Patent Grant
12007162
This application is a U.S. National Phase application of PCT International Application No. PCT/BR2018/050053, filed Mar. 2, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein.
This application relates generally to a refrigeration appliance, and more particularly, to a storage structure for a refrigeration appliance.
Conventional refrigeration appliances, such as domestic refrigerators, typically have both a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment or section. The fresh food compartment is where food items such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages are stored and the freezer compartment is where food items that are to be kept in a frozen condition are stored. The refrigerators are provided with a refrigeration system that maintains the fresh food compartment at temperatures above 0° C., such as between 0.25° C. and 4.5° C. and the freezer compartments at temperatures below 0° C., such as between 0° C. and −20° C.
The arrangements of the fresh food and freezer compartments with respect to one another in such refrigerators vary. For example, in some cases, the freezer compartment is located above the fresh food compartment and in other cases the freezer compartment is located below the fresh food compartment. Additionally, many modern refrigerators have their freezer compartments and fresh food compartments arranged in a side-by-side relationship. Whatever arrangement of the freezer compartment and the fresh food compartment is employed, typically, separate access doors are provided for the compartments so that either compartment may be accessed without exposing the other compartment to the ambient air.
Conventional refrigerator appliances typically include various storage structures for storing food items within their compartment(s). For instance, a refrigerator can include one or more storage bins or shelves for storing food items. A shelf can be mounted within a storage compartment and can provide a flat, level surface for food items to be stored thereon. An object of the present disclosure is to provide improvements to the storage structure(s) of conventional refrigerator appliances.
In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a refrigerator with an adjustable shelf. The refrigerator comprises a food compartment with a rear wall and a door configured to provide access to the food compartment. The adjustable shelf for storing food items within the food compartment is attached to the rear wall. The adjustable shelf comprises a first shelf portion comprising a first planar support surface for supporting food items thereon that is arranged normal to the rear wall, and a second shelf portion comprising a second planar support surface for supporting food items thereon. The second shelf portion is slidably moveable relative to the first shelf portion between an extended position and a retracted position. At the extended position, the second shelf portion is arranged relative to the first shelf portion such that the second planar support surface is substantially coplanar with the first planar support surface. At the retracted position, a majority of the second planar support surface is arranged subjacent to the first planar support surface. A frame is configured to support the first and the second shelf portions, wherein the frame includes two opposed side arms that each include a main track that guides the second shelf portion as the second shelf portion is slidably moved between the extended and retracted positions. An auxiliary external track is disposed on an extended lower edge of the frame, the auxiliary external track following the main track, and a hook member is attached to and protruding downwards from the second shelf portion. The hook member engages with and slides along the auxiliary external track to minimize lateral movement of a front end of the second shelf portion as the second shelf portion is slidably moved between the extended and retracted positions
In some examples of the first aspect, the auxiliary external track comprises a planar wall. In some examples, the auxiliary external track is an extension of an interior sidewall of the frame. Further in some examples, the main track comprises a ramped, front drop down channel and a horizontal section, and the auxiliary external track has a ramped front portion that extends below and follows the front drop down channel, and a horizontal portion that follows along the horizontal section of the main track.
Further in some examples of the first aspect, the hook member has a “J”-shaped geometry. In some examples, the hook member comprises an interior arm that extends downwardly from the second shelf portion, an exterior arm, and a projecting guide interconnected between the interior and exterior arms. Further in some examples, the second shelf portion comprises a body that supports the second planar support surface, and the interior arm extends downwardly from the body. In some examples, the guide has a width slightly wider than a thickness of the auxiliary external track so that the auxiliary external track is captured between the interior and exterior arms.
Still further in some examples of the first aspect, the main track further comprises a hole extending therethrough to disengage the hook member from the auxiliary external track. In other examples, the hole is located is immediately beyond a terminal end of the auxiliary external track. In another example, the hole is of sufficient size to enable the hook member to completely pass through the main track. In yet another example, the first shelf portion is pivotally connected to the frame and, in the retracted position, the second shelf portion is coupled to the first shelf portion so that first and second shelf portions can be rotated upwards as a single unit. In other examples, the hook member passes without obstruction vertically upwards through the hole in the main track when the first and second shelf portions are rotated upwards.
In yet further examples of the first aspect, a pair of auxiliary external tracks are disposed one each on the opposed side arms of the frame, and a pair of hook members disposed one on each side of the second shelf portion that are engaged with and ride along the auxiliary external tracks on both opposed side arms.
In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided a freezer drawer assembly for a refrigerator comprising a freezer compartment located vertically below a fresh food compartment. The freezer drawer assembly comprises a freezer door slidably mounted in the freezer compartment to selectively grant a user access to food items stored in the freezer compartment. A first storage basket is movable in association with closing and opening operations of the freezer door, and a sidewall of the first storage basket comprising planar upper flange surface. A primary track is provided on the planar upper flange surface, and the primary track comprising a pair of parallel, opposing track sidewalls that define a path extending linearly along the planar upper flange surface in a direction of the freezer door opening and closing motion. A second storage basket comprises front roller members and rear roller members. The front roller members support a front end of the second storage basket and are mounted to front corners of the second storage basket. The front roller members are seated on the planar upper flange surface of the first storage basket to enable rolling movement thereof. The front roller members are disposed between the track sidewalls and are guided along the path of the primary track by the track sidewalls as the second storage basket is being inserted and withdrawn. The rear roller members support a rear end of the second storage basket and are provided on exterior side walls of the second storage basket to move along a secondary track that is coupled to a side wall of the freezer compartment as the second storage basket is being inserted and withdrawn.
In some examples of the second aspect, the opposing track sidewalls project upwards from, and stand proud upon, the planar upper flange surface. In other examples, at a rearward end of the path, the primary track includes a rear wall that interconnects the opposing track sidewalls, and wherein at a front end of the path, the primary track is open.
Further in some examples of the second aspect, the first storage basket is supported within the freezer compartment by a linear motion element that is attached to a support bracket on an interior side wall of the freezer compartment, and wherein the secondary track is provided on an upper wall of the support bracket.
Still further in some examples of the second aspect, a bottom wall of the second storage basket further comprises a depending arm with a protrusion, and one of the track sidewalls of the primary track further comprises an inwardly-projecting flange. The protrusion slidably engages an underside of the inwardly-projecting flange as the second storage basket is being inserted and withdrawn to inhibit the front roller members from moving vertically out of the primary track. In other examples, a front stop that extends inwardly from to the primary track for engagement with the protrusion of the depending arm to inhibit motion of the second storage basket in a direction of the freezer door opening and closing motion.
Referring now to the drawings,
Two doors 18 shown in
A dispenser 26 (
The refrigerator 10 includes an interior liner 30 (
Referring to
The freezer compartment 16 is arranged vertically beneath the VCZ compartment 14. A drawer assembly 50 including one or more freezer baskets 52 can be withdrawn from the freezer compartment 16 to grant a user access to food items stored in the freezer compartment 16. The drawer assembly can be coupled to a freezer door 54 that includes a handle 56. When a user grasps the handle 56 and pulls the freezer door 54 open, at least one or more of the freezer baskets 52 is caused to be at least partially withdrawn from the freezer compartment 16.
The freezer compartment 16 is used to freeze and/or maintain articles of food stored in the freezer compartment 16 in a frozen condition. For this purpose, the freezer compartment 16 is in thermal communication with a freezer evaporator (not shown) that removes thermal energy from the freezer compartment 16 to maintain the temperature therein at a temperature of 0° C. or less during operation of the refrigerator 10, preferably between 0° C. and −50° C., more preferably between 0° C. and −30° C. and even more preferably between 0° C. and −20° C. The freezer compartment 16 is also in communication with the VCZ compartment 14 such that a portion of the cooling air supplied to the freezer compartment 16 can be selectively supplied to the VCZ compartment 14.
As shown in
Although the various figures show the adjustable shelf in the fresh food compartment 12, the adjustable shelf may also be installed in the freezer compartment 16 and/or the VCZ compartment 14. The embodiment of the present disclosure describes an example in which, for convenience of explanation, the shelves are installed in the fresh food compartment 12.
Turning to
The adjustable shelf 60 further includes shelf frame 61 that is retained upon a pair of metal support brackets 63 within the cabinet of the refrigerator. The frame 61 can be removably or non-removably secured to the support brackets 63. The frame 61 can be substantially rigid, such as metal or plastic formed via an injection molding process. The frame 61 includes two opposed side arms 70 that are arranged in parallel and extend from a back portion 71. The back portion 71 is arranged horizontal and substantially parallel to the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment such that the side arms 70 project normally from the rear wall. The adjustable shelf 60 can be mounted within the fresh food compartment 12 in a variety of different manners. The frame 61 can be integral with the food compartment, or the frame 61 can be a separate component. For example, the refrigerator 10 can include one or more support bodies (e.g., brackets, ledges, surfaces, etc.) integrally formed with the interior liner and a separate frame 61 can rest on ledges provided along the walls of the food compartment. Alternatively, as shown, the frame 61 can be fixed to the metal support brackets 63 (one per each side arm 70), which are mounted to the food compartment using hooks 67 removably or non-removably mountable onto a ladder track or the like secured to the rear wall of the compartment liner, and which cantilever the frame 61 from the rear wall. For example, the fresh food compartment 12 can comprise a plurality of apertures that the hook(s) 67 of each support bracket 63 can engage (e.g., be inserted into) to cantilever the support bracket 63 from the rear wall. In particular, the fresh food compartment 12 can comprise two vertically aligned tracks (often referred to as ladder tracks) that are fixed to its rear wall and define two or more vertically-aligned rows of apertures that will permit the support brackets 63 to be installed at various heights along the rear wall. The frame 61 can also be mounted using other fastening structure such as bolts, screws, adhesive, or the like, and may even include locking structure to inhibit inadvertent removal from the refrigerator. The shelf frame 61 may support only the adjustable shelf 60, or alternatively in the shown example, the shelf frame 61 may have a “U-shaped” geometry and supports more than one shelf. For example, a secondary shelf area 65 may support an adjacent fixed or moveable shelf, such as a flip-up shelf or other suitable shelf.
In the extended position, as shown in
The adjustable shelf 60 can thus be used in conjunction with a series of vertically spaced shelves, where it is desirable at some times to be able to accommodate tall or bulky items with the least amount of preparation or manipulation by slidably moving the second shelf portion 64 into the retracted position underneath the first shelf portion 66, so that tall or bulky items can be stored beneath the adjustable shelf 60 where the second shelf portion 64 would normally be located in the extended position. Meanwhile, when greater support surface area is desired within the fresh food compartment 12, the second shelf portion 64 can be slidably moved to the extended position to increase the total support surface area of the adjustable shelf 60.
Turning to
To retract the second shelf portion 64 so as to transition from the extended position to the retracted “Half shelf” position, a user first lifts an exposed front end 74 of the second shelf portion 64 to release the second shelf portion 64 from a recessed lock area 76 disposed within a guiding member of the shelf frame. Thereafter, application of minimal force in an inwards direction will cause a rear stub shaft 73 (shown in two positions in
Optionally, the adjustable shelf 60 can be configured to fold the shelf up completely to a vertical position. From the retracted “Half shelf” position, the first and second shelf portions 62, 64 can be lifted (i.e., by way of rotation about arrow R), as a single unit, to permit the complete shelf (i.e., both the front and back shelf portions) to be positioned vertically (i.e., reference P1, 90° or more from the “Half shelf” positions); thus increasing the vertical height capacity of a lower shelf or storage area. To remain in the vertical position, the complete shelf can rotate beyond 90° (e.g., reference P2, approximately 110-120° such that the shelf rests against the back portion 71 of the shelf frame 61 and/or back wall of the cabinet. In one example, at the end of a rear portion 72b of the main track 72, the rear stub shafts 73 of the second shelf portion 64 can engage and be captured within a “C-shaped” recess 85 molded into the underside of the first shelf portion 62 (see detail area of
Turning now to
The hook members 90 are positioned on a body 94 of the second shelf portion 64. The body 94 is the rigid frame that supports the second planar support surface 68, and may be formed of a molded plastic or metal. For example, the body 94 can be overmolded onto the support surface 68, or in other examples can be attached by other processes, such as mechanically clamped or adhesive attachment. The hook members 90 are located toward the exposed front end 74 of the second shelf portion 64, and are on the exterior-facing sides of the body 94 adjacent to the track 72. The hook members 90 may be set back a short distance from the front end 74, as shown in
The auxiliary external track 92 of the frame 61 is an extended surface, preferably a planar wall, that projects downwardly from a bottom of the frame 61. In one example, the auxiliary external track 92 is an extension of the interior sidewall of the frame 61. The auxiliary external track 92 extends generally along and follows the main track 72. That is, as best seen in
As shown in
Each hook member 90 is able to minimize lateral movement by engaging the auxiliary external track 92 of the frame. The hook member 90 has the “J-shaped” configuration such that it can engage either side of the auxiliary external track 92. Further still, each hook member 90 continues to engage the lower edge of the frame when the second shelf portion 64 slides toward the back panel. As the second shelf portion 64 traverses between the extended and retracted positions, the hook member 90 is generally in continuous engagement with the auxiliary external track 92. For example, as shown in
As noted previously, the adjustable shelf 60 can be configured to fold the shelf up completely to a vertical position whereby the first and second shelf portions 62, 64 are lifted as a single unit and rotate about “C”-shaped pivot point 84 molded into the side arms 70 of the shelf frame 61 (i.e., see rotation arrow R in
The frame further includes openings that allow the hook members to disengage from the auxiliary external track 92 as the shelf (in the “Half shelf” position) is rotated toward the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. The main track 72 can include a through hole 100 of sufficient size to enable the hook member 90 to completely pass through the main track 72. The through hole 100 is located so as to correspond to the position of the hook member 90 when the second shelf portion 64 is in the fully retracted position. As shown in
The adjustable shelf 60 has been described above as being applied mounted within the fresh food compartment 12 of the refrigerator 10. However, it is to be appreciated that the adjustable shelf 60 may be mounted within other storage compartments of the refrigerator 10 such as, for example, the VCZ compartment 14 or the freezer compartment 16.
Turning now to
As previously described with reference to
Turning now to
The first and second storage baskets 200, 202 may each be separately formed as a monolithic body, made of a single piece of material. Alternatively, the first and second storage baskets 200, 202 may be constructed of multiple elements that are secured together as a unitary body. Preferably, the first and second storage baskets 200, 202 may be composed of a polymer material, such as an injection molded plastic. Materials other than polymer may be used so long as the baskets are of a rigid material. Preferably, the first and second storage baskets 200, 202 may also include ventilation holes of varying sizes and shapes that allow cold air to pass through the baskets.
In the following description, only one side of the first and second storage baskets 200, 202 will be described, with the understanding that the opposite side is substantially identical. The first storage basket 200 is connected to the freezer door 54 by linear motion elements 204. The linear motion element 204 may comprise any mechanism that allows for sliding. In one example, the linear motion elements 204 may be made of metal ball bearing slides or even a roller style slide or the like. The pair of linear motion elements 204 may be installed between the first and second interior side walls 17 of the freezer compartment 16 and the first storage basket 200. The linear motion elements 204 are provided on the first storage basket 200, for example, one on each side. Each linear motion element 204 comprises an outer slide member fixed to a support bracket 206 at one interior side wall 17 of the freezer compartment 16. Optionally, the support bracket 206 may further comprise a linear gear track for use with a timing bar pinion gear that may be used to ensure smooth and even opening of the first storage basket 200. An inner slide member is fixed to and slides together with the first storage basket 200 as it is moved between the extended and retracted positions. The inner slide member is fixed to the first storage basket 200 in any suitable manner. In one example, the inner slide member is fixed to a support frame 208 that includes one or more protrusions (not shown) extending upward from the support frame 208, and the first storage basket includes two downward-facing corresponding hollow openings on the underside of a flange at the top portion of both lateral side walls of the first storage basket 200. The first storage basket can be attached to the inner slide member by inserting the protrusions of the support frame 208 into the corresponding openings. Additionally, the support frame 208 can include door attachment members 209 that are rigidly fixed to an interior surface of the freezer door 54 so that opening and closing of the door 54 thereby causes corresponding opening and closing movement of the first storage basket 200.
The second storage basket 202 is located above the first storage basket 200, and is separately movable with relation to the first storage basket 200. As will be described, the second storage basket 202 is held upon the top of the first storage basket 200 and is movable upon a track system.
The first storage basket 200 is defined by a front wall 210, a rear wall and opposed sidewalls 212 that define a first storage space. The opposed sidewalls 212 of the first storage basket 200 are arranged adjacent to the first and second interior walls of the freezer compartment 16. A projecting flange 214 may extend along at least the opposed sidewalls 212, and preferably extends along and circumscribes all sides of the first storage basket 200 around the entire upper basket opening into the first storage space. The projecting flange 214 projects a distance outwards and away from the opposed sidewalls 212, and defines a substantially planar upper flange surface 216. Preferably, the planar upper flange surface 216 is parallel to the linear motion element 204, and more preferably, is also parallel to the first and second interior walls of the freezer compartment 16. The planar upper flange surface 216 extends along the direction of the door 54 opening and closing motion. The planar upper flange surface 216 provides a primary track 220 for sliding motion of the second storage basket 202.
Turning now to
At a rearward end of the path, the primary track 220 includes a rear wall 226 that interconnects the opposing track sidewalls 222, 224. The rear wall 226 can be adjacent to, or even co-extensive with, a rear wall of the first storage basket 200. The primary track 220 is open at a front end of the path. In other words, there is no wall or stop that interconnects the opposing track sidewalls 222, 224 at the end of the path adjacent to the front wall 210 of the first storage basket 200.
As noted above, the second storage basket 202 is located above the first storage basket 200, and is separately movable with relation to the first storage basket 200. The second storage basket 202 comprises a front wall 230, opposing side walls 232, and a bottom wall 234 that define a second storage space. The bottom wall 234 of the second storage basket 202 is arranged in a covering relationship over the upper opening of the first storage space of the first storage basket 200. The second storage basket 202 travels above the first storage basket 200 and does not enter the first storage space.
The second storage basket 202 further includes a pair of first rollers 240 at the front corners of the basket 202 and a pair of second rollers 242 at the back corners of the basket 202. The pair of first rollers 240 support the front end of the second storage basket 202, while the pair of second rollers 242 support the rear end of the second storage basket 202. The first and second rollers 240, 242 comprise a rotating wheel on an axle supported by a suitable rotational element, such as bearings or bushings. The first and second rollers 240, 242 vertically support the second storage basket 202 upon the top of the first storage basket 200 within the freezer compartment 16. As shown in
The rear of the second storage basket 202 is vertically supported by the pair of second rollers 242 are located at the back corners of the second storage basket 202. Preferably, the second rollers 242 are attached to the exterior side walls 232 of the second storage basket 202 via a suitable housing or bracket that may be integrally formed with the second storage basket 202, or attached separately thereto. Due to the housing or bracket, the second rollers 242 are laterally offset outwards with respect to the first rollers 240 (i.e., relatively closer to the interior side walls 17 of the freezer compartment 16).
The second rollers 242 travel along a secondary track 250. The secondary track 250 is coupled to the side wall 17 of the freezer compartment 16, and is arranged to be parallel to the primary track 220. In one example, the secondary track 250 is formed with or attached to the support bracket 206 that attaches the linear motion element 204 to the interior side wall 17 of the freezer compartment 16. In other examples, the secondary track 250 can be an independent element separately attached to the side wall 17 of the freezer compartment 16. Where the secondary track 250 is formed with or attached to the support bracket 206, the secondary track 250 can be provided on the uppermost surface of the support bracket 206. In one example, the support bracket 206 can comprise a generally “C” shape with an upper wall 206a, an inner side wall 206b, and a lower wall 206c. The secondary track 250 is provided on the upper wall 206a; the outer slide member of the linear motion element 204 is attached to the inner side wall 206b; and the linear gear track 207 for the pinion gears of the timing bar is formed with or attached to the lower wall 206c. Optionally, to reduce vertical space, the secondary track 250 can be provided as a recess into the upper wall 206a of the support bracket 206.
The second rollers 242 are guided along the second path of the secondary track 250 by the track sidewalls 252, 254. Thus, as the second storage basket 202 is moved between the extended and retracted positions within the freezer compartment 16, the second rollers 242 roll along the second path of the secondary track 250 and are laterally maintained upon the upper wall 206a of the support bracket 206 by engagement with the track sidewalls 252, 254. Preferably, the tolerance distance between each of the track sidewalls 252, 254 and each side of the second rollers 242 and is rather small, for example, 1mm or less. The secondary track 250 is substantially parallel to the primary track 220, and thus smooth gliding action of the second storage basket 202 is maintained parallel to the first and second interior walls of the freezer compartment 16. As shown in
When the freezer drawer door 54 is moved forwardly or rearwardly, the first storage basket 200 will travel along the same path as the freezer door 54 due to the first storage basket's attachment to the linear slides 204. The first storage basket 200 also travels the same distance as the freezer door 54 because of the first storage basket's attachment to the door 50. However, because the second storage basket 202 is independently moveable upon the first storage basket 200, and the second storage basket 202 may travel a selective different distance than the freezer door 54. Indeed, due to the inertia of the second storage basket 202 caused by the physical weight of the food stored there, the second storage basket 202 will often remain unmoved when the freezer door 54 and first storage basket 200 are moved to the open position. Thereafter, the user can selectively manipulate (e.g., slide) the second storage basket 202 between the fully extended and retracted positions.
Suitable guides and stops can be provided to facilitate movement of the second storage basket 202. As shown in
In particular, the depending arm 260 extends downward from underside of the second storage basket 202 and the protrusion 264 rides under, or in sliding engagement with, the the flange 262 of the inward sidewall 222 to inhibit the first rollers 240 from moving vertically out of the primary track 220. Thus, vertical forces upon the second storage basket 202 are resisted by contact between the protrusion 264 the flange 262 of the inward sidewall 222. This prevents accidental vertical “lift-off” of the upper second storage basket 202 from the lower first storage basket 200 when the second storage basket 202 is slidingly moved manually by the user. However, it can be desired to occasionally remove the second storage basket 202 from the freezer compartment 16, such as for cleaning. Thus, flange 262 can comprise an opening 266 of sufficient size to enable the protrusion 264 to vertically pass therethrough. In this way, the front of the second storage basket 202 can be vertically lifted up and off of the first storage basket 200, and out of the freezer compartment. The flange 262 can be present on either side of the opening 266, or the opening 266 can define a terminal end of the flange 262. Preferably, the location of the opening 266 corresponds to the fully extended position of the second storage basket 202. It is further to be appreciated that both of the primary and secondary tracks 220, 250 are fully open at the top so that the first and second rollers 240, 242 are readily removable in a vertical direction.
Although the protrusion 264 of the depending arm 260 rides under, or in sliding engagement with, the flange 262 of the primary track 220, the terminal end of the protrusion 264 does not laterally touch the exterior face of the sidewall 222 of the primary track 220. This is because the distance between the terminal end of the protrusion 264 and the exterior face of the sidewall 222 is greater (typically more than 1mm) than the distance between the first roller 240 and the interior faces of the sidewalls 222, 224 (typically less than 1 mm). As a result, the first roller 240 would impact the sidewalls of the primary track 220 before the terminal end of the protrusion 264 impacted the exterior face of the sidewall 222.
When the second storage basket 202 is at the fully retracted position, the second rollers 242 is preferably in abutment with the rear wall 256 of the secondary track 250. This engagement physically notifies the user that the second storage basket 202 is fully retracted, which provides maximum access to the first storage space of the first storage basket 200. Optionally, the first roller 240 may also be in abutment with the rear wall 226 of the primary track 220.
Because the primary track 220 is open at a front end of the path, and alternative front stop is provided. As shown in
The front stop 270 can be located together with a flange 262 that stops the user from lifting up the storage basket 202 when it is in fully open position. For example, a portion of the flange 262 can be disposed above the front stop 270 to inhibit vertical movement of the second storage basket 202. In another example, the opening 266 in the flange 262 can be disposed above the front stop 270 to provide an indication that the user can vertically lift the second storage basket 202.
The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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| PCT/BR2018/050053 | 3/2/2018 | WO |
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| WO2019/165521 | 9/6/2019 | WO | A |
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| 20210102750 A1 | Apr 2021 | US |
