The present invention relates generally to the field of appliances, and more specifically, to an appliance that is an integrated appliance such as an integrated refrigerator. The invention may also be adapted to built-in appliances and stand alone appliances.
Typically, the appliance is surrounded by cabinetry, other fixtures, furniture, or appliances. It may be desirable for appliances to be “integrated” with or “built into” their surrounding environment in order to diminish or obscure its presence. Cosmetic panels are used to blend an appliance into its surroundings (e.g., same/similar finish/exterior, same/similar detailing, corresponding orientation/positioning, etc.) to provide a more coherent, uniform aesthetic.
It is also desirable that reveals or clearance (e.g., distance, spaces, etc.) between the appliance (e.g., the cosmetic panel) and adjacent cabinetry are small and consistent. Similarly, it is desirable that the appliance is co-planar with the surrounding cabinetry, including having the proper front-to-back alignment/registration in its installed position.
Many known installation systems and methods have several disadvantages, including, but not limited to, insufficient blending in of the appliance with its surroundings, improper front-to-back alignment improper top-to-bottom and/or side-to side alignment with surrounding cabinetry (i.e., large and inconsistent reveals), etc.
Another disadvantage of many known installation systems and methods is the lack of ability to make adjustments to the position of a cosmetic panel relative to the doors, drawers, and other compartments and surfaces of the appliance both during installation and after installation. The initial coupling of a cosmetic panel to a door or drawer may not result in the panel being in the most desirable location relative thereto. Also, with time and use, the position of the cosmetic panels relative to the doors and/or drawers of the appliance may shift such that the appliance may no longer blend in with its surroundings as well as it once had.
Also, there are a number of disadvantages with typical door and drawer positioning devices for appliances. For example, the position of the closed door relative to the surrounding cabinetry varies depending on the speed or force used to close the door due to the flexible gasket that provides the seal. As such, the cosmetic panel may not be co-planar with the surrounding cabinetry and/or flush with the face frame of the refrigerator body.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an installation system and method that sufficiently blends an appliance into its surroundings. It would further be advantageous for this installation system and method to provide for accurate front-to-back alignment, top-to-bottom alignment, and side-to-side alignment. It would be further advantageous to provide mechanisms for making fine adjustments to the position of the cosmetic panel relative to the doors, drawers, and other compartments and surfaces of the appliance both during installation and after installation. It would also be advantageous if these mechanisms were concealed when not in use, but still quickly and easily accessible, requiring minimal or no disassembly of the appliance. It would further be advantageous to provide for establishing small and consistent reveals, both during installation and after the refrigerator has been in use. It would further be advantageous to provide an installation system and method for an appliance providing for accurate installation in a reduced amount of time. It would further be advantageous to provide a positioning device for an appliance door or drawer that over time maintains the door or drawer in a consistent position relative to the refrigerator body.
In an example embodiment, a panel system includes, but is not limited to, a first panel and a second panel coupled together. The second panel includes, but is not limited to, a first aperture configured to hold a first support element, a second aperture configured to hold a first fastener, and a third aperture configured to hold a second fastener. A first bracket is coupled to the first panel, extends laterally outward from the first panel, and includes a fourth aperture and a fifth aperture formed therethrough. A second bracket is coupled to the first panel, extends laterally outward from the first panel, and includes a sixth aperture formed therethrough. The fourth aperture is configured to accept the first support element therethrough. The fifth aperture is configured to not accept the first fastener therethrough when the second panel is coupled to the first panel. The sixth aperture is configured to not accept the second fastener therethrough when the second panel is coupled to the first panel.
In another example embodiment, an access system is provided. The access system includes, but is not limited to, a drawer configured to be mounted to a body and to move relative to the body, a first panel mounted to the drawer, and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first panel includes, but is not limited to, a first side wall and a second side wall. The second panel includes, but is not limited to, a first aperture configured to hold a first support element, a second aperture configured to hold a first fastener, and a third aperture configured to hold a second fastener. A first bracket is coupled to the first panel, extends laterally outward from the first panel, and includes a fourth aperture and a fifth aperture formed therethrough. A second bracket is coupled to the first panel, extends laterally outward from the first panel, and includes a sixth aperture formed therethrough. The fourth aperture is configured to accept the first support element therethrough. The fifth aperture is configured to not accept the first fastener therethrough when the second panel is coupled to the first panel. The sixth aperture is configured to not accept the second fastener therethrough when the second panel is coupled to the first panel.
In still another example embodiment, an appliance is provided. The appliance includes, but is not limited to, a body, a first panel mounted to the body to move relative to the body, and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first panel includes, but is not limited to, a first side wall and a second side wall. The second panel includes, but is not limited to, a first aperture configured to hold a first support element, a second aperture configured to hold a first fastener, and a third aperture configured to hold a second fastener. A first bracket is coupled to the first panel, extends laterally outward from the first panel, and includes a fourth aperture and a fifth aperture formed therethrough. A second bracket is coupled to the first panel, extends laterally outward from the first panel, and includes a sixth aperture formed therethrough. The fourth aperture is configured to accept the first support element therethrough. The fifth aperture is configured to not accept the first fastener therethrough when the second panel is coupled to the first panel. The sixth aperture is configured to not accept the second fastener therethrough when the second panel is coupled to the first panel.
a is an exploded view of the drawer positioning device of
b is another exploded view of the drawer positioning device of
a is an exploded view of the door positioning device of
b is another exploded view of the door positioning device of
Referring to
Refrigerator 10 includes a body 12, a door 14, a pair of drawers 16, a handle side 18, a hinge side 20, a cooling system, and various structures used to store food within cooled interior spaces. According to another exemplary embodiment, the appliance may include one or more doors and one or more drawers. According to another exemplary embodiment, the appliance may include only one or more doors. According to another exemplary embodiment, the appliance may include only one or more drawers (e.g., an under-counter appliance).
Cosmetic panels may be coupled to the door and drawers. According to an exemplary embodiment, cosmetic panels match the surrounding cabinetry (e.g., are made of the same material, have the same finish, have the same detailing, etc.). According to alternative embodiments, the cosmetic panels do not match the cabinetry and have any of a variety of stylings.
The refrigerator 10 is received in an opening, typically referred to as a rough opening, in the kitchen. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rough opening is defined in part by the cabinetry that surrounds the refrigerator 10. At the back of the rough opening is the kitchen wall. The rough opening is generally sized to accommodate the refrigerator, leaving reveals (e.g., gaps, spaces, clearances, etc.) between refrigerator 10 and the surrounding cabinetry.
Refrigerator 10 further includes an installation system 22 and a plurality of door positioning devices 24. Installation system 22 provides for accurate and efficient installation of refrigerator 10. Installation system 22 includes a cabinet bracket 26 and an adjustment system 28. In the embodiment shown, cabinet bracket 26 provides for front-to-back alignment of refrigerator 10 within the rough opening. Further, cabinet bracket 26 is configured such that refrigerator 10 may be positioned in the rough opening, leveled (e.g., with a leveling device providing for top-to-bottom alignment of refrigerator 10), and have cosmetic panels coupled thereto before cabinet bracket 26 is coupled to the surrounding cabinetry.
Installation system 22 also provides for adjustment of the cosmetic panels relative to the cabinetry that surrounds refrigerator 10. In this manner, the desired co-planarity of the cosmetic panels with the surrounding cabinetry can be achieved. Adjustment system 28 provides for corrective or fine adjustments to the alignment and/or orientation of cosmetic panels relative to door 14 and the surrounding cabinetry. These corrective or fine adjustments may be made during installation or after installation.
Door positioning devices 24 bias door 14 to a desired position relative to body 12. When door 14 of refrigerator 10 is closed, door positioning devices 24 maintain door 14 in a position wherein door 14 is coplanar with the surrounding cabinetry. In this way, door positioning devices 24 decrease reliance on a gasket for positioning a door. More generally, it may be beneficial to decrease reliance on a gasket for positioning a door because gaskets can become compressed, crushed, and/or misshapen with use. As a result, the position of the door may vary and the door may become misaligned with its surroundings.
Referring to
Door panel 34 and drawer panels 36 are coupled to body 12. Door panel 34 and drawer panels 36 provide access to and close off the cooled interior spaces defined by body 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, door panel 34 provides access to and closes off a refrigeration cavity, and drawer panels 36 provide access to and close off freezer cavities. Door panel 34 is movable relative to body 12. Door panel 34 is shown pivotally coupled to body 12 at hinge side 44 by one or more hinges 60. Each drawer panel 36 is also movable relative to body 12. Drawer panel 36 is slidably coupled, such that it is movable forward and backward relative to face frame 30 of body 12 while remaining substantially parallel thereto.
Refrigerator 10 is shown as a “top-bottom style” unit. According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, refrigerator 10 may comprise any of a variety of types or configurations, including, but not limited to, a “chest” style unit and a “side-by-side” style unit.
It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments and teachings disclosed herein with respect to only one of door panel 34 or drawer panels 36 are intended to extend to all door and drawer panels coupled to the body of an appliance. It should be further understood the number and arrangement of door panels and drawer panels may vary according to various exemplary embodiments of the appliance. According to yet other embodiments, the refrigerator is a drawer type appliance (e.g., refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, etc.).
Each cosmetic panel (e.g., outer panel, surface covering members, finished surfaces, coverings, finished panel, exterior surface, decorative panel, ornamental panel, cabinetry panel, overlap panel, etc.) is coupled to a corresponding door panel or drawer panel. For example, cosmetic panel 62 is shown coupled to door panel 34 and is shown having the same material and finish as the surrounding cabinetry. Cosmetic panel 62 is shaped and sized to substantially conceal door panel 34 when viewing refrigerator 10 from the front. Referring back to
Referring to
Referring to
According to one exemplary embodiment, cabinet bracket 26 includes a first side 76 generally opposite and substantially parallel to a second side 78. Cabinet bracket 26 establishes the front-to-back alignment of refrigerator 10 within the rough opening. Cabinet bracket 26 is substantially fixed relative to body 12 of refrigerator 10. A front side 80 extends between first side 76 and second side 78, forming a ninety degree angle relative to each side and a substantially J-shaped front-to-back cross-section. Cabinet bracket 26 defines a vertically extending channel 82 open toward the rear of refrigerator 10. Vertically extending channel 82 is configured to receive one or more door positioning devices 24 therewithin. First side 76 of cabinet bracket 26 is configured to be coupled to a cabinet wall adjacent thereto in the rough opening, thereby coupling refrigerator 10 to the cabinet wall. The position at which cabinet bracket 26 is coupled to the adjacent cabinet wall determines the position of refrigerator 10 relative to the cabinet wall. That is, the front-to-back alignment (i.e., position, location, registration, etc.) of refrigerator 10 is related to the depth at which first side 76 of cabinet bracket 26 is coupled to the adjacent cabinet.
First bracket 70 couples door panel 34 to cosmetic panel 62 and supports cosmetic panel 62 at a desired distance/orientation relative to door panel 34. First bracket 70 includes a first side 84 and a second side 86 extending backwards from first side 84 at a right angle (i.e., perpendicular) thereto. Second side 86 of first bracket 70 is configured to be coupled to door panel 34 and moveable relative thereto. First side 84 of first bracket 70 is coupled to cosmetic panel 62 and fixed relative thereto. First side 84 of first bracket 70 is in contact with and substantially flush with a rear side 40 of cosmetic panel 62. First bracket 70 may further include a first coupling feature 88, shown extending backwards from first side 84 at the end closer to the adjacent cabinetry, and a second coupling feature 90, shown toward the back of second side 86. First coupling feature 88 and second coupling feature 90 are configured to couple first bracket 70 to second bracket 72. First bracket 70 is shown having a T-shaped front-to-back cross section, however, in other exemplary embodiments, the first bracket may be configured in any manner sufficient to couple a cosmetic panel to a door panel or drawer panel.
Further referring to
Referring to
Rotation of cam 102 exerts a force on first bracket 70, causing first bracket 70 to move substantially forward or backward relative to door panel 34 depending on the direction of rotation. Cam 102 is a circular disk having a first side 104, a second side 106, and a peripheral wall 108 extending between first side 104 and second side 106. Cam 102 is rotatably coupled to door 14 at door panel 34 within an aperture 110 in second side 86 of first bracket 70. Cam 102 is rotatably secured within aperture 110 off-center by a fastener 112. That is, the rotational center of cam 102 is different than its physical center. Aperture 110 (e.g., slot, opening, hole, etc.) is vertically elongated and has a width that substantially corresponds with or that is larger than the diameter of cam 102. According to one exemplary embodiment, peripheral wall 108 of cam 102 has an interference fit (or at least a close fit) with an interior wall 114 defining aperture 110.
Cam 102 includes a recess 116 configured to be engaged by a tool (e.g., a flathead screwdriver, a wrench, etc.) for rotating cam 102. In the exemplary embodiment shown, clockwise rotation of cam 102 moves first bracket 70 forward, and thereby operatively moves cosmetic panel 62 forward (as cosmetic panel 62 is fixed to first bracket 70). Door panel 34 remains stationary during rotation of cam 102. Accordingly, the distance between cosmetic panel 62 and door panel 34 is increased when cam 102 is rotated clockwise (as shown in
An arcuate aperture 118 at handle side 42 of door panel 34 guides the rotational motion of cam 102. Arcuate aperture 118 also limits the angle through which cam 102 may be rotated and the total front-to-back distance through which cosmetic panel 62 can be slidably adjusted relative to door panel 34. Second side 106 of cam 102 contacts handle side 42 of door panel 34. A protrusion 120 at second side 106 of cam 102 is received and slidable within arcuate aperture 118. Arcuate aperture 118 (curved aperture, etc.) extends substantially front to back along handle side 42 of door panel 34. By rotating cam 102 in either direction, protrusion 120 will eventually encounter an end of arcuate aperture 118, which acts as a stop, limiting the angle through which cam 102 is rotatable. Protrusion 120 contacts a plate 122 through arcuate aperture 118. Plate 122 is intended to maintain cam 102 flush with handle side 42 of door panel 34.
Adjustment system 28 further provides for vertical adjustments to the position of cosmetic panel 62. First bracket 70 may be moved vertically (i.e., top-to-bottom) relative to cam 102, thereby changing the position of cam 102 within aperture 110.
Adjustment system 28 further provides for adjustment of the planarity of cosmetic panel 62 relative to adjacent cabinetry. In the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustment system 28 includes a plurality of cams 102 spaced apart along first bracket 70 between its top and bottom. Cams 102 toward the top of first bracket 70 may be used to move first bracket 70 forward relative to door panel 34 at the top of first bracket 70 a greater distance than at the bottom of first bracket 70. In this manner, the top of cosmetic panel 62 may be tilted forward relative to the bottom of cosmetic panel 62. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the adjustment system provides for adjustments to be made to the position of the cosmetic panel relative to the door panel about all three axes, i.e., front-to-back, vertically or top-to-bottom, and pivotally about the horizontal or side-to-side axis. According to other exemplary embodiments, however, the adjustment system may provide for adjustments to be made to the position of the cosmetic panel about any one axis or combination of axes.
Referring to
According to one exemplary embodiment, each securing device 124 includes a washer 126 having one or more holes 128 configured to receive fasteners 130 each having a shaft 132 and a head 134. Washer 126 is fixed relative to handle side 42 of door panel 34 by fasteners 130, which are fixed relative to door panel 34. Washer 126 is in contact with second side 86 of first bracket 70. First bracket 70 is slidably movable relative to washer 126. Apertures 136 in second side 86 of first bracket 70 extend front-to-back a distance greater than the diameter of shafts 132 of fasteners 130, providing a clearance 138. Clearance 138 is configured to provide for (e.g., permit, allow, etc.) movement of first bracket 70 relative to door panel 34. That is, first bracket 70 is moveable a distance front-to-back without fasteners 130, which are fixed relative to door panel 34, inhibiting the movement of first bracket 70 when cam 102 is rotated.
Fasteners 130 of securing device 124 are tightened to secure first bracket 70 in a desired position relative to door panel 34. Fasteners 130 exert pressure on first bracket 70, pinching first bracket 70 between washer 126 and handle side 42 of door panel 34. Generally, the tighter the securing device 124 is secured by fasteners 130, the more pressure exerted on first bracket 70 and the more friction that must be overcome to move first bracket 70. Fasteners 130 of securing device 124 are loosened to allow first bracket 70 to be moved relative to door panel 34. By loosening fasteners 130, the amount of pressure on first bracket 70 between washer 126 and handle side 42 of door panel 34 is decreased.
Securing devices 124 may resist adjustments made with adjustment system 28, allowing adjustments of first bracket 70 to be more controlled and precise. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this resistance is friction and pressure. Fasteners 130 are generally loosened to remove some pressure, but not all pressure, from first bracket 70 when moving first bracket 70 relative to door panel 34; first bracket 70 is still coupled to door panel 34 but more easily moved relative thereto. In this manner, an installer need not worry about holding up and supporting first bracket 70 relative to door panel 34 while making adjustments. Alternatively, securing device 124 may be removed from refrigerator 10 or loosened such that securing device 124 applies little to no pressure on first bracket 70 when adjustment system 28 is in use.
According to other exemplary embodiments, the installation system may include a single bracket or a plurality of brackets. According to other exemplary embodiments, the brackets may be provided as plates or other substantially elongated members. According to other exemplary embodiments, an adjustment system may not be provided in the door assembly.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, door 14 is movable between at least a “home” position, an “over-travel” position, and an open position. Referring to
Referring to
Door positioning device 24 is further configured to bias (i.e., push, force, etc.) door 14 to the home position from the over-travel position. Compression springs 146 are designed to have a certain spring force to bias door 14 to the home position from the over traveled position. Thus, the positioning device may operate as a control feature to avoid the unpredictability of relying solely on a gasket for establishing a home position for an appliance door. It should be noted that the gasket may be a magnetic gasket.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, pivot point 144 is centrally located between a first end 148 and a second end 150 of first member 140 and a first end 152 and a second end 154 of second member 142. First end 148 of first member 140 is substantially aligned front-to-back with second end 154 of second member 142, one compression spring 146 extending therebetween. First end 152 of second member 142 is substantially aligned front-to-back with second end 150 of first member 140, another compression spring 146 extending therebetween. First ends of first member 140 and second member 142 include contact portions shown as pads 156 configured to operatively contact door 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, pads 156 (i.e., spacers, protrusions, etc.) include a front surface 158 that is substantially flat or planar.
Referring to
Door positioning device 24 is received within vertically extending channel 82 of cabinet bracket 26. First ends of first member 140 and second member 142 are closer to the front side of refrigerator 10 than second ends of first member 140 and second member 142. Further, first end 148 of first member 140 is generally vertically aligned with first end 152 of second member 142, and second end 150 of first member 140 is generally vertically aligned with second end 154 of second member 142.
Door positioning devices 24 may be further received and concealed by third bracket 74. Cabinet bracket 26 is configured to be received between a first side 162 and a second side 164 of third bracket 74. First side 162 of third bracket 74 is opposite and substantially parallel to second side 164. A front side 166 extends between first side 162 and second side 164, forming a ninety degree angle relative to each side and a J-shaped front-to-back cross-section. Front sides, first sides, and second sides of cabinet bracket 26 and third bracket 74 are substantially aligned and in contact. Third bracket 74 is coupled to body 12 of refrigerator 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, third bracket 74 is fixed relative to cabinet bracket 26 and both brackets are coupled to body 12 of refrigerator 10.
Referring back to
Referring back to
Refrigerator 10 is configured to not rely on gasket 68 to maintain door 14 in a desired position. In
Referring to
Both adjustment system 28 and door positioning device 24 are substantially concealed when refrigerator 10 is installed. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, cabinet bracket 26, first bracket 70, second bracket 72, and third bracket 74 of installation system 22 substantially conceal adjustment systems 28 and door positioning devices 24 when door 14 of refrigerator 10 is in the home position, the open position, and the over travel position. In other exemplary embodiments, the installation system may have additional components configured to conceal the adjustment system, the positioning device, and any other device/system/component that it is desirable to conceal. In this manner, refrigerator 10 further conveys a higher quality and better aesthetic.
It should be noted that, in accordance with this disclosure, other exemplary embodiments include appliances having any combination of one or more of the above-disclosed advantages and/or functionalities.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, the installation of refrigerator 10 will now be discussed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, before installation, door 14 and body 12 of refrigerator 10 are already coupled (e.g., at the factory). Further, installation system 22 and door positioning devices 24 are already coupled to body 12.
One or more positioning indicators may be provided along the cabinet walls to facilitate coupling cabinet bracket 26 to the cabinet wall at a location establishing the desired front-to-back alignment of refrigerator 10. A gauge may be used to ensure the desired plane is established. Positioning indicators are put in place before refrigerator 10 is positioned in the rough opening. A plurality of elongated apertures 178 of cabinet bracket 26 substantially correspond to positioning indicators. When refrigerator 10 is positioned in the rough opening, elongated apertures 178 of cabinet bracket 26 are aligned with positioning indicators to align refrigerator 10 along the adjacent wall of the rough opening. Positioning indicators may be pre-drilled holes (e.g., pilot holes), surface markings, or any other marking configured to facilitate aligning the cabinet bracket within a rough opening. According to one exemplary embodiment, positioning indicators are provided on both the hinge side and the handle side of the refrigerator. According to another exemplary embodiment, positioning indicators are provided on one of the hinge side and the handle side of the refrigerator.
Refrigerator 10 is positioned in the rough opening. After positioning refrigerator 10 in the rough opening, cosmetic panels are coupled to door panel 34 and drawer panels 36. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, the coupling of cosmetic panel 62 to door panel 34 will be discussed.
Adjustments to the position of refrigerator 10 and cosmetic panel 62 are made to establish small and consistent reveals between cosmetic panel 62 and the surrounding cabinetry. From the perspective of a person facing refrigerator 10 from the front, a top reveal 182 is between the top cosmetic panel 62 of refrigerator 10 and the adjacent upper cabinet. A handle side reveal 184 and a hinge side reveal 186 are also shown. Handle side reveal 184 is between the handle side of cosmetic panel 62 of refrigerator 10 and the cabinet adjacent to that side. Hinge side reveal 186 is between the hinge side of refrigerator 10 and the cabinet adjacent to that side.
To couple the cosmetic panel to the door panel, tabbed portions of the mounting bracket on the handle side of the cosmetic panel engage one or more positioning screws on the handle side of the door panel. Similarly, the mounting bracket on the hinge side of the cosmetic panel is slid onto one or more positioning screws on the hinge side of the door panel. The positioning screws support the cosmetic panel during installation and adjustment. The cosmetic panel may then be adjusted side-to-side and up-and-down relative to the door panel. Finally, fasteners secure the cosmetic panel to the door panel in its desired position relative to the door panel and the surrounding environment. The marking and drilling template may be used to mount cosmetic panels to both door panels and drawer panels.
One or more leveling mechanisms may be used to adjust top reveal 182 so that it is small and consistent. In the exemplary embodiment shown, leveling mechanisms may be provided at bottom wall 58 of body 12. In other exemplary embodiments, leveling mechanisms may be in any location or have any configuration sufficient to level refrigerator 10 and establish the desired top reveal.
Cabinet bracket 26 may then be coupled (e.g., mounted, secured, fastened, etc.) to the vertically extending cabinet walls adjacent to handle side 18 and hinge side 20 of refrigerator 10. As discussed above, there is generally one cabinet bracket 26 at each of handle side 18 and hinge side 20 of refrigerator 10. Elongated apertures 178 of cabinet bracket 26 are aligned with positioning indicators. Elongated apertures 178 then receive fasteners to couple cabinet bracket 26 to the adjacent cabinet walls. Fasteners extend from inside body 12, through cabinet bracket 26 into the adjacent cabinetry. Elongated apertures 178 compensate for manufacturing tolerance stack-up. That is, elongated apertures 178 may avoid the need for precise alignment between cabinet bracket 26 and the adjacent cabinetry without compromising the alignment of the refrigerator. Elongated apertures 178 may be elongated vertically (i.e., between the top and bottom of refrigerator 10) or elongated horizontally (i.e., between the front and back of refrigerator 10).
In another exemplary embodiments, fasteners may extend from the side of the cabinet wall distal or opposite to the refrigerator, through cabinet bracket 26, and into body 12. In other exemplary embodiments, refrigerator 10 may be adjacent to another appliance at either handle side or hinge side. Refrigerator 10 is couplable to an adjacent appliance such that their front surfaces are co-planar. According to some exemplary embodiments, a fourth bracket may be provided to couple the refrigerator to the appliance. For example, the fourth bracket may be a mirror image of the third bracket and coupled to the third bracket.
Adjustment system 28 is then used to provide for adjustments, e.g., fine adjustments, to the position/orientation of cosmetic panel 62. In this manner, cosmetic panel 62 may be adjusted such that it is co-planar with the surrounding cabinetry and such that the reveals are small and consistent. Adjustment system 28 is quickly and easily accessible by opening door 14 and removing second bracket 72. As discussed above, this accessibility enables adjustment system 28 to be used to make adjustments at any time during the life of the refrigerator.
Referring to
Refrigerator 310 further includes a direct mount installation system 330, one or more drawer positioning devices 334, and one or more door positioning devices 336 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Referring to
Referring further to
According to an exemplary method of installing the cosmetic panel, cosmetic panel 340 is supported in a desired position relative to drawer panel 342 by one or more support elements, shown as pins 362. Each pin 362 is positioned in an aperture 364 at a rear side of cosmetic panel 340. Apertures 364 are shown spaced apart between the top and the bottom of a first side 366 and a second side 368 of cosmetic panel 340. Typically, pins 362 are positioned in apertures 364 at each of first side 366 and second side 368. In these positions, the pins 362 extend a distance rearward of a rear side 370 of cosmetic panel 340 and can be positioned in apertures 360 of first bracket 344 and second bracket 346 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this way, the positions of pins 362 relative to cosmetic panel 340 and drawer panel 342 establish the general top-to-bottom alignment between cosmetic panel 340 and drawer panel 342. Further, by maintaining cosmetic panel 340 in this desired position relative to drawer panel 342, pins 362 facilitate coupling of cosmetic panel 340 to drawer panel 342 (e.g., once pins 362 are in place and support the cosmetic panel 340 relative to the drawer panel, a person may have both arms free to continue with the installation). It should be noted that the support elements may be elements other than pins that are suitable for supporting the cosmetic panel relative to the drawer panel (e.g., screws, hooks, projections, etc.) to facilitate coupling. In some exemplary embodiments, the support elements may be integrally formed or fixed relative to one or both of the cosmetic panel and the drawer panel.
Referring further to
While cosmetic panel 340 is substantially supported/maintained in a desired position relative to drawer panel 342 by pins 362, a person may utilize one or more fasteners to substantially secure cosmetic panel 340 relative to first bracket 344 and second bracket 346. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the one or more fasteners are shown as threaded screws 374 and apertures 364 of cosmetic panel 340 are threaded. Screws 374 are positioned through aperture 360 of one of brackets 344, 346, into an aperture 364 of cosmetic panel 340, and then rotated to secure cosmetic panel 340 to the bracket. According to other exemplary embodiments, other fasteners and/or suitable receiving features may be used.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring further to
Referring to
Referring to
Further referring to
Referring to
Compression springs 414 bias first member 410 forward (e.g., toward the front of the refrigerator) and are designed to have a certain spring force to bias door 14 to the home position from the over traveled position. Compression springs 414 are disposed generally between a first contact surface 418 and a second contact surface 420. In the illustrated embodiment, first contact surface 418 is a surface of first member 410 and is located proximate to the front of drawer 316 relative to second contact surface 420, which is a surface of second member 412. As first member 410 is moved relative to second member 412, the distance between first contact surface 418 and second contact surface 420 changes. As the distance between first contact surface 418 and second contact surface 420 changes, the distance compression springs 414 are compressed changes.
Referring further to
Referring to
Referring further to
Referring generally to
As discussed above, springs 414 are designed to have a certain spring force to bias door 314 to the home position from the over traveled position. If drawer 316 is moved to an over travel position, first member 410 is slidably moved rearward relative to an internal side wall of drawer cavity 400 and relative to second member 412. As first member 410 is slidably moved rearward, compression springs 414 are compressed in a direction along or parallel to first axis 416, accommodating the movement of drawer 316 beyond the home position. The compressed springs 414 then apply a force to first contact surface 418 that slidably moves first member 410 forward relative to second member 412. First member 410 then applies a force to drawer 316 until drawer 316 reaches the home position. When the drawer is in the home and the over travel positions, front surface 448 of first member 410 in contact with rear surface 450 of drawer panel 342. Front surface 448 is typically perpendicular to first axis 416.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 18-19b, door positioning devices 336 are shown coupled to an interior surface 452 of door 314 of refrigerator 310 along handle side 322. In the exemplary embodiment shown, one door positioning device 336 is disposed proximate to the top of door 314 and the other door positioning device 336 is disposed proximate to the bottom of door 314. It should be noted that the door positioning devices 336 are coupled to door 314, rather than a face frame 328, to help conceal them (e.g., to a person looking into the refrigerator); however, the door positioning devices may be positioned at other suitable locations (e.g., coupled to the face frame etc.).
Referring to
Springs 460 are configured to provide a biasing force to first member 454 and/or second member 456. Springs 460 are disposed within a pair of guides 462 and generally between a first contact surface of first member 454 and a second contact surface 468 of second member 456 according to an exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, similar to drawer positioning device 334, movement of first member 454 relative to second member 456 of door positioning device 336 compresses springs 460 along a second axis 470. When coupled to door 312, and when door 312 is closed, second axis extends generally front-to-back (i.e., generally between the front side and the rear side of the refrigerator), and, as illustrated here, generally parallel to the first axis 416. This compression causes springs 460 to bias first member 454 generally away from interior surface 452 of door (e.g., toward the rear or back side of the refrigerator when the door is closed).
Referring to
Referring further to
Referring generally to FIGS. 12 and 19-20, door positioning devices 336 function similar to drawer positioning devices 334, allowing door 314 of refrigerator 310 to move to an over travel position and then biasing door 314 to a home position. In the home position, cosmetic panel 340 is substantially parallel to face frame 328. In the over-travel position, cosmetic panel 340 is angled toward face frame 328 of body 312 relative to cosmetic panel 340 in the home position.
As discussed above, springs 460 are designed to have certain spring force to bias door 314 to the home position from the over traveled position. If door 314 is moved to an over travel position, first member 454 is slidably moved generally forward, further into second member 456, as it encounters face frame 328 and springs 460 are further compressed. The compressed springs 460 then apply a generally rearwardly-directed force to first member 454 that slidably moves first member 454 rearward and further out of housing 458. A front surface 484 of first member 454 in contact with face frame 328 of body 312. Moving first member 454 generally rearward also causes second member 456 and door 314 coupled thereto to move generally away from face frame 328 until door 314 reaches the home position under the bias of springs 460.
According to any exemplary embodiment, a door or door positioning device may have any configuration wherein a first member is slidably movable relative to a second member and one or more resilient members are configured to bias the first member from an over travel position to a home position.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the refrigerator and the various components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions 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 in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements (e.g., bracket or installation fixture may comprise multiple sub-components), the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied (e.g., a greater or lesser number of positioning devices may be included, the position and orientation of each positioning device within and along the cabinet bracket may be varied, etc.). Also, while this disclosure is generally directed to refrigerators, the teachings contained herein may extend to various other types of appliances, such as freezers, ovens, stove units, microwave units, dishwasher units, or the like. Also, some elements of the disclosure may be applicable to devices other than appliances (e.g., one or more positioning devices may be incorporated into any device having a door or other element movable relative to a body). Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or resequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions maybe made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/751,281 that was filed Jan. 28, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/777,139, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,219, that was filed May 10, 2010, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/177,177 that was filed May 11, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61177177 | May 2009 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12777139 | May 2010 | US |
Child | 13751281 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13751281 | Jan 2013 | US |
Child | 14314157 | US |