U.S. patent application number 09/760414 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for removable ice bucket for an ice maker.
Invention is credited to Nelson, Mark H., Pastryk, Jim J., Quinlan, Daniel H., Shelley, Kenneth Todd, Steward, Sandra C..
Application Number | 20010025505 09/760414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27383362 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010025505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson, Mark H. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2001 |
Removable ice bucket for an ice maker
Abstract
A removable ice bucket for an ice making system for a
refrigerator and more particularly a removable ice bucket
disposable in a refrigerator for receipt of ice pieces from an ice
maker disposed in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The
ice bucket has a base and a plurality of upwardly extending side
walls cooperating to form a storage bin. A first handle is formed
in an upper portion of a first side walls and a second handle is
formed in a lower portion of a second of said side walls. A spout
is formed above the first handle. The handles facilitate quick and
sanitary removal of the ice bucket from the freezer and dispensing
of the ice pieces.
Inventors: |
Nelson, Mark H.;
(Beavercreek, OH) ; Quinlan, Daniel H.;
(Stevensville, MI) ; Shelley, Kenneth Todd; (St.
Joseph, MI) ; Steward, Sandra C.; (Benton Harbor,
MI) ; Pastryk, Jim J.; (Sawyer, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY - MD 0750
500 RENAISSANCE DRIVE - SUITE 102
ST. JOSEPH
MI
49085
US
|
Family ID: |
27383362 |
Appl. No.: |
09/760414 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09760414 |
Jan 12, 2001 |
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09482397 |
Jan 12, 2000 |
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09482397 |
Jan 12, 2000 |
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09221770 |
Dec 28, 1998 |
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6050097 |
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09221770 |
Dec 28, 1998 |
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29126155 |
Jul 11, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/371 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 5/22 20180101; F25C
5/187 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/371 |
International
Class: |
F25C 001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An ice bucket for use in a conjunction with a refrigerator
having a freezer compartment, a door for selectively closing the
freezer compartment, an ice maker disposed within the freezer
compartment for forming ice pieces, said ice bucket comprising: an
main body having a base removably mounted to said door below said
ice maker for receiving ice pieces from said ice maker, and a
plurality of vertical walls extending upwardly from said base
defining there between an ice storage bin for collection and
storage of said ice pieces received from said ice maker, said main
body including a pair of outer side walls disposed opposite each
other and generally perpendicular to said door when said ice bucket
is mounted to said door, a first handle formed in an upper portion
of a first of said side walls, and a second handle formed in a
lower portion of a second of said side walls.
2. The ice bucket according to claim 1, further wherein said first
handle is a downwardly oriented convex surface is formed to
cooperate with the thumb and first finger of a user for
facilitating removal of said ice bucket from said door and tilting
of said ice maker for dispensing of ice pieces therefrom.
3. The ice bucket according to claim 1, further comprising spout
means formed integrally integrally in said first side wall above
said first handle such as to direct the flow of ice pieces being
dispensed from said ice bucket.
4. The ice bucket according to claim 1, wherein said second handle
comprises a cut-away in said base permitting the user to insert on
or more fingers below said second side wall for removal of said ice
bucket from said door, dispensing of said ice pieces, and
reinstallation of said ice bucket to said door.
5. The ice bucket according to claim 1, wherein said main body is
comprised of an opaque lower main body comprising said base and a
transparent upper main comprising the upper portions of said side
walls.
6. The ice bucket according to claim 1, wherein said base means
further comprises: latching means for selectively interconnecting
said ice bucket with said door and a release for selectively
releasing said latch means for removal of said ice bucket from said
door.
7. The ice bucket according to claim 6, wherein said latching means
automatically engages with said door when said ice bucket is
reinstalled in said door and said release comprises a button
disposed adjacent said second handle for manual release of said
latching means.
8. An ice bucket comprising a lower wall, a plurality of vertical
walls extending upwardly from each of said outer walls of said base
and cooperating with said base to define an ice storage bin for
collection of ice, a first handle formed in an upper portion of a
first of said side walls, and a second handle formed in a lower
portion of a second of said side walls.
9. The ice bucket according to claim 8, further wherein said first
handle is a downwardly oriented convex surface is formed to
cooperate with the thumb and first finger of a user for
facilitating lifting and tilting of said ice maker for dispensing
of ice pieces therefrom.
10. The ice bucket according to claim 8, further comprising spout
means formed integrally in said first side wall above said first
handle such as to direct the flow of ice pieces being dispensed
from said ice bucket.
11. The ice bucket according to claim 8, wherein said second handle
comprises a cut-away in said second side wall permitting the user
to insert on or more fingers below said second side wall for
dispensing of said ice pieces.
12. The ice bucket according to claim 11, further wherein said
first handle is a downwardly oriented convex surface is formed to
cooperate with the thumb and first finger of a user for
facilitating removal of said ice bucket from said door and tilting
of said ice maker for dispensing of ice pieces therefrom.
13. The ice bucket according to claim 12, further comprising spout
means formed integrally integrally in said first side wall above
said first handle such as to direct the flow of ice pieces being
dispensed from said ice bucket.
14. The ice bucket according to claim 8, wherein said main body is
comprised of an opaque lower main body comprising said base and a
transparent upper main comprising the upper portions of said side
walls.
15. An ice bucket for use in a conjunction with an ice maker
disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces,
said ice bucket comprising: an main body having a base removably
mounted to said refrigerator in said freezer compartment below said
ice maker for receiving ice pieces from said ice maker, and a
plurality of vertical walls extending upwardly from said base
defining there between an ice storage bin for collection and
storage of said ice pieces received from said ice maker, said main
body including a pair of outer side walls disposed opposite each
other and generally perpendicular to said door when said ice bucket
is mounted to said door, a first handle formed in an upper portion
of a first of said side walls, and a second handle formed in a
lower portion of a second of said side walls.
16. The ice bucket according to claim 15, further wherein said
first handle is a downwardly oriented convex surface is formed to
cooperate with the thumb and first finger of a user for
facilitating removal of said ice bucket from said door and tilting
of said ice maker for dispensing of ice pieces therefrom.
17. The ice bucket according to claim 15, further comprising spout
means formed integrally integrally in said first side wall above
said first handle such as to direct the flow of ice pieces being
dispensed from said ice bucket.
18. The ice bucket according to claim 15, wherein said second
handle comprises a cut-away in said base permitting the user to
insert on or more fingers below said second side wall for lifting
of said ice bucket and dispensing of said ice pieces.
19. The ice bucket according to claim 15, wherein said main body is
comprised of an opaque lower main body comprising said base and a
transparent upper main comprising the upper portions of said side
walls.
20. The ice bucket according to claim 15, wherein said base means
further comprises: latching means for selectively interconnecting
said ice bucket with said refrigerator, wherein said latching means
automatically engages with said door when said ice bucket is
reinstalled in said door and a release for selectively releasing
said latch means for removal of said ice bucket from said door.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of application Ser. No. 09/482,397 entitled "ICE LEVEL
SENSING SYSTEM FOR AN ICE MAKER", filed on Jan. 12, 2000 which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/221,770, entitled
"ICE MAKING AND STORAGE SYSTEM FOR A REFRIGERATOR", filed on Dec.
28, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,097 issued Apr. 18, 2000.
[0002] The present application is also a continuation-in-part
application of application Ser. No. 29/126,155 entitled "REMOVABLE
ICE BUCKET", filed on Jul. 11, 2000.
[0003] The specifications and drawings of the three above listed
parent applications are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The invention relates to a removable ice bucket for an ice
making system for a refrigerator and more particularly a removable
ice bucket disposable in a door of a refrigerator for use with an
ice maker disposed in the freezer compartment of the
refrigerator.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Automatic ice making systems for use in a home refrigerator
are well known. Typically, ice making systems include an ice maker
mounted within the freezer compartment of the refrigerator and an
ice storage receptacle or bin supported beneath the ice maker for
receiving the formed ice from the ice maker. The ice maker is
commonly mounted within the freezer compartment adjacent the side
or rear wall of the freezer compartment such that water and power
can be readily supplied to the ice maker. The ice storage
receptacle is supported by a shelf structure beneath the ice maker
within the freezer compartment. The ice storage receptacle
generally extends across the freezer compartment and has a front
end adjacent the freezer door. U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,979, to
Linstromberg et al. is an example of a prior art ice making system.
While many such ice makers provide for removable ice storage trays,
they are strictly designed for capturing and holding the ice and
are not adapted to be easy used remotely from the refrigerator for
serving the ice.
[0008] The present invention addresses the need for easy and
sanitary delivery of the ice remotely from the refrigerator by
providing an ice bucket adapted for easy removal and reinstallation
and for convenient one handed dispensing of the ice from the ice
bucket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to door mounted ice
storage bin systems for use in the freezer compartment of a
refrigerator and in particular to an easily removable dispensing
ice bucket.
[0010] The present invention is more particularly directed to an
ice bucket removably mounted to the a freezer compartment access
door for use in conjunction with an ice maker disposed within the
freezer compartment.
[0011] More particularly, according to the present invention, an
ice storage bucket or bin is removably mounted to the door below
the ice maker for receiving ice pieces from the ice maker.
[0012] The ice bucket or bin has a first handle disposed low on one
of its sides and a second handle disposed high on its opposite side
to facilitate removal and reinstallation of the ice bucket and to
facilitate tilting the ice bucket for dispensing of the ice. A
spout is preferably formed above the second handle to direct ice
cubes dispensed from the ice bucket. A release button for releasing
the ice bucket from the door is preferably disposed close to the
second handle to further facilitate rapid removal of the ice bucket
from the door.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator apparatus having an
ice storing and dispensing system and a removable ice bucket.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the
ice storing and dispensing system within the freezer compartment of
the refrigerator apparatus with the freezer door open.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side sectional view of the ice
storing and dispensing system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the ice storage
and dispensing wherein the front cover of the ice maker has been
removed and illustrating the ice bucket of the present invention,
as disclosed in a parent application.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken through the upper
portion of the ice storage bucket of FIG. 6 as disclosed in a
parent application.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective view of the
ice storage bin of FIG. 1, with a cut away portion illustrating the
ice crusher assembly, as disclosed in a parent application;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of the components of
the ice storage and dispensing system of FIG. 1 mounted to the
freezer door wherein the freezer door liner, wrapper and insulation
have been removed;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of the bottom of an
ice bucket according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of the removable ice
bucket of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a left perspective view of the removable ice of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a removable ice bucket
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The above drawings were taken without alteration from the
three parent applications. Since the parent applications did not
claim the present invention, FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 of the drawing show
an unclaimed first embodiment of ice bucket, while FIGS. 4, 5 and
7-11 show an ice bucket having made according to the present
invention. FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 have been included, however, for
purposes of background to illustrate the environment of the
preferred embodiment of the ice bucket of the present invention. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the ice bucket of
the present invention can be used in conjunction with other ice
maker or freezer compartment configurations.
[0025] 1. Description of the Refrigerator and Ice Maker
[0026] In the illustrative embodiment of a refrigerator and an ice
maker shown in FIGS. 1-3, a refrigerator 10, comprising a
side-by-side fresh food/freezer configuration, is provided having a
cabinet 12 forming an above freezing fresh food compartment 14 and
a below freezing freezer compartment 16. Both the fresh food
compartment 14 and the freezer compartment 16 are provided with
access openings. A fresh food closure member or door 18 and a
freezer closure member or door 20 are hingedly mounted to the
cabinet 12 for closing the access openings, as is well known.
[0027] An ice making assembly 22 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) is disposed
within the freezer compartment 16 having side walls 21 and 23 (see
FIG. 4) and a top wall 24. The ice making assembly 22 is mounted to
the inside surface of the top wall 24 of the freezer compartment
16. An ice dispensing system 26, mounted to the freezer door 20, is
provided below the ice making assembly 22 for receiving ice pieces
therefrom. The ice dispensing system 26 includes an ice bucket or
bin 28, having an ice crushing system 30 both described later in
greater detail. When operated, the ice dispensing system 26
transfers ice pieces from the bin 28 through the freezer door 20
whereby ice pieces may be dispensed through a conventional,
forwardly exposed ice dispenser station or external ice service
area 31.
[0028] The ice bucket of the present invention may be beneficially
employed with any type of known ice maker. In the preferred
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the ice maker assembly 22 is a
conventional ice piece making apparatus which forms crescent shaped
ice pieces. The ice maker 22 includes an ice mold body 36, an ice
stripper 38, a rotatable ejector (not shown) and a control module
40. The ice stripper 38 includes a ramp 38a for directing harvested
ice into the ice storage bin 28. The ramp 38a may be integrally
formed with the ice stripper, as shown, or may be a separate
member. The control module surrounds a control motor (not shown)
and gearing system (not shown) which operate to rotate the ejector
when ice pieces are ready for harvesting. The ice makers disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,649,717 and 5,160,094, herein incorporated by
reference, are illustrative of the type of ice maker used in the
present invention.
[0029] The ice maker 22 may be supported by a mounting bracket 42
along the upper, front portion of the freezer compartment 16. The
mounting bracket 42 is attached to the top wall 24 (FIG. 3) of the
freezer compartment and forms a member having a generally U-shaped
cross section. The bracket 42 includes top mounting surfaces 43
which attach to the top wall 24. Side walls 44 extend downwardly
along the sides of the ice maker 22. A bottom wall 46 joins the
side walls 44 and forms a heat shield beneath the bottom of the ice
maker 22. The ice maker 22 is attached to the mounting bracket 42
via mounting legs (not shown). An air baffle member 52 may be
connected to the back of the ice maker 22 to direct the flow of air
within the freezer compartment 16 across the ice mold 36 but is
certainly not necessary to practice the present invention.
[0030] The manner in which the ice maker 22 is supported within the
freezer compartment does not form part of the invention and may be
readily varied--as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
For example, the ice maker may be supported on bracket type
elements extending from the side walls of the freezer
compartment.
[0031] A front cover 50 (FIG. 3) is attached to the bracket in
front of the ice maker 22. The front cover 50 is a generally flat
member or wall having a back surface 52a and a front surface 52a
and is pivotably supported in front of the ice maker 22. To
pivotably support the cover 50, the bracket 42 may include tabs 48.
A pair of support extensions 54 extending from the back surface 52a
are rotatably captured by the tabs 48 and allow the cover 50 to
swing or pivot about the tabs 48.
[0032] In the disclosed embodiment, when ice pieces are ready to be
harvested from the ice mold body 36, the ejector and stripper 38
cooperate to remove ice pieces from the mold body 36 and urge the
harvested ice pieces to slide forwardly along the stripper 38. The
ice pieces slide forward off the stripper 38 and are directed to
slide down the ramp 38a. The spacing between the back wall of the
cover 50 and the bottom edge of the ramp 38a is such that ice
pieces are not able to fit through the elongated gap which
separates the ramp 38a and the cover 50. Accordingly, ice pieces
sliding down the ramp 38a make contact with the cover 50. However,
the mass of the ice pieces and the slope of the ramp 38a is such
that the ice pieces push the cover 50 forward upon contact,
rotating the cover 50 about the tabs 48, wherein the ice pieces are
able to fall into the storage bin 28 which is supported by the
freezer door 20.
[0033] The ice discharge assembly 34 is designed to prevent ice
harvesting when the ice storage bin 28 is fall of ice pieces, when
the door 20 is open, or when the ice bucket is removed from the
door. The need for this function is well recognized in the ice
maker art and a means for providing this function is described in
detail in the parent applications.
[0034] 2. Description of the Ice Bucket
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, the preferred embodiment of
the ice bucket or bin 28 is illustrated. The ice bucket has
preferably has an base 162 and an upper body 160. The upper body
160 has a plurality of vertical walls extending upwardly from the
base member 162 including a front wall 64, side walls 66 and 68,
and a back wall 70 Together with the base member, the walls define
a hollow receptacle for collecting ice pieces from the ice
discharge assembly 34. The upper body 160 is formed from a clear
plastic material such that the quantity of ice pieces stored within
the ice bin 28 is easily visually determined, while the base 162 is
preferably opaque to hide the mechanisms contained therein.
[0036] A contoured handle 72 and a spout 74 are formed at the
uppermost portion of side wall 66 to facilitate lifting and
dispensing of ice pieces from the ice bucket 28. Side wall 64 and
handle 72 are preferably convex so as to comfortably cooperate with
the palm a user lifting or tilting the ice bucket.
[0037] A second handle, preferably consisting if a cutaway portion
78 of the base member below side wall 68. This two handled
configuration permits a user to reliably grip the ice bucket, on
both sides and comfortably tilt it for dispensing the ice pieces
stored therein through the spout into a glass or other point-of-use
article.
[0038] Turning now back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the ice dispensing system
26 contained within the ice bucket 28 can be further explained.
[0039] The base 162 is rigidly connected to the upper body 160 and
includes a funnel wall portion 164, a cylindrical wall portion 166
and a bottom wall portion 168. The bottom wall portion 168 includes
an ice outlet opening 170 through which the ice pieces must pass to
be dispensed.
[0040] Rotatably supported within the ice bucket 28 is an auger 172
having a shaped upper end 174 and a bottom shaft 176. The upper end
174 is supported within the upper ice bin member 160 and is
designed to break up any large clumps of ice pieces which may be
formed when ice pieces partially melt and then refreeze.
Accordingly, rotation of the auger 172 ensures that the ice pieces
are free to move downwardly, under the urgings of gravity, through
the lower ice bin member and the ice crushing system 30 such that
ice pieces may be dispensed. The upper end 174 of the auger 172 is
also configured to avoid pushing ice pieces up and over the rim of
the upper body 160.
[0041] As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, the bottom shaft 176 of the
auger 172 is disposed within the lower ice bin member. The bottom
shaft 176 is provided with a flat surface such that various parts
may be assembled to the shaft for co-rotation therewith. The upper
end 176a of the bottom shaft 176 is positioned within the funnel
wall portion 164 and the bottom end 176b of the bottom shaft 176
extends through the bottom wall for coupling to a drive shaft 178.
The coupling between the drive shaft 178 and the bottom shaft 176
may be accomplished through use of a coupling member.
[0042] Drivingly connected to the upper end 176a of the bottom
shaft 176 is a bridge breaker blade 180. The bridge breaker blade
180 rotates above a blade cover 182. The blade cover 182 is a plate
which is attached to the lower ice bin member at the junction
between the funnel wall portion 164 and the cylindrical wall
portion 166. The cover 182, together with the funnel wall portion
164, forms a bottom wall of the upper body 160. An inlet opening
184 is formed into the cover 182 through which ice pieces must pass
to be discharged. The inlet opening 184 is positioned 180 degrees
opposite of the outlet opening 170. As the auger 172 rotates, ice
pieces are directed by the funnel wall portion 164 toward the inlet
opening 184. The bridge breaker blade 180 ensures that the inlet
opening 184 does not become jammed or bridged by ice pieces thereby
preventing ice dispensing.
[0043] Once ice pieces pass through the inlet opening 184 they are
disposed within a cylindrical ice crushing region 186 defined by
the cylindrical wall portion 166, the cover 182 and the bottom wall
portion 168. The bottom shaft 176 passes through the center of this
region. Extending from the bottom shaft 176 are a plurality of ice
crusher blades 188. The ice crusher blades 188 are connected to the
bottom shaft for co-rotation therewith. A plurality of stationary
blades 190 extend between the bottom shaft 176 and the cylindrical
wall portion 166. The stationary blades 190 are positioned adjacent
the side edge 170a of the ice outlet opening.
[0044] Rotation of the auger 172 causes the ice pieces to pass
through the inlet opening 184 and fall into the ice crushing region
186. If the auger 172 is rotated counterclockwise, as shown by
arrow 192, the ice pieces within the crushing region 186 are swept
by the ice crushing blades 188 from the inlet opening 184 around
within the crushing region 186 to fall through the outlet opening
170. The ice pieces move from the inlet opening 184 to the outlet
opening 170 without having to pass through the stationary crusher
blades. In this manner, when the auger 172 is rotated in the
direction of arrow 192, whole ice pieces are dispensed though the
outlet opening 170 and no ice crushing occurs.
[0045] If the auger 172 is rotated clockwise, as shown by arrow
194, the ice pieces within the crushing region 186 are swept by the
ice crushing blades 188 from the inlet opening and are driven into
the stationary ice crushing blades 190. The rotation of the auger
172 rotates the blades 188 past the stationary blades 190 resulting
in the ice pieces being crushed. The crushed ice pieces, once past
the stationary blades 190, fall through the outlet opening 170. In
this manner, when the auger 172 is rotated in the direction of
arrow 194, crushed ice pieces are dispensed though the outlet
opening 170. Once the ice pieces, in either a whole or crushed
form, are passed through the ice outlet opening 170, they fall
through a chute 196 (FIG. 10) formed into the freezer door 20 to a
waiting receptacle positioned within the service area 31.
[0046] While the dispensing of the ice pieces have been described
with regard to the use of a plurality of crusher blades 188, the
invention could readily be practiced with just one crusher blade
188 and one stationary blade 190. Moreover, the invention could
dispense ice from the ice storage bin 28 without use of rotating
and stationary crushing blades. For example, the rotary blades 188
and stationary blades 190 could be omitted and replaced with a
paddle or other valving devices such as a pivotable or rotary
door.
[0047] As just described, rotation of the auger 172 and the
associated ice crusher blades 188 causes ice to be moved from the
area of the upper ice bin member 160, through the ice inlet opening
184 and outlet opening 170 such that ice pieces are dispensed. The
auger 172 is rotated by the drive shaft 178 which extends from a
motor 200. The motor 200 is supported on the freezer door 20 below
the ice service. The drive shaft 178 extends a relatively large
distance between the motor and the ice bin 28.
[0048] To ensure proper operation of the ice delivery system of the
present invention, it is important to rigidly and securely support
the motor 200 and the ice bin 28 on the freezer door 20 since these
parts must align for proper operation. The construction of the
freezer door, as shown in FIG. 3, provides the necessary strength
and rigidity. The freezer door 20 comprises a metallic outer
wrapper 202, an inner liner 204 with a foam material 206 disposed
between the wrapper 202 and the liner 204. The ice service area 31
is formed by a service housing 205 which attaches to an opening in
the wrapper 202. The fabrication of the door 20 may be such that
the foam material 206 is foamed in place between the wrapper 202,
the liner 204 and service housing 205 and bonds to the inner
surfaces of the wrapper 202, liner 204 and service housing 205
providing a great deal of strength and rigidity.
[0049] FIGS. 3 and 10 illustrate the components used to support the
motor and the ice storage bin 28. The motor 200 is mounted to a
bracket 207 within a cup-shaped support member or housing 208 which
is connected to the inner liner 204 prior to the foaming operation.
A motor cover plate 209 is placed over the open end of the housing
208 after the motor is assembled to the door. The ice bin 28 is
mounted to a mounting plate 210 which is connected to the inner
liner 204. A conduit 212 extends between the mounting plate 210 and
the housing 208 through which the drive shaft 178 can extend. A
wiring conduit 214 is also connected to the motor housing 208 and
extends upwardly to connect to the housing 205. In this manner,
wiring can be routed between the motor 20 and controls placed in
the ice service area 31.
[0050] Accordingly, it can be understood that that during
fabrication of the freezer door 20, the housing 208, the mounting
plate 210, the conduit 212 and the wiring conduit 214 are assembled
to the inner liner 204 and then the foam 206 is foamed between the
liner 204 and the wrapper 202 such that the components are bonded
into position. Moreover, it can be readily appreciated by one
skilled in the art that the conduits 212 and 214 may be integrally
formed as part of the mounting plate 210 or the housing 208.
Likewise, the mounting plate 210 or the housing 208 may be able to
be integrally formed as part of the service housing 205.
[0051] One of the benefits of the present invention is that the ice
bin 28 is removable from the freezer door. This allows a user to
readily remove the ice bin 28 and dump a large quantity of ice into
a receptacle such as an insulated cooler. FIGS. 10 and 11 best show
how this is accomplished. The lower ice bin member 162 is provided
with a pair of cylindrical bosses 218 or receptacles which
correspond to mounting pins 220 provided on the mounting plate 210.
When the ice storage bin 28 is properly set upon the mounting plate
210, the receptacles 218 and pins 220 align. Moreover, when the bin
28 is properly placed on the plate 210, the drive shaft 178 is
coupled with the auger 172 and the ice outlet 170 is disposed over
the chute 196.
[0052] Means are provided for securing the bin 28 to the mounting
plate 210. Each of the pins 220 are provided with an annular groove
222. A retention bar 224 is slidingly supported by the lower ice
bin member 162. A button 226, connected to the bar 224, is provided
for longitudinally moving the retention bar 224 which is biased
toward the button 226. The retention bar 224 has a pair of cut out
portions (not shown) corresponding to the grooves 222. When the bin
28 is placed onto the mounting plate 210, the pins 220 are received
into the receptacles 218 and the cut out portions of the retention
bar 224 are engaged into the grooves 222 provided on the pins 220.
When it is desired to remove the bin 28, the button 226 is
depressed such that the cut out portions of the retention bar 224
are disengaged from the grooves 222, allowing separation between
the plate 210 and the base 162.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the button 226 is advantageously
disposed near the second handle 78 so that the button 226 can be
easily depressed to release the ice bucket from the door 20 at the
same time as the handle is gripped to lift it.
[0054] It can be seen, therefore, that the present invention
provides an easy and sanitary means for removing an ice bucket from
a refrigerator, dispensing ice pieces at the point of use, and
reinstalling the ice bucket in the refrigerator. The ice bucket of
the present invention is compatible, as described above, with
through-the-door ice making systems. Moreover, the present system
is beneficially combined with an in-door ice maker that
automatically detects removal of the ice bucket and temporarily
deactivates the ice maker.
[0055] Many changes can readily be made to the above described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. For
example, a similar ice bucket may configures for use with an ice
maker in a top mount refrigerator.
[0056] The present invention is not intended to be limited by any
particular geometric configuration for the ice bucket and can be
beneficially employed with any type of ice maker.
[0057] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
with reference the above described embodiment, those of skill in
the Art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the
appended claims.
* * * * *