Convection Barrier

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include a convection barrier for a freezer which may comprise a plurality of individual flaps arranged one above the other in a manner such as to be capable of forming a closed curtain of individual flaps, with each individual flap extending over a predetermined width corresponding at least to the width of the interior of the freezer and being pivotable between a closed position and an open position so as to allow access to the interior of the freezer when the flap is in the open position. Embodiments may also include actuation means attached to the individual flaps for allowing an actuator to engage the actuation means of an individual flap so as to pivot the said flap between the closed position and the open position.

1 . A convection barrier for a freezer, comprising:
 a plurality of individual flaps arranged one above the other in a manner such as to be capable of forming a closed curtain of individual flaps, with each individual flap extending over a predetermined width corresponding at least to the width of the interior of the freezer and being pivotable between a closed position and an open position so as to allow access to the interior of the freezer when the flap is in the open position, and   actuation means attached to the individual flaps for allowing an actuator to engage the actuation means of an individual flap so as to pivot the said flap between the closed position and the open position.   
   
   
       2 . A convection barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the individual flaps are provided with a bi-stable locking means being connected to the actuation means for releasably locking the individual flaps in the closed or in the open position, respectively. 
   
   
       3 . A convection barrier according to  claim 2 , wherein the bi-stable locking means comprises a spring. 
   
   
       4 . A convection barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein at least on the edges abutting or overlapping the adjacently arranged flap lips are attached to the individual flaps. 
   
   
       5 . A convection barrier according to  claim 1 , wherein the individual flaps are made of glass ceramics. 
   
   
       6 . A convection barrier according to  claim 4 , wherein the lips are made of Teflon. 
   
   
       7 . A freezer comprising a housing and a door, the housing having an opening allowing access to the interior of the freezer through the opening as the door of the freezer is open, wherein a convection barrier according to any one of the preceding claims is arranged such that the opening allowing access to the interior of the freezer is covered by the flaps of the convection barrier.