locked position. Accordingly, the lock status switch cannot be prematurely actuated.

A swing bolt lock mechanism for preventing false status switch enabling is described. The lock mechanism is a swing bolt lock mechanism wherein the swing bolt has an inner ramp wall against which a blocker rod is spring-biased. A ramp extension arm is displaceably secured with the swing bolt and provides an extension of the ramp wall whereby the blocker rod may only be displaced when the swing bolt is at its fully locked position whereby to arrest the swing bolt at that position. The displacement of the blocker rod also toggles a lock status switch to provide an indication that the lock is at its locked position. Accordingly, the lock status switch cannot be prematurely actuated.

A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage chamber, a main door pivotably mounted to the cabinet while including an opening provided at an inside of the main door, and a stepped portion provided around the opening, a sub-storage chamber mounted at the inside of the main door, a sub-door mounted to the main door, to allow a user to have access to the sub-storage chamber, the sub-door having opposite side surfaces with front portions protruding forwards of a front surface of the main door while having a greater width than the opening and stepped portion between the front portions of the side surfaces, to cover the stepped portion by the side surfaces, and a hinge pivotably mounted to the main door and coupled to the sub-door while being bent at an intermediate portion thereof, to pivotably support the sub-door with respect to the main door.

A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage chamber, a main door pivotably mounted to the cabinet while including an opening provided at an inside of the main door, and a stepped portion provided around the opening, a sub-storage chamber mounted at the inside of the main door, a sub-door mounted to the main door, to allow a user to have access to the sub-storage chamber, the sub-door having opposite side surfaces with front portions protruding forwards of a front surface of the main door while having a greater width than the opening and stepped portion between the front portions of the side surfaces, to cover the stepped portion by the side surfaces, and a hinge pivotably mounted to the main door and coupled to the sub-door while being bent at an intermediate portion thereof, to pivotably support the sub-door with respect to the main door.

A door-in-door refrigerator includes a door having an inner door and an outer door. When the inner and outer doors are in open positions, food items stored in a main refrigerated compartment are accessible. When the inner and outer doors are in closed positions, the door seals the refrigerated compartment, and food items stored in the main refrigerated compartment are not accessible. When the inner door is in a closed position and the outer door is in an open position, food items stored in a storage structure coupled to the door are accessible. A latch includes a trigger that moves in a direction substantially parallel to a handle. Movement of the trigger shifts the latch between a latched position, in which pulling on the handle causes the inner and outer doors to open, and an unlatched position, in which pulling on the handle causes the outer door to open while the inner door remains closed.

A door-in-door refrigerator includes a door having an inner door and an outer door. When the inner and outer doors are in open positions, food items stored in a main refrigerated compartment are accessible. When the inner and outer doors are in closed positions, the door seals the refrigerated compartment, and food items stored in the main refrigerated compartment are not accessible. When the inner door is in a closed position and the outer door is in an open position, food items stored in a storage structure coupled to the door are accessible. A latch includes a trigger that moves in a direction substantially parallel to a handle. Movement of the trigger shifts the latch between a latched position, in which pulling on the handle causes the inner and outer doors to open, and an unlatched position, in which pulling on the handle causes the outer door to open while the inner door remains closed.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.