BACKGROUND
The device is in the field of refrigerating appliances. Specifically, the device is in the field of concealed drawer glides for pantry drawers of a refrigerating appliance.
SUMMARY
In at least one aspect, a refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet structure having an inner liner defining an interior compartment. A drawer includes a panel member and a sliding structure that extends between the panel member and the cabinet structure. The sliding structure serves to operably dispose the panel member between extended and retracted positions of the drawer. A drawer liner is selectively positioned approximate the drawer and is engaged with the panel member. The drawer liner includes opposing sides that define first and second channels, respectively, wherein the first and second channels extend over portions of the sliding structure. A wire chase is defined within at least one of the first and second channels wherein electrical wiring extends from the cabinet structure and to the panel member through the wire chase.
In at least another aspect, a drawer assembly for a refrigerating appliance includes a panel member and a drawer slide mechanism that includes a sliding portion engaged with a panel member and a cabinet portion that is adapted to engage a structural member of an appliance cabinet. A drawer liner includes opposite sides that define first and second channels, respectively. The first and second channels extend over the sliding portion. The drawer liner is selectively coupled to the panel member and the sliding portion of the drawer slide mechanism. At least one of the first and second channels defines a wire chase extending from the panel member to a position proximate a back wall of the drawer liner.
In at least another aspect, a refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet structure having an inner liner that defines a plurality of interior compartments, including a pantry compartment. A pantry drawer includes a panel member and first and second drawer glides that are positioned at opposite sides of the pantry compartment, respectively. Each of the drawer glides includes a sliding member that is coupled to the panel member and a cabinet member that is coupled to a portion of the cabinet structure. A drawer liner is selectively coupled to the panel member and the sliding members of the first and second drawer glides. The drawer liner includes hollow side walls that define first and second channels, wherein the first and second channels extend around the respective sliding members of the first and second drawer glides.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance incorporating an aspect of the concealed drawer glides within the pantry compartment of the appliance;
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an aspect of the pantry compartment, with the pantry drawers in the extended position;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pantry compartment for an appliance, illustrating an aspect of the drawer liners and drawer glides of the pantry compartment;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the pantry compartment of FIG. 3 taken at area IV;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the pantry compartment of FIG. 3 taken at area V;
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of a pantry compartment incorporating the concealed drawer glides and illustrating an aspect of the wire chase for the concealed drawer glides;
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of the wire chase illustrating the bottom cover separated from the wire chase of the drawer liner;
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of a drawer liner used in conjunction with the concealed drawer glides;
FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a pantry drawer for an appliance illustrating the panel member separated from the drawer liner;
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a pantry compartment for an appliance illustrating an aspect of the drawer liner being engaged with the panel member and the sliding members of the first and second drawer glides;
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the pantry compartment of FIG. 10 illustrating the drawer liner engaged with the panel member and the sliding member of the drawer glides; and
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the panel member engaged with the drawer liner, according to at least one aspect of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a pantry compartment for a refrigerating appliance 12, where the refrigerating appliance 12 can include a plurality of interior compartments 14, such as refrigerated compartments 16, freezing compartments 18, pantry compartments 10, warming compartments, multi-purpose compartments, and other similar interior compartments 14. According to the various embodiments, a refrigerating appliance 12 can include a cabinet structure 20 having an inner liner 22 that defines at least one interior compartment 14. A drawer assembly 24 having a panel member 26 and a sliding structure 28 that extends between the panel member 26 and the cabinet structure 20 operably disposes the panel member 26, and, in turn, the drawer assembly 24 between extended and retracted positions 30, 32. A drawer liner 34 is selectively positioned proximate the drawer assembly 24 and is engaged with the panel member 26.
The drawer liner 34 includes opposing sides 40 that define first and second channels 42, 44, respectively. The first and second channels 42, 44 extend over portions of the sliding structure 28. A wire chase 46 is defined within at least one of the first and second channels 42, 44, wherein electrical wiring 48 is adapted to extend from the cabinet structure 20 and to the panel member 26 through at least a portion of the wire chase 46.
According to the various embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-9, a bottom cover 60 is selectively engaged to the drawer liner 34 at the wire chase 46. In such an embodiment, the wire chase 46 is substantially enclosed by the panel member 26, the bottom cover 60, and at least one of the first and second channels 42, 44. It is contemplated that one or more openings 62 for the wire chase 46 could be positioned within the drawer liner 34 proximate a back wall 64 of the drawer liner 34. Such an opening 62 can allow for delivery of electrical wiring 48 from the cabinet structure 20 and into the wire chase 46 via the opening 62 defined within the drawer liner 34. It is further contemplated that additional openings 62 within the drawer liner 34 can be positioned proximate a front wall 66 of the drawer liner 34, such that the electrical wiring 48 from the wire chase 46 can be delivered from the wire chase 46 within the drawer liner 34 and through the opening 62 proximate the front wall 66 into the panel member 26 for the drawer assembly 24. It is contemplated that the openings 62 for the wire chase 46, through which the electrical wiring 48 can enter and exit the wire chase 46 can be defined by the respective ends 68 of each of the first and second channels 42, 44 of the opposing sides 40 of the drawer liner 34.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, according to various aspects of the device, the drawer liner 34 can include a bottom panel 80, sides 40 and a back wall 64 that define a storage area 82 of the drawer assembly 24. According to various embodiments, it is contemplated that the drawer liner 34 can also include the front wall 66 that further defines the storage area 82 of the drawer. Alternatively, the drawer liner 34 can be constructed to be substantially free of a front wall 66, such that a rear 84 of the panel member 26, when attached to the drawer liner 34, defines at least a portion of the storage area 82 of the drawer. In this manner, the panel member 26 can include a tab structure 86 that receives a panel attachment portion 88 of the drawer liner 34. The panel attachment portion 88 of the drawer liner 34 can at least partially define a front wall 66, such that the tab structure 86 of the panel member 26 is positioned in a lower area 90 of the rear 84 of the panel member 26. Where the drawer liner 34 includes a front wall 66, the tab structure 86 can be positioned on an upper area 94 of the rear 84 of the panel member 26 to receive the panel attachment portion 88 in the form of a front lip 92 of the drawer liner 34.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-10, it is contemplated that the sliding structure 28 can include a laterally sliding portion 100, including sliding members 102 that are configured to attach to the panel member 26 at a slide-receiving portion 104 of the panel member 26. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the first and second channels 42, 44 of the drawer liner 34 can include support members 106 that are adapted to engage the laterally sliding portion 100 of the sliding structure 28 to support the drawer liner 34 relative to the panel member 26. According to the various embodiments, the support members 106 of the first and second channels 42, 44 can rest directly upon the sliding members 102 of the laterally sliding portion 100. It is further contemplated that the support members 106 can be attached to the laterally sliding portion 100 by fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or other similar fasteners.
According to the various embodiments, engagement between the support members 106 and the sliding members 102 of the laterally sliding portion 100 of the sliding structure 28 can be magnetic, or can be attached through one or more interference mechanisms, adhesives, welding, combinations thereof, combinations with fasteners, and other similar attachment methods. It is contemplated that removal of the drawer liner 34 after manufacture may be desired, such that separation of the support members 106 and the sliding members 102 may be desired. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated the engagement between the support members 106 and the sliding members 102 can be separable, such as in the case of a magnetic connection, interference connection, or a fastener-type connection. Such removal of the drawer liner 34 may be desired in cases of replacement of a drawer liner 34, upgrade of a drawer liner 34, cleaning of a drawer liner 34, or other similar circumstance where the drawer liner 34 of the drawer assembly 24 may be removed or replaced.
The replacement of the drawer liner 34 within the drawer assembly 24 serves to define the storage area 82 for the compartment, such as in the case of a pantry drawer 120, at least partially defining the storage area 82 for the pantry compartment 10. In this manner, the drawer assembly 24 can be defined as a pantry drawer 120 that is placed in communication with a pantry compartment 10 defined within the cabinet structure 20. Alternatively, the drawer liner 34 described herein can be used for other drawer-type compartments, such as a refrigerating compartment, freezer compartment or other similar compartment, where a drawer liner 34 is attached to a panel member 26 and a sliding structure 28 to define a laterally operable storage area 82 for the appliance 12.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the wire chase 46 that is defined within the first and second channels 42, 44 of the drawer liner 34 can serve to deliver electrical wiring 48 and, in turn, electrical power from an electrical system 130 of the appliance 12 to various electrical components 132 placed within the panel member 26 of the drawer assembly 24. According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the electrical components 132 which can include a user interface 134, various light fixtures 136, heating elements, air handling units, electrical components 132 related to a glazing system disposed in the panel member 26, thermostats, humidity sensors, combinations thereof, and other similar electrical components 132 which can be incorporated in the panel member 26 of the drawer assembly 24. It is also contemplated that the electrical components 132 connected to the electrical wiring 48 fed through the wire chase 46 can be directed toward electrical components 132 disposed within or proximate the drawer liner 34. Such electrical components 132 of the drawer liner 34 can include, but are not limited to, air handling units, light fixtures 136, heating elements, user interface 134, thermostats, humidity sensors, combinations thereof, and other similar electrical components 132.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, where the panel member 26 includes a user interface 134, it is contemplated that the user interface 134 can be placed in combination with a utility system 150 disposed within the cabinet structure 20 of the appliance 12. Such communication between the user interface 134 of the panel member 26 and the utility system 150 can be accomplished via the electrical wiring 48 disposed in the wire chase 46. It is contemplated that the various utility systems 150 of the appliance 12 can include, but are not limited to, an electrical system 130, a refrigerant system, water delivery system, data transfer systems, monitoring systems, combinations thereof, and other similar utility systems 150 of the appliance 12. It is also contemplated that the user interface 134 disposed on the panel member 26 can be used for selecting various functions relating to the drawer assembly 24 disposed within the corresponding interior compartment 14 and also functions related to the appliance 12 as a whole. Data concerning the drawer assembly 24 and the appliance 12 as a whole can be delivered to the user interface 134 of the panel member 26. It is further contemplated that the user interface 134 of the panel member 26 could be placed in communication with a separate master control disposed on a different portion of the appliance 12, such as a refrigerator compartment door 160.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, it is contemplated that the cabinet structure 20 of the appliance 12 can include a plurality of interior compartments 14. In such an embodiment, the various interior compartments 14 of the appliance 12 can each include a separate drawer assembly 24, where each of the plurality of drawer assemblies 24 includes a corresponding drawer liner 34. By way of example, and not limitation, the pantry compartment 10 of the refrigerating appliance 12, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-3, can include two separate pantry drawers 120 for the pantry compartment 10. Each of the pantry drawers 120 can include a separate drawer liner 34. As discussed above, other interior compartments 14 of the appliance 12 can include drawer assemblies 24 having the drawer liner 34 described herein.
According to the various embodiments, the drawer liner 34 for each of the drawers of the appliance 12 can be made from a single continuous member. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the drawer liner 34 can be molded, formed or otherwise constructed from a single sheet of metal, plastic or other formable material. It is also contemplated that the drawer liner 34 can be made from various components that are attached, formed or molded together to define the structure of the drawer liner 34. Where multiple compartments are implemented, each of the components can be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, metals, polymers, composite materials, combinations thereof, and other similar materials that can be used in conjunction with a refrigerating appliance 12 for performing cooling, freezing, warming, heating, storing, and other similar functions of an appliance 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, it is contemplated that the panel member 26 and drawer liner 34 disclosed herein can be made as part of a drawer assembly 24 that can be disposed within a refrigerated appliance 12 as a separate piece included therein during manufacturing of the appliance 12. According to the various embodiments, the drawer assembly 24 can include the panel member 26 and the drawer sliding structure 28 having at least one sliding member 102 that is engaged to the panel member 26 and a cabinet member 170 that is adapted to engage a portion of the cabinet structure 20 of the appliance 12. It is contemplated that the drawer liner 34 can include opposing sides 40 that define the first and second channels 42, 44, respectively. The first and second channels 42, 44 are configured to extend over the sliding members 102 and the drawer liner 34 is selectively coupled to the panel member 26 and one or more sliding members 102 of the drawer sliding structure 28. A discussed above, at least one of the first and second channels 42, 44 can define a wire chase 46 that extends from the panel member 26 to a position proximate the back wall 64 of the drawer liner 34.
According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that separate wire chases 46 can be disposed in each of the first and second channels 42, 44. In such an embodiment, each of the first and second channels 42, 44 can include a separate bottom cover 60 that engages the drawer liner 34 at the wire chase 46 where the bottom cover 60 is selectively removable from the drawer liner 34.
Referring again to FIGS. 3-8, the bottom cover 60 of the drawer assembly 24 can include cover tabs 180 that engage tab receptacles 182 of the drawer liner 34, such that the bottom cover 60 can be snapped into place along the underside of the wire chase 46 of the drawer liner 34 through an interference-type engagement. It is contemplated that various alternate connection mechanisms between the bottom cover 60 and the drawer liner 34 can be used, such connection mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, magnetic connections, fastening members, welding, combinations thereof, and other similar connection methods. The connection method used between the bottom cover 60 and the drawer liner 34 can be determined based upon the specific design of the appliance 12. Where subsequent modification of one or more components of the drawer assembly 24 may be desired, a more temporary connection between the bottom cover 60 and the drawer liner 34 may be included, such that removal of the bottom cover 60 and subsequent replacement can be achieved.
Turning again to FIGS. 2-9, it is contemplated that each of the first and second channels 42, 44 can include an inboard member 190 that defines at least a portion of the storage area 82 of the drawer liner 34. Each of the first and second channels 42, 44 can also include an outboard member 192 that defines a covering portion 194 that extends over at least a part of the sliding member 102 of the sliding structure 28. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the inboard and outboard members 190, 192 of each of the first and second channels 42, 44 engage one another at a top rail 196 at each of the first and second channels 42, 44, respectively. It is contemplated that the inboard and outboard members 190, 192, in the top rail 196 of each of the first and second channels 42, 44, at least partially define the wire chase 46. As discussed above, the wire chase 46 can also be defined by the bottom cover 60 that is attached to one or both of the inboard and outboard members 190, 192 of the first and second channels 42, 44.
Referring again to FIGS. 3-9, in order to deliver the electrical wiring 48 from the cabinet structure 20 and through the wire chase 46 to the panel member 26, the drawer assembly 24 can include a wire harness 210 that is coupled to the panel member 26. It is contemplated that the wire harness 210 can extend through the wire chase 46 and to an electrical connector 212 that is positioned at the wiring end 214 of the electrical wiring 48, where the wiring end 214 can extend outside of the wire chase 46. In this manner, the wire harness 210 places electrical components 132 of the panel member 26 in communication with the electrical connector 212. The electrical connector 212 can engage an electrical receptacle 216 disposed within a cabinet structure 20 where the electrical connector 212 engages the electrical receptacle 216 of the cabinet structure 20 to connect the various utility systems 150 of the appliance 12 with the electrical components 132 disposed in the panel member 26. It is also contemplated that the wire harness 210 can include a panel connector 218 that is disposed proximate the panel member 26, where the panel connector 218 can engage a portion of the panel member 26 to connect to the electrical wiring 48 with the electrical components 132 disposed in the panel member 26.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-12, according to the various embodiments, the appliance 12, such as a refrigerating appliance, can include the cabinet structure 20 that includes the inner liner 22 defining a plurality of interior compartments 14. As discussed above, the interior compartments 14 can include pantry compartments 10, refrigerating compartments, freezing compartments 18, warming compartments, and other similar interior compartments 14 of an appliance 12. It is contemplated that a pantry drawer 120 can include a panel member 26 and first and second drawer glides 228, 230 positioned at opposing surfaces 232 of the pantry compartment 10, respectively. It is also contemplated that each of the first and second drawer glides 228, 230 can include a sliding member 102 that is coupled to the panel member 26, and a cabinet member 170 that is coupled to a portion of the cabinet structure 20. A drawer liner 34 can be selectively coupled to the panel member 26 and to the sliding members 102 of the first and second drawer glides 228, 230. The drawer liner 34 can include hollow sides 40 that define the first and second channels 42, 44. The first and second channels 42, 44 are adapted to extend around the respective sliding members 102 of the first and second drawer glides 228, 230.
According to the various embodiments, the first and second drawer glides 228, 230 of the sliding structure 28 can include standard drawer glides where the sliding member 102 slideably engages the cabinet member 170 to operate the drawer between a retracted position 32 within the pantry compartment 10 and an extended position 30 outside the pantry compartment 10. According to various alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that the sliding structure 28 can include a sliding ledge that is integrally formed within the inner liner 22 of the cabinet structure 20, wherein a portion of the sliding member 102 engages the inner liner 22 to operate the drawer between an extended and retracted positions 30, 32. Various alternate sliding structures 28 are contemplated that can be used to operate the drawer between extended and retracted positions 30, 32.
According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated the drawer assembly 24 disclosed herein can be used for various appliances that can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, laundry appliances, ovens, and other similar appliances where it is desirable to conceal the drawer sliding structure 28 of the appliance 12 or to conceal electrical wiring 48 that may be delivered to a panel member 26 of a drawer for the appliance 12.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.
Patent Application
20170167779
