Patent Application
20190309568
The present device generally relates to a storage bin assembly for a refrigerator, and more specifically, to a storage bin assembly having a magnetic opening and closing system.
Refrigerators may be provided with several different compartments, and some of these compartments can be supported from a door of the refrigerator. Refrigerator door bins are generally known and can include a bin unit configured for removable assembly with a liner of the refrigerator door. The configuration of the bin unit separate from the liner is generally a product of the material and process limitations associated with the liner, which is usually formed using a vacuum-forming process. The bin unit is generally more suitable for an injection molding or similar process. Accordingly, the bin unit and liner are often separately made and must be assembled together. Most assemblies facilitate selective placement of the bin within a number of available positions on a refrigerator door. Such known assemblies may provide weak attachment between the bin unit and the associated liner of the door, requiring additional fixation (such as the taping of adjacent components) during shipping. Beyond transportation and assembly issues, it is desired to provide a storage bin having an opening and closing mechanism that is convenient for the consumer while still providing efficient use of storage space defined by the refrigeration compartment.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a storage bin assembly for a refrigerator is provided. The storage bin assembly includes a base portion having opposed outer end sidewalls upwardly extending from the base portion; a flap pivotably coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the flap is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position where the flap is positioned beneath the base portion; a top cover coupled to a receiving slot portion of the opposed outer end sidewalls where a first magnetic member is positioned in a holding member proximate the top cover; and a second magnetic member positioned in a receiving member of the flap that selectively engages the first magnetic member to define a magnetic connection.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door includes a liner disposed on an inner portion of the door, the liner including opposed outwardly extending sidewalls that are spaced apart from one another, having outwardly extending coupling features disposed on inner surfaces of each opposed sidewall; and a storage bin assembly. The storage bin assembly includes: a base portion having opposed outer end sidewalls upwardly extending from the base portion; a flap pivotably coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the flap is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position where the flap is positioned beneath the base portion; a top cover coupled to a receiving slot portion of the opposed outer end sidewalls where a first magnetic member is positioned in a holding member proximate the top cover; and a second magnetic member positioned in a receiving member of the flap that selectively engages the first magnetic member to define a magnetic connection.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a door; a liner disposed on an inner portion of the door, the liner including opposed outwardly extending sidewalls that are spaced apart from one another, having outwardly extending coupling features disposed on inner surfaces of each opposed sidewall; and a storage bin assembly. The storage bin assembly includes: a base portion having opposed outer end sidewalls upwardly extending from the base portion; a flap pivotably coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the flap is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position where the flap is positioned beneath the base portion; a top cover coupled to a receiving slot portion of the opposed outer end sidewalls where a first magnetic member is positioned in a holding member proximate the top cover; a second magnetic member positioned in a receiving member of the flap that selectively engages the first magnetic member to define a magnetic connection.
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.
In the drawings:
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
As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
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The positioning and design of the respective holding members 50 and receiving members 58 may be varied depending on the end use and desired functionality of the storage bin assembly 10. For example, the first magnetic member 46 may be positioned in the holding member 50 proximate the top cover 38. In some aspects, “proximate the top cover 38” may include the holding member 50 coupled to the top cover 38, the opposed outer end sidewalls 22, or a combination thereof. In other aspects, the holding member 50 may be coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls 22, the top cover 38, the lip 142, the back wall 146, the floor 150, or a combination thereof. In still other aspects, the holding member 50 may be coupled to the top cover 38. The second magnetic member 54 may be positioned in the receiving member 58 of the flap 26. The positioning of the receiving member 58 on or in the flap 26 may be varied as required to form the magnetic connection between the first magnetic member 46 positioned in the opposed outer end sidewalls 22, the top cover 38, the back wall 146, the floor 150, or combinations thereof and the second magnetic member 54.
The pivot member 110 and the boss 114 positioned on the respective arm flaps 106 of the flap 26 are configured to be positioned in a center cutout 130 and/or a rotational cutout 134, respectively, of a bumper insert 62. The bumper insert 62 is positioned in a rotational guide 138 imprinted or cut into an inner portion of the outer end sidewalls 22 of the base portion 18, more specifically, a center cutout tab 62a and a bumper insert positioning tab 62b are positioned in a center guide 138a and a sidewall locking guide 140, respectively, on the outer end sidewalls 22. The rotational cutouts 134 are aligned with and overlap a sidewall rotational guide 138b. The flap 26 can then be rotated using the pivot member 110 as the positioning element for the flap 26 and the boss 114 can be rotationally guided through both the rotational cutout 134 and the sidewall rotational guide 138b. In some aspects, the bumper insert 62 is positioned in each of the opposed outer end sidewalls 22 wherein the bumper insert 62 includes the rotational cutout 134 used to direct rotation of the flap 26. The storage bin assembly 10 includes the flap 26 having two hinge arms 102 with the pivot member 110 and the boss 114 coupled to the bumper insert 62 positioned in the rotational guide 138.
The base portion 18 includes a lip 142 opposing a back wall 146 that together in combination with the outer end sidewalls 22 frame in a floor 150 of the base portion 18. The lip 142, back wall 146, outer end sidewalls 22, and floor 150 form a sealed off portion where spilled fluids or other food stuffs can be contained without leaking out of the storage bin assembly 10. The two outer end sidewalls 22 include the receiving slot portion 42 configured to position the top cover 38 therein so both the top portions of the top cover 38 and outer end sidewalls 22 are level with each other to form a flat top surface on the top cover 38 for the storage bin member 10. In some aspects, the top cover 38 may include one or more ridges 68 molded or carved into a top portion. In such aspects, the one or more ridges 68 may form a textured surface to grip foodstuffs positioned on the top portion of the top cover 38.
The outer end sidewalls 22 of the base portion 18 further include two or more bin supports 158 molded or coupled to a recessed support wall 160 formed on both of the outer end sidewalls 22. The plurality of bin supports 158 are used to connect to the coupling feature 94 of the door liner 98 (see
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In some aspects, the back wall 146 may have a height that completely or partially encloses the bin storage space 170. The dimensions of the storage bin assembly 10 may be varied depending on the size needed to couple the corresponding width and/or dimensions of the refrigerator and/or freezer door 82, 86. The length, width, and/or height of the storage bin assembly 10 can be varied or adjusted as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
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As the user operates the opening assembly/system of the storage bin assembly 10, the user may feel a snapping sensation or click as the flap 26 is positioned or closed to the upper closed position 30 and the magnetic connection is formed with the first and second magnetic members 46, 54. Likewise, as the flap 26 is opened, the user will feel a release sensation as the magnetic attraction or magnetic connection between the first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 dissipates with increasing distance. The strength of the magnetic attraction or magnetic connection between the first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 can be adjusted as desired depending on the preferred feeling and force required to open the flap 26 of the storage bin assembly 10. In some aspects, a variety of different magnetic materials may be used to customize the feel of the opening/closing assembly system.
In some aspects, at least one of the second magnetic member 54 and the first magnetic member 46 may include a polymeric cover used to completely enclose/surround and protect the metal surfaces of the respective second magnetic member 54 and/or first magnetic member 46 from oxidation or other decomposition reactions on the surface of the metal surfaces. In some aspects, both the second magnetic member 54 and the first magnetic member 46 may include a polymeric cover. In some aspects, the polymeric cover may include, for example, a polyester, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, a polyoxymethylene, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyacrylate, or any other thermoplastic and/or thermoset material known in the art. In addition to the polymeric cover preventing corrosion phenomenon, the polymeric cover may additionally be used to reduce noise in the opening assembly/system and/or improve aesthetics of the storage bin assembly 10. The thickness of the polymeric cover used on the first magnetic member 46 and/or second magnetic member 54 may be from about 0.01 mm to about 5.0 mm, from about 0.01 mm to about 1.0 mm, from about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, or from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.
The opening assembly/system of the storage bin assembly 10 may not necessarily be limited to a cylindrical second magnetic member 54 positioned in the receiving member 58 used to directly contact the first magnetic member 46 positioned in the holding member 50. As previously discussed, the shape of the respective first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 may be varied to include any shape and at least one of respective first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 may be a permanent magnet. In some aspects, the first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 may be used in combination to form and incorporate a magnetic latch, a magnetic catch, a magnetic strip, a magnetic hinge, and/or a magnetic spring to form the magnetic connection. In other aspects, the use of at least one of the first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 may include applying an electrical current to form an electromagnet. In these aspects, the application of current to produce a magnetic field in the first magnetic member 46 and/or second magnetic member 54 may be controlled or activated/deactivated by the handle 162 or other switching mechanism. The opening assembly/system of the storage bin assembly 10 disclosed herein may use any type of magnetic system or mechanism to facilitate rotation of the flap 26 between the closed and open positions 30, 34 where the upper closed position 30 uses the respective magnetic assembly to quietly close and immobilize the flap 26 of the storage bin assembly 10 using the magnetic connection.
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The base portion 18, the flap 26, top cover 38, and/or bumper insert 62, and/or other components described herein may be formed through injection molding, compression molding, rotation molding, thermoforming, curing, and casting. The base portion 18, the flap 26, top cover 38, and/or bumper insert 62, and/or other components may include any thermoplastic, thermoset, or a combination thereof of materials known in the art. The method of manufacturing the respective components of the storage bin assembly 10 and the corresponding materials used to form them are not meant to be limiting and can be varied in ways that would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
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Next is a step 208 of pivotably coupling the flap 26 to the opposed outer end sidewalls 22 where the flap 26 is configured to rotate between the upper closed portion 30 and the open position 34 where the flap 26 is positioned beneath the base portion 18. The flap 26 may be designed to include the edge portion 120 used to couple the profile buffer strip 66 using the clip member 122 formed onto the profile buffer strip 66. On the opposite end of the flap 26, the curved flange member 126 may be positioned along the length of a bottom edge of the flap 26. In some aspects, the curved flange member 126 may be used in the upper closed and/or open positions 30, 34 to help stabilize the flap 26 by helping eliminate twisting or lateral movement.
Next is a step 212 of positioning the top cover 38 onto the receiving slot portion 42 of the opposing outer end sidewalls 22 where the first magnetic member 46 is positioned in the holding member 50 of the top cover 38. The two outer end sidewalls 22 include the receiving slot portion 42 configured to position the top cover 34 therein so both the top portions of the top cover 34 and outer end sidewalls 22 are level with each other to form a flat top surface on the top cover 38 for the storage bin member 10. In some aspects, the top cover 38 may include one or more ridges 68 molded or carved into the top portion. In such aspects, the one or more ridges 68 may form a textured surface to grip foodstuffs positioned on the top portion of the top cover 38.
Next is a step 216 of positioning the second magnetic member 54 in the receiving member 58 of the flap 26. The enclosed first magnetic member 46 and second magnetic member 54 are used to form an opening/closing assembly or system used to close the flap 26 of the storage bin assembly 10 to be in contact with a rear portion 100 of the top cover 38. In some aspects the second magnetic member 54 and the first magnetic member 46 may include a polymeric cover used to completely enclose/surround and protect the metal surfaces of the respective second magnetic member 54 and/or first magnetic member 46 from oxidation or other decomposition reactions on the surface of the metal surfaces. The polymeric cover may additionally be used to give a soft feel to the snapping shut of the flap 26 in the closed position 30.
It is understood that the descriptions outlining and teaching the storage bin assembly 10 previously discussed, which can be used in any combination, apply equally well to the method 200 for producing the storage bin assembly 10.
In some aspects, the descriptions outlining and teaching the storage bin assembly 10 previously discussed, which can be used in any combination, may be applied so the storage bin assembly 10 may be used in the refrigerator door 82, the freezer door 86, and/or the refrigerator 14. When the storage bin assembly 10 is incorporated onto or in the refrigerator door 82, the refrigerator door 82 may include the door liner 98 disposed on an inner portion of the door 82, the liner 98 including opposed outwardly extending sidewalls that are spaced apart from one another, having outwardly extending or inwardly extending coupling features disposed on inner surfaces of each opposed sidewall. When the storage bin assembly 10 is more broadly incorporated onto or in the refrigerator 14, the refrigerator 14 may include the refrigerator door 82 where the refrigerator door 82 includes the door liner 98 disposed on an inner portion of the door 82, the liner 98 including opposed outwardly extending sidewalls that are spaced apart from one another, having outwardly extending or inwardly extending coupling features disposed on inner surfaces of each opposed sidewall.
The storage bin assembly 10 provides a number of benefits, including ergonomic benefits, to users. For example, the flap 26 and magnetic connection are configured to quietly and securely rotate the flap 26 between the closed position 30 and the open position 34. As the user initiates opening the flap 26, the user will feel a release sensation as the magnetic connection between the second magnetic member 54 and first magnetic member 46 dissipates. Upon closing, the user will feel a snapping or clicking sensation as the flap 26 is positioned or closed to the upper closed position 30. The magnetic connection between the second magnetic member 54 of the flap 26 and first magnetic member 46 positioned in one or more different positions on the storage bin assembly 10 provides the user with the ability to position the flap 26 between the closed position 30 and open position 34 in a quieter, faster, more efficient, and more ergonomic manner or means than what is currently used in the art.
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 are 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.
Embodiment A is a storage bin assembly for a refrigerator comprising: a base portion having opposed outer end sidewalls upwardly extending from the base portion; a flap pivotably coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the flap is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position where the flap is positioned beneath the base portion; a top cover coupled to a receiving slot portion of the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein a first magnetic member is positioned in a holding member proximate the top cover; and a second magnetic member positioned in a receiving member of the flap that selectively engages the first magnetic member to define a magnetic connection.
The storage bin assembly of Embodiment A wherein a bumper insert positioned in each of the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the bumper insert includes a rotational cutout used to direct rotation of the flap.
The storage bin assembly of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any of the intervening features wherein a profile strip configured to cover an edge portion of the flap to form a seal against the base portion and top cover when the flap is in the closed position.
The storage bin assembly of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any of the intervening features wherein the holding member is coupled to the top cover, the opposed outer end sidewalls, a lip, a back wall, a floor, or a combination thereof.
The storage bin assembly of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any of the intervening features wherein at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member comprise a polymeric coating.
The storage bin assembly of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any of the intervening features wherein at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is a neodymium magnet.
The storage bin assembly of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any of the intervening features wherein the flap and magnetic connection are configured to quietly and securely rotate the flap between the closed position and the open position.
Embodiment B is a refrigerator door comprising: a liner disposed on an inner portion of the door, the liner including opposed outwardly extending sidewalls that are spaced apart from one another, having outwardly extending coupling features disposed on inner surfaces of each opposed sidewall; and a storage bin assembly comprising: a base portion having opposed outer end sidewalls upwardly extending from the base portion; a flap pivotably coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the flap is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position where the flap is positioned beneath the base portion; a top cover coupled to a receiving slot portion of the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein a first magnetic member is positioned in a holding member proximate the top cover; and a second magnetic member positioned in a receiving member of the flap that selectively engages the first magnetic member to define a magnetic connection.
The refrigerator door of Embodiment B wherein a bumper is positioned in each of the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the bumpers have a rotational cutout used to direct rotation of the flap.
The refrigerator door of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein a profile strip configured to cover an edge portion of the flap to form a seal against the base portion and top cover when the flap is in the closed position.
The refrigerator door of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein the holding member is coupled to the top cover, the opposed outer end sidewalls, a lip, a back wall, a floor, or a combination thereof.
The refrigerator door of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member comprise a polymeric coating.
The refrigerator door of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is a neodymium magnet.
The refrigerator door of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein the flap and magnetic connection are configured to quietly and securely rotate the flap between the closed position and the open position.
Embodiment C is a refrigerator comprising: a door; a liner disposed on an inner portion of the door, the liner including opposed outwardly extending sidewalls that are spaced apart from one another, having outwardly extending coupling features disposed on inner surfaces of each opposed sidewall; and a storage bin assembly comprising: a base portion having opposed outer end sidewalls upwardly extending from the base portion; a flap pivotably coupled to the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the flap is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position where the flap is positioned beneath the base portion; a top cover coupled to a receiving slot portion of the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein a first magnetic member is positioned in a holding member proximate the top cover; and a second magnetic member positioned in a receiving member of the flap that selectively engages the first magnetic member to define a magnetic connection.
The refrigerator of Embodiment C wherein the storage bin assembly further comprises: a bumper insert positioned in each of the opposed outer end sidewalls wherein the bumper insert includes a rotational cutout used to direct rotation of the flap.
The refrigerator of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the storage bin assembly further comprises: a profile strip configured to cover an edge portion of the flap to form a seal against the base portion and top cover when the flap is in the closed position.
The refrigerator of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the flap and magnetic connection are configured to quietly and securely rotate the flap between the closed position and the open position.
The refrigerator of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member comprise a polymeric coating.
The refrigerator of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is a neodymium magnet.
