U.S. patent application number 12/022024 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for refrigerator having compartment capable of converting between refrigeration and freezing temperatures.
Invention is credited to Dongning Wang, Edward P. Wuesthoff.
Application Number | 20080271475 12/022024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39938596 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080271475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wuesthoff; Edward P. ; et
al. |
November 6, 2008 |
REFRIGERATOR HAVING COMPARTMENT CAPABLE OF CONVERTING BETWEEN
REFRIGERATION AND FREEZING TEMPERATURES
Abstract
ABSTRACT A refrigerator comprising a refrigerator housing
defining first, second, and third compartments separated by
insulated walls, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the
first, second, and third compartments, first, second, and third
sensors operative to detect temperature in a respective one of the
first, second, and third compartments and control circuitry in
electrical communication with the sensors, the control circuitry
controlling flow of the cold air into each of the first, second,
and third compartments so as to facilitate maintaining a respective
desired temperature therein, where the desired temperature of each
of the first, second, and third compartments is variable and may be
set by a user independently with respect to each other.
Inventors: |
Wuesthoff; Edward P.; (San
Antonio, TX) ; Wang; Dongning; (Qingdao, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH, LLP
1320 MAIN STREET, 17TH FLOOR
COLUMBIA
SC
29201
US
|
Family ID: |
39938596 |
Appl. No.: |
12/022024 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60887107 |
Jan 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/447 ;
211/90.01; 312/404; 62/228.1; 62/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 17/065 20130101;
F25D 23/023 20130101; F25D 23/123 20130101; F25D 25/021 20130101;
F25D 2700/123 20130101; F25D 2400/361 20130101; F25D 23/021
20130101; F25D 2400/06 20130101; F25D 2331/803 20130101; F25D
2400/16 20130101; F25C 2400/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/447 ;
62/228.1; 211/90.01; 312/404; 62/344 |
International
Class: |
F25D 11/02 20060101
F25D011/02; F25B 1/00 20060101 F25B001/00; A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08; A47B 96/00 20060101 A47B096/00; F25C 5/18 20060101
F25C005/18 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator housing defining
first, second, and third compartments separated by insulated walls;
a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the first, second, and
third compartments; first, second, and third sensors operative to
detect temperature in a respective one of the first, second, and
third compartments; and control circuitry in electrical
communication with the sensors, the control circuitry controlling
flow of the cold air into each of the first, second, and third
compartments so as to facilitate maintaining a respective desired
temperature therein, wherein the desired temperature of each of the
first, second, and third compartments is variable and may be set by
a user independently with respect to each other.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1 further comprising at least one
control panel in electrical communication with the control
circuitry configured to accept input from the user representative
of the desired temperature of the first, second, and third
compartments.
3. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the first compartment
includes a drawer having an insulated front to close the first
compartment.
4. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the first compartment is
located beneath the second and third compartments.
5. The refrigerator of claim 3 wherein the first compartment
includes a drawer having an insulated front to close the first
compartment.
6. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the refrigeration system
includes at least one damper.
7. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: a refrigerator housing
defining first, second, and third compartments in which food items
are stored; a refrigeration system; a first aperture defined by the
housing to provide fluid communication between the refrigeration
system and the first compartment; a first mechanism being
configured to vary the first aperture; a second aperture defined by
the housing to provide fluid communication between the
refrigeration system and the second compartment; a second mechanism
being configured to vary the second aperture; control circuitry
operatively connected to the first mechanism and the second
mechanism; wherein the control circuitry directs the first
mechanism to vary the first aperture and directs the second
mechanism to vary the second aperture in order to facilitate
maintaining the first compartment at a first desired temperature
and the second compartment at a second desired temperature.
8. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: a
cover separating the third compartment into a cooling area and a
frozen food area, wherein a portion of the refrigeration system is
located within the cooling area.
9. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 8 further comprising at
least one vent defined by the cover to provide fluid communication
between the cooling area and the frozen food area.
10. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a
ventilation channel defined by the cover to provide fluid
communication between the refrigeration system and the first
compartment.
11. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first and
second mechanisms are dampers.
12. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a
first sensor in electrical communication with the control circuitry
and operative to measure a first actual temperature of the first
compartment and provide a first signal representative of the first
actual temperature to the control circuitry; and a second sensor in
electrical communication with the control circuitry and operative
to measure a second actual temperature of the second compartment
and provide a second signal representative of the second actual
temperature to the control circuitry.
13. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 12 wherein the control
circuitry directs the first damper to vary the first aperture based
on a first comparison of the first desired temperature and the
first actual temperature and directs the second damper to vary the
second aperture based on a second comparison of the second desired
temperature and the second actual temperature.
14. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 13 further comprising: a
control panel operatively connected to the control circuitry,
wherein the control panel is configured to accept a first input
representative of the first desired temperature and a second input
representative of the second desired temperature.
15. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 7 wherein: the
refrigeration system comprises a variable speed compressor, and the
control circuitry varies a rate of the variable speed compressor in
order to maintain the first compartment at the first desired
temperature and the second compartment at the second desired
temperature.
16. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first and
second mechanisms are dampers.
17. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 15 wherein: a first sensor
in electrical communication with the control circuitry and
operative to measure a first actual temperature of the first
compartment and provide a first signal representative of the first
actual temperature to the control circuitry; and a second sensor in
electrical communication with the control circuitry and operative
to measure a second actual temperature of the second compartment
and provide a second signal representative of the second actual
temperature to the control circuitry.
18. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 17 wherein the control
circuitry varies a rate of the variable speed compressor based on a
first comparison of the first desired temperature and the first
actual temperature and based on a second comparison of the second
desired temperature and the second actual temperature.
19. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first and
second mechanisms are dampers.
20. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 19 wherein the control
circuitry varies a rate of the variable speed compressor based on a
first comparison of the first desired temperature and the first
actual temperature and based on a second comparison of the second
desired temperature and the second actual temperature.
21. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 19 wherein the control
circuitry directs the first damper to vary the first aperture based
on a first comparison of the first desired temperature and the
first actual temperature and directs the second damper to vary the
second aperture based on a second comparison of the second desired
temperature and the second actual temperature.
22. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 21 wherein the control
circuitry varies the rate of the variable speed compressor based on
the first comparison and based on the second comparison.
23. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a
third mechanism being configured to vary the at least one vent,
wherein the control circuitry directs the third mechanism to vary
the at least one vent in order to facilitate maintaining the frozen
food area at a frozen food desired temperature.
24. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 23 wherein the first,
second, and third mechanisms are dampers.
25. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 24 further comprising: a
first sensor in electrical communication with the control circuitry
and operative to measure a first actual temperature of the first
compartment and provide a first signal representative of the first
actual temperature to the control circuitry; and a second sensor in
electrical communication with the control circuitry and operative
to measure a second actual temperature of the second compartment
and provide a second signal representative of the second actual
temperature to the control circuitry; and a third sensor in
electrical communication with the control circuitry and operative
to measure a frozen food actual temperature of the frozen food area
and provide a third signal representative of the frozen food actual
temperature to the control circuitry.
26. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 25 wherein the control
circuitry directs the first damper to vary the first aperture based
on a first comparison of the first desired temperature and the
first actual temperature, directs the second damper to vary the
second aperture based on a second comparison of the second desired
temperature and the second actual temperature, and directs the
third damper to vary the at least one vent based on a third
comparison of the frozen food desired temperature and the frozen
food actual temperature.
27. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 23 wherein: the
refrigeration system comprises a variable speed compressor, and the
control circuitry varies a rate of the variable speed compressor in
order to facilitate maintaining the first compartment at the first
desired temperature, the second compartment at the second desired
temperature, and the frozen food area at the frozen food desired
temperature.
28. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first,
second, and third mechanisms are dampers.
29. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 27 further comprising: a
first sensor in electrical communication with the control circuitry
and operative to measure a first actual temperature of the first
compartment and provide a first signal representative of the first
actual temperature to the control circuitry; and a second sensor in
electrical communication with the control circuitry and operative
to measure a second actual temperature of the second compartment
and provide a second signal representative of the second actual
temperature to the control circuitry; and a third sensor in
electrical communication with the control circuitry and operative
to measure a frozen food actual temperature of the frozen food area
and provide a third signal representative of the frozen food actual
temperature to the control circuitry.
30. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 29 wherein the control
circuitry varies a rate of the variable speed compressor based on a
first comparison of the first desired temperature and the first
actual temperature, a second comparison of the second desired
temperature and the second actual temperature, and a third
comparison of the frozen food desired temperature and the frozen
food actual temperature.
31. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 30 wherein the first,
second, and third mechanisms are dampers.
32. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 31 wherein the control
circuitry varies a rate of the variable speed compressor based on a
first comparison of the first desired temperature and the first
actual temperature, a second comparison of the second desired
temperature and the second actual temperature, and a third
comparison of the frozen food desired temperature and the frozen
food actual temperature.
33. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 31 wherein the control
circuitry directs the first damper to vary the first aperture based
on a first comparison of the first desired temperature and the
first actual temperature, directs the second damper to vary the
second aperture based on a second comparison of the second desired
temperature and the second actual temperature, and directs the
third damper to vary the at least one vent based on a third
comparison of the frozen food desired temperature and the frozen
food actual temperature.
34. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 33 wherein the control
circuitry varies the rate of the variable speed compressor based on
the first comparison, the second comparison, and the third
comparison.
35. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 34 further comprising: a
control panel operatively connected to the control circuitry,
wherein the control panel is configured to accept a first input
representative of the first desired temperature, a second input
representative of the second desired temperature, and a third input
representative of the frozen food desired temperature.
36. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: a generally rectangular
area defined by two side walls, a back wall, a top wall, a base,
and a door; and a device attached to an inside surface of the top
wall for producing an air curtain, wherein the device expels air
downward toward the base when the door is opened.
37. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 36 further comprising a
refrigeration system in fluid communication with the generally
rectangular area.
38. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 36 further comprising a
water filter attached to the air curtain device.
39. A rack suspended from an underside of a shelf for supporting at
least one container, the rack comprising: a back support attached
to the underside of the shelf having a vertical support and a
horizontal flange, the vertical support and the horizontal flange
having at least one first curve, wherein the vertical support and
the horizontal flange are constructed to receive a bottom of the
container at the first curve; and a front support attached to the
underside at at least one connection point and having at least one
second curve, the second curve opposite the first curve and
constructed to receive a portion of the container, wherein the
front support is adapted to pivot at the connection point such that
the front support may be attached horizontally to the underside of
the shelf and stored.
40. The rack of claim 39 wherein the front support is constructed
from a wire.
41. The rack of claim 39 wherein the vertical support and the
horizontal flange include a plurality of first curves, and the
front support includes a plurality of second curves opposite the
first curves, wherein each set of corresponding first and second
curves is configured to receive the container.
42. A bin attached to a refrigerator door for storing a plurality
of items, the bin comprising: a back portion attached to the
refrigerator door and configured to store a first set of the items,
the back portion comprising a support structure; and a front
portion configured to store a second set of the items, the front
portion adapted to be maintained in position on the support
structure but removable therefrom, wherein the front portion may be
separated from the back portion by vertically lifting the hollow
portion away from the support structure.
43. A dairy bin for a refrigerator comprising: a first side
support; a cover comprising a first cover end and a first plurality
of gear teeth attached to the first cover end, wherein the first
cover end is pivotally attached to the first side support such that
the cover is able to rotate in a generally cylindrical manner; and
a tray comprising a first tray end, the first tray end being
slideable such that the tray is able to slide forward and backward
in a generally horizontal manner, wherein the first tray end
defines a first plurality of slots in which respective of said gear
teeth are received.
44. The dairy bin of claim 43 wherein clockwise rotation of the
cover relative to the first side support causes the first plurality
of gear teeth to engage the first plurality of slots such that the
tray horizontally slides left relative to the first side
support.
45. The dairy bin of claim 43 wherein counterclockwise rotation of
the cover in relation to the first side support causes the first
plurality of gear teeth to retreat from the first plurality of
slots such that the tray slides right relative to the first side
support.
46. The dairy bin of claim 43 wherein movement of the tray in a
direction to the right relative to the side support effects the
first plurality of gear teeth to retreat from the first plurality
of slots such that the cover rotates counterclockwise relative to
the first side support.
47. The dairy bin of claim 43 wherein movement of the tray in a
direction to the left relative to the side support effects the
first plurality of gear teeth to engage the first plurality of
slots such that the cover rotates clockwise relative to the first
side support.
48. The dairy bin of claim 43 wherein the first side support is
attached to an interior of a door of the refrigerator.
49. The dairy bin of claim 43 further comprising a second side
support opposite the first side support, wherein the cover
comprises a second cover end opposite the first cover end pivotally
attached to the second side support such that the cover is able to
rotate in a generally cylindrical manner, and the tray is slideable
such that the tray is able to slide forward and backward in a
generally horizontal manner.
50. The dairy bin of claim 49 wherein the second cover end
comprises a second plurality of gear teeth, and the second tray end
defines a second plurality of slots corresponding to the second
plurality of gear teeth.
51. The dairy bin of claim 49 wherein the first and second supports
are attached to an interior of a door of the refrigerator.
52. The dairy bin of claim 49 wherein the first and second supports
are integral parts of a door of the refrigerator.
53. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: an ice maker; and an ice
bin located underneath the ice maker, wherein a portion of a top
surface of the ice bin defines a ledge for supporting a
container.
54. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 53 further comprising: a
freezer compartment containing the ice maker and ice bin; a
refrigeration system comprising at least one port for supplying
cold air to the freezer compartment, wherein the at least one port
is proximate the ledge such that a temperature of the air above the
ledge is lower than a temperature of the surrounding air.
55. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 53 further comprising a
shelf located on the ledge.
56. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 55 wherein the shelf is
removable.
57. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 56 wherein the shelf is
L-shaped.
58. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 54 wherein a removable
L-shaped shelf is located on the ledge.
59. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 54 wherein: the freezer
compartment is defined by a plurality of walls; a first of the
plurality of walls, a second of the plurality of walls, and the ice
maker define a generally narrow space; and a curved support
attached to the ice bin extends into the generally narrow space,
wherein the curved support is configured to support a generally
narrow container.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the U.S.
provisional application filed on Jan. 29, 2007 by Wuesthoff et al.
for REFRIGERATOR HAVING COMPARTMENT CAPABLE OF CONVERTING BETWEEN
REFRIGERATION AND FREEZING TEMPERATURES (Ser. No. 60/887,107), the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to refrigerators. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a refrigerator
having a compartment capable of converting from a refrigeration
area to a freezer area and back.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Most refrigerators for household use include at least one
area for refrigerating items and at least one area for freezing
items. Refrigeration areas typically operate within the range of
temperatures from 34 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit, while freezer areas
generally operate within the range of temperatures from 0 to 12
degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on certain factors, such as overall
refrigerator configuration and size, the refrigeration and freezer
areas can be partitioned and arranged in a number of manners. For
example, in one configuration, the refrigeration area may occupy a
left portion of the refrigerator, while the freezer area may occupy
a right portion, or vice versa. In an alternate configuration, the
refrigeration area may occupy an upper portion of the refrigerator,
while the freezer area may occupy a lower portion, or vice
versa.
[0004] Additionally, doors or drawer fronts may be used to enclose
and define the refrigeration and freezer areas. In one instance,
one or more doors may enclose the refrigeration area, while one or
more drawers may define the freezer area. The reverse may also be
true.
[0005] Regardless of how the refrigeration and freezer areas are
configured or what structures are used to enclose each area, the
refrigeration area and the freezer area are established at the time
the refrigerator is designed and fixed when it is manufactured. At
that point, the purchaser of a household refrigerator is unable to
change which area will be the refrigeration area and which area
will be the freezer area. Likewise, the purchaser is unable to
increase the size of either the refrigeration area or the freezer
area depending on the purchaser's current needs. The purchaser is
also unable to use a portion or all of the refrigeration area as a
freezer area, or vice versa.
[0006] Typically, household refrigerators include a refrigeration
system that includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion
device, and an evaporator connected together by coils and tubes.
Refrigerant flows throughout the refrigeration system via the coils
and tubes. The refrigerant enters the compressor, where it is
pressurized, the result of which is an increase in the temperature
of the refrigerant. The refrigerant is transferred to the
condenser, where it is condensed and cooled by flowing through a
number of coils across which air passes. Energy in the form of heat
is transferred from the refrigerant to the air and removed from the
system. The refrigerant then enters the expansion device where it
undergoes an abrupt reduction in pressure, the result of which is a
decrease in the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant
then passes through coils typically adjacent to the areas to be
cooled. Fans and/or other devices circulate the areas' air over the
coils where heat energy is transferred from the circulated air to
the refrigerant, which results in a decrease in temperature of the
air in the enclosed area and an increase in temperature of the
refrigerant. The refrigerant then passes to the compressor and
begins the cycle again.
[0007] During normal usage, the refrigeration system described
above continues to cycle through the refrigeration process in order
to maintain the temperature within the various areas of the
refrigerator at a desired level. When the actual temperature rises
above the desired level in a certain area, the refrigeration system
of some refrigerators continues to operate as normal in an attempt
to lower the temperature of that area. Other refrigerators include
a variable speed compressor in the refrigeration system, which
allows the system to change the rate at which refrigerant passes
through the refrigeration cycle. The faster the flow rate of the
refrigerant, the greater the amount of refrigerant that flows
through the system's coils during a specific period of time. This
allows a greater amount of heat energy to be transferred from the
air in the area to be cooled to the refrigerant, thereby decreasing
the temperature of the air at a greater pace. When the desired
temperature is established in the refrigerator's areas, the
compressor returns to a normal speed. Under some conditions, it is
desirable for the compressor to operate at a rate slower than
normal.
[0008] Refrigerators typically use baffles to control the flow of
cold air from the refrigeration system to the refrigerator's areas.
Generally, each of the refrigerator's areas includes at least one
port allowing cold air to pass into the area and at least one vent
allowing circulated air to pass out of the area. Baffles connected
to each port open and close the particular port to respectively
allow or prevent cold air from entering the corresponding area.
Controlling the flow of cold air in this manner allows the
refrigeration system to maintain the temperature of each area at a
relatively stable level.
[0009] Household refrigerators normally include controls and
sensors to adjust and regulate the temperature of the refrigeration
and freezer areas. Depending on the type of controls, the
refrigerator's user can select a specific temperature, a
temperature range, or a number indicative of a relative
temperature, such as choosing the number "2" from a range of 1 to
5. Each selection, including the numeric range, correlates to a
specific temperature or temperature range for that area of the
refrigerator. As described above, when the temperature of one or
more areas rises to a temperature that is greater than an
established difference between the current temperature and the
selected temperature for an that area, the refrigeration system
continues to cycle in an attempt to cool that area. In other
refrigerators, the refrigeration system increases the speed of the
compressor to more rapidly chill the desired area.
[0010] The baffles described above control which areas receive the
cold air by opening the ports corresponding to the areas for which
the temperature should be lowered and by closing the ports
corresponding to areas currently maintaining a suitable
temperature. The baffles keep the open ports open until the
temperature of the corresponding area has reached an acceptable
level. If one area has reached a suitable temperature level but the
temperature in other areas remains higher than acceptable, baffles
close the corresponding ports that are associated with the areas
that have reached a suitable temperature level. The refrigeration
system's compressor continues to operate until all areas have
reached a suitable temperature. In a refrigerator that includes a
variable speed compressor, the refrigeration system is capable of
operating at different rates depending on the difference between
the desired temperature and the actual temperature in the various
areas. In older refrigerators, when all areas have reached a
suitable temperature, and, therefore, no additional sections need
to be cooled, the refrigeration system deactivates. In other
refrigerators employing variable speed compressors, the
refrigeration system may decrease the speed of the compressor to a
point where the refrigeration system is capable of maintaining the
desired temperature in each of the refrigerator areas. The
refrigeration system of yet other refrigerators may only be able to
operate continuously at one speed in an attempt to maintain the
desired temperature.
[0011] The refrigeration system described above is intended to
maintain the refrigerator's interior at a temperature below the
temperature of ambient air in the room where the refrigerator has
been placed. Maintaining a set temperature is somewhat
straightforward when the refrigeration and freezer areas are sealed
and remain unopened. Depending on the refrigerator's construction,
some heat energy may be exchanged between the air within the
refrigerator's interior and the ambient air through the
refrigerator's external housing. Due to modem refrigerator
constructions, a large amount of heat energy will generally not be
exchanged in this manner.
[0012] Conversely, an exchange of heat energy automatically takes
place when the refrigerator is opened due to the difference in
temperature between the ambient air and the air in the
refrigerator's interior. Because heat energy travels from higher
temperatures to lower temperatures, any air of a temperature lower
than the ambient air will begin to increase in temperature. In this
scenario, the temperature of the air inside the refrigerator begins
to rapidly increase. Similarly, because the cold air within the
refrigerator has a lower temperature, it is denser than that of the
ambient air causing refrigerated air to leave the refrigerator
while ambient air enters it. Given a sufficient amount of time, the
temperature of the air within the refrigerator will increase to
that of the ambient air. This also causes an increase in
temperature of the items stored in the refrigerator.
[0013] The refrigeration system must operate continuously, or, in
the case of a system including a variable speed compressor, must
operate at a speed higher than normal in order to counteract the
increase in temperature described above. If any part of the
refrigerator's interior remains exposed, the air within the
refrigerator will continue to absorb heat energy and its
temperature will rise to the temperature of the ambient air.
Continuous operation of the refrigeration system puts a strain on
the system's components and reduces the components' useful life.
Additionally, this continuous operation consumes an inefficient
amount of energy. Thus, an unobstructed exchange of heat energy
from the ambient air to the refrigerated air, as well as the
introduction of ambient air into the interior of the refrigerator,
causes the refrigeration system to operate inefficiently.
[0014] A user places items in the refrigeration and freezer areas
of a refrigerator in order to keep the item's temperature below a
particular level, generally to preserve the item. Refrigerators
employ a range of structures to facilitate the placement and
removal of various items by the user. For example, bottles of soda
and wine create an inefficient use of space due to the necessary
arrangement of shelves above the bottle to accommodate their height
when placed vertically on a lower shelf. When placed horizontally
on a shelf, bottles are able to roll and move around on the
refrigerator's shelf. In order to efficiently store these bottles,
some refrigerators include a support consisting of at least one
semi-circular bracket that holds the bottle horizontally above a
shelf. Such supports, however, create an inefficient use of space
when not in use due to the space occupied and made unavailable by
the support.
[0015] Likewise, bins attached to the interior of a refrigerator
door facilitate access to items frequently used and removed from a
refrigerator. The configuration and manner of attachment of these
bins to the refrigerator door may vary. In some instances, such
bins can be attached to different locations along the width and
height of the door's interior. These bins generally occupy the
entire space that exists horizontally between the inside of the
closed refrigerator door and the adjacent refrigerator shelves
making the size of the bin bulky and difficult to carry when
removed from the door. The user must either remove each item from
the bin that the user intends to use at the moment or must remove
the entire bin, which may be awkward to carry and/or contain
unwanted items. Additionally, refrigerators lack adequate support
to efficiently store irregularly-shaped items, such as a pizza
box.
[0016] Refrigerators include other structures to better preserve
certain items, including dairy bins to preserve dairy products,
such as butter. Generally, dairy bins are attached to the interior
of a refrigerator door near the top portion of the door and include
a partially cylindrical cover that rotates about its axis to
provide access to the contents contained in the dairy bin. Due to
the bin's location and arrangement, it can be difficult to remove
the bin's contents.
[0017] Items required to be kept frozen, such as ice cream, are
stored in the freezer areas of a refrigerator. The desired
temperature in which to store some items, such as ice cream,
however, can be lower than other items stored in the freezer. In
these situations, the user commonly sets the temperature of the
freezer at a particular level to maintain an ideal temperature for
the majority of items in order to prevent freezer burn or other
damaging effects to these items. This creates a tendency to cause
other items that require lower temperatures, such as ice cream, to
be softer than desired. As an illustration, ice cream may become
softer than otherwise intended if stored at a higher temperature
level desirable for storing other freezer items. Freezers lack an
area directed to storing certain items whose ideal storage
temperature is generally lower than the majority of other items
stored in the freezer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing
considerations, and others, of prior art construction and
methods.
[0019] In this regard, one aspect of the invention provides a
refrigerator comprising a refrigerator housing defining first,
second, and third compartments separated by insulated walls, a
refrigeration system supplying cold air to the first, second, and
third compartments, first, second, and third sensors operative to
detect temperature in a respective one of the first, second, and
third compartments, and control circuitry in electrical
communication with the sensors, the control circuitry controlling
flow of the cold air into each of the first, second, and third
compartments so as to facilitate maintaining a respective desired
temperature therein, where the desired temperature of each of the
first, second, and third compartments is variable and may be set by
a user independently with respect to each other.
[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention also
provides a refrigeration apparatus comprising a refrigerator
housing defining first, second, and third compartments in which
food items are stored, a refrigeration system, a first aperture
defined by the housing to provide fluid communication between the
refrigeration system and the first compartment, a first mechanism
being configured to vary the first aperture, a second aperture
defined by the housing to provide fluid communication between the
refrigeration system and the second compartment, a second mechanism
being configured to vary the second aperture, control circuitry
operatively connected to the first mechanism and the second
mechanism, where the control circuitry directs the first mechanism
to vary the first aperture and directs the second mechanism to vary
the second aperture in order to facilitate maintaining the first
compartment at a first desired temperature and the second
compartment at a second desired temperature.
[0021] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
refrigeration apparatus comprising a generally rectangular area
defined by two side walls, a back wall, a top wall, a base, and a
door and a device attached to an inside surface of the top wall for
producing an air curtain, where the device expels air downward
toward the base when the door is opened.
[0022] In another aspect, there is provided a rack suspended from
an underside of a shelf for supporting at least one container, the
rack comprising a back support attached to the underside of the
shelf having a vertical support and a horizontal flange, the
vertical support and the horizontal flange having at least one
first curve, wherein the vertical support and the horizontal flange
are constructed to receive a bottom of the container at the first
curve and a front support attached to the underside at at least one
connection point and having at least one second curve, the second
curve opposite the first curve and constructed to receive a portion
of the container, where the front support is adapted to pivot at
the connection point such that the front support may be attached
horizontally to the underside of the shelf and stored.
[0023] One aspect of the invention provides A bin attached to a
refrigerator door for storing a plurality of items, the bin
comprising a back portion attached to the refrigerator door and
configured to store a first set of the items, the back portion
comprising a support structure and a front portion configured to
store a second set of the items, the front portion adapted to be
maintained in position on the support structure but removable
therefrom, where the front portion may be separated from the back
portion by vertically lifting the hollow portion away from the
support structure.
[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention also
provides a dairy bin for a refrigerator comprising a first side
support, a cover comprising a first cover end and a first plurality
of gear teeth attached to the first cover end, wherein the first
cover end is pivotally attached to the first side support such that
the cover is able to rotate in a generally cylindrical manner, and
a tray comprising a first tray end, the first tray end being
slideable such that the tray is able to slide forward and backward
in a generally horizontal manner, where the first tray end defines
a first plurality of slots in which respective of said gear teeth
are received.
[0025] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
refrigeration apparatus comprising an ice maker and an ice bin
located underneath the ice maker, where a portion of a top surface
of the ice bin defines a ledge for supporting a container.
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of a refrigerator in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the refrigerator of
FIG. 1, with a door and drawer open to reveal internal
structures;
[0030] FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of the refrigerator of
FIG. 1 showing the access drawer of a convertible compartment
open;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the top of the
refrigerator of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5a is a diagrammatic view illustrating operation of a
refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIGS. 5b, 6a, 6b, and 6c are isometric views of different
areas of a refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is an enlarged isometric view of a refrigerator panel
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a refrigerator compartment in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 9a and 9b are enlarged isometric views of a bottle
rack of a refrigerator in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention in extended and retracted positions,
respectively;
[0037] FIG. 10 is an enlarged isometric view of a refrigerator bin
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is an enlarged isometric view of a refrigerator bin
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0039] FIG. 12 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of a
refrigerator's freezer area in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0040] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent same or
analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided
by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the
invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications and variations can be made in the present
invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For
instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still
further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention
covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents. Additional aspects
and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
[0042] FIGS. 1 through 5b illustrate a refrigerator 10 constructed
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Refrigerator 10
includes a housing 12 having a top wall 14, left wall 16, right
wall 18, back wall 20, and bottom 22. Housing 12 defines an upper
portion 24 and a lower portion 26 separated by a horizontal wall
28. A vertical wall 30 divides upper portion 24 into a freezer
area, i.e., compartment, 32 on the left and a refrigeration area 34
on the right. Freezer door 36 and refrigerator door 38 are attached
to housing 12 and enclose freezer area 32 and refrigeration area
34, respectively. The front side 40 of top wall 14 includes a panel
42. Freezer temperature controls (not shown) and refrigerator
temperature controls (collectively denoted as temperature controls
44) located on panel 42 are revealed when freezer door 36 and
refrigerator door 38 are opened. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate, temperature controls 44 are in electronic communication
with control circuitry. Freezer area 32, refrigeration area 34, and
lower portion 26 each include a temperature sensor, examples of
which are temperature sensors 48 located in freezer area 32 (FIG.
5b) and temperature sensor 50 (FIG. 2) located in refrigeration
area 34, respectively. It should be understood that additional
sensors may be used depending on the size and configuration of
refrigerator 10. These temperature sensors are also connected to
the control circuitry, at least some of which in this case is
housed under a cover 52 located on the exterior of top wall 14. A
drawer 54 is attached to housing 12 and occupies the space
corresponding to lower portion 26. As will be described in more
detail below with reference to FIG. 7, freezer door 36 includes an
ice and water dispenser 56 having a control panel 58.
[0043] Refrigeration area 34 also includes a variety of other
structures, such as shelves 60, a variety of bins 62, an air
curtain device 64, a bottle rack 66, a separable bin 68, and a
dairy bin 70. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art that a number of combinations and constructions of shelves,
bins, racks, and trays may be employed without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention. In general, the
construction of refrigerator shelves and removable bins should be
understood in the art and are, therefore, not discussed in further
detail except as they relate to aspects of the present invention.
The construction and function of air curtain device 64, bottle rack
66, separable bin 68, and dairy bin 70 are described in more detail
below with respect to FIGS. 8, 9a, 9b, 10, and 11,
respectively.
[0044] FIG. 5a is a diagrammatic illustration showing the general
airflow of refrigerator 10 to maintain the desired temperatures of
the refrigerator's various areas. FIG. 5b is an isometric view of
freezer area 32 with a rear covering 72 (FIG. 6a) removed to depict
several components of the refrigeration system of refrigerator 10.
The control circuitry is operatively connected to the refrigeration
system. As described above, general aspects of refrigeration
systems, their various components, and manner of operation should
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and are,
therefore, not described in further detail. Thus, reference will be
made to only certain components of the refrigeration system of
refrigerator 10 for simplicity. FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c are isometric
views of the various areas of refrigerator 10 illustrating the
manner of airflow of each area to maintain the desired temperature
of that area.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6a, freezer area 32
includes several components of the refrigeration system of
refrigerator 10, such as a fan 74 and refrigeration coils 76. A
rear covering 72 (FIG. 6a) separates a space in the rear of freezer
area 32 between back wall 20 of housing 12 and the covering from a
space in the forward part of the area between the covering and
freezer door 36. For simplicity, this space between housing 12 and
covering 72 is referred to as cooling area 78, while the space
between covering 72 and freezer door 36 is referred to as frozen
food area 80. Fan 74 and coils 76 are attached to back wall 20 of
housing 12 at the rear of freezer area 32. Thus, fan 74 and coils
76 are enclosed by covering 72 and contained in cooling area
78.
[0046] Refrigeration area 34 is in fluid communication with cooling
area 78 of the refrigeration system via an aperture. In the
presently-described embodiment, the aperture is shown as an air
port 82 defined at a location near the top of vertical wall 30 to
provide an air passage between cooling area 78 and refrigeration
area 34. A damper 84 (FIG. 5a) connected in registry with port 82
is capable of opening and closing the port. A return vent 86 is
located near the bottom of vertical wall 30 to provide a return air
passage between refrigeration area 34 and cooling area 78.
[0047] A ventilation channel 88 located at the rear of freezer area
32 extends vertically down the back corner formed by walls 16 and
20 through horizontal wall 28 into lower portion 26. Lower portion
26 is in fluid communication with cooling area 78 of the
refrigeration system via an aperture defined between ventilation
channel 88 and the lower portion. In the presently-described
embodiment, the aperture is shown as a port 92 defined in the
horizontal wall 28. An opening 90 at the top of ventilation channel
88 and port 92 provide an air passage between cooling area 78 and
lower portion 26. A damper 94 connected in registry with port 92 is
capable of opening and closing the port. A return vent 96 is
defined in horizontal wall 28 near the left, front section of lower
portion 26 and provides an air passage between the lower portion
and cooling area 78.
[0048] Frozen food area 80 is in fluid communication with cooling
area 78 of the refrigeration system via one or more apertures. In
the presently-described embodiment, such apertures are shown in
FIG. 6a as air ports 98 and 100 incorporated in rear covering 72,
which provide an air passage between cooling area 78 and frozen
food area 80. In another embodiment, rear covering 72 additionally
includes dampers connected in registry with ports 98 and 100, which
are capable of opening and closing the ports. Dampers such as
these, as well as dampers 84 and 94, should be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art and are, therefore, not discussed in
further detail. Rear covering 72 includes a return vent 102 located
at the base of frozen food area 80 that provides an air passage
between the frozen food area and cooling area 78 for
recirculation.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, dispenser 56 includes recess 104 and a
paddle 106 concavely shaped to receive a typical drinking glass. An
opening 108 is located at the top of recess 104 to be aligned with
a drinking glass when the glass is placed against the paddle. In
this embodiment, control panel 58 includes the following buttons:
light button 110, control lock button 112, water select button 114,
ice cube select button 116, ice crush select button 118, extra ice
button 120, temperature adjust up button 122, temperature adjust
down button 124, and hold buttons 126 and 128. Control panel 58
additionally includes a display 130, all of which are in electric
communication with the control circuitry. The structure and
operation of water and ice dispensers should be understood to one
of ordinary skill in the art and, therefore, is not discussed in
further detail.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, in operation, the user sets the desired
temperature for frozen food area 80 and refrigeration area 34 using
temperature controls 44. Temperature sensors in each part of the
refrigerator, such as temperature sensor 48 in freezer area 32 and
temperature sensor 50 in refrigeration area 34, measure the
temperature of the corresponding area and transmit the information
to the control circuitry. When the control circuitry determines the
temperature in one or more areas has risen to an unacceptable level
in comparison to the desired temperature set by the user, the
circuitry operates to reduce the temperature in such area.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, increasing the speed of the
refrigeration system causes cold refrigerant to flow more rapidly
through coils 76. Fan 74 operates to draw warmer air over coils 76
causing the colder refrigerant in the coils to absorb heat energy
from the warmer air, thereby cooling the air. Also referring to
FIG. 6b, if the control circuitry determines the temperature of
refrigeration area 34 has risen to an unacceptable level, the
circuitry instructs damper 84 to open port 82. As a result, cold
air will flow into refrigeration area 32 (as denoted by arrows 132
and 134). Air introduced into refrigeration area 34 via port 82
causes air within the area to exit via vent 86 (as denoted by
arrows 134 and 136). The air exiting refrigeration area 34 enters
cooling area 78 to begin the process again (as denoted by arrows
138). Temperature sensor 50 continues to measure and transmit
temperature information to the control circuitry. When the control
circuitry determines the temperature within refrigeration area 34
has lowered to an acceptable level, the circuitry instructs damper
84 to close port 82 in order to prevent additional cold air from
cooling area 78 flowing into refrigeration area 34.
[0052] In another embodiment, the control circuitry can instruct
damper 84 to partially close port 82 in order to reduce the amount
of cold air from cooling area 78 flowing into refrigeration area 34
based on the temperature information received from temperature
sensor 50. The damper may then be instructed to close the port once
the temperature in refrigeration area 34 has reached an acceptable
level.
[0053] Similar to above and referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6a, in
another embodiment, if the control circuitry determines the
temperature of frozen food area 80 has risen to an unacceptable
level, the circuitry instructs dampers within rear covering 72 to
open ports 98 and 100 allowing the cold air from cooling area 78 to
flow into frozen food area 80 (as denoted by arrows 140 and 142).
Air introduced into frozen food area 80 via ports 98 and 100 causes
air within the area to re-circulate via vent 102. The air exiting
frozen food area 80 enters cooling area 78 to begin the process
again. Temperature sensor 48 continues to measure and transmit
temperature information to the control circuitry. When the control
circuitry determines the temperature within frozen food area 80 has
lowered to an acceptable level, the circuitry instructs the dampers
within rear covering 72 to close ports 98 and 100 in order to
prevent cold air from cooling area 78 flowing into frozen food area
80.
[0054] In another embodiment, the control circuitry can instruct
dampers within rear covering 72 to partially close ports 98 and 100
in order to reduce the amount of cold air from cooling area 78
flowing into frozen food area 80 based on the temperature
information received from temperature sensor 48. The dampers may
then be instructed to close the ports once the temperature in the
area has reached an acceptable level.
[0055] Referring again to FIG. 7, control panel 58 includes certain
buttons used to set the temperature of lower portion 26. The
currently selected temperature setting for lower portion 26 is
shown on display 130. In order to change the selected temperature,
the user simultaneously depresses hold buttons 126 and 128 for a
predetermined period of time, such as 3 seconds, in order to
activate temperature adjust buttons 122 and 124. The user may
increase the desired temperature setting for lower portion 26 by
pressing temperature adjust up button 122 and may decrease the
desired temperature setting by pressing temperature adjust down
button 124. In one embodiment, available temperature settings for
lower portion 26 shown on display 130 may include acronyms such as
"RF" for refrigeration or "SC" for super chill. In another
embodiment, available temperature settings for lower portion 26 may
include complete words such as "refrigerator" or "freezer." In yet
another embodiment, available temperature settings for lower
portion 26 may include "fresh food," "refrigerator," "soft freeze,"
or "hard freeze." In yet another embodiment, available temperature
settings for lower portion 26 may include an exact temperature
setting, such as thirty degrees ("30.degree.") Fahrenheit, or a
relative numeral setting within a range, such as "2" out of the
range of 1 to 5. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art that a number of combinations and selections for
available settings may be selected and programmed without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0056] When the user has selected the desired temperature setting,
the user presses lock button 112, which deactivates temperature
adjust buttons 122 and 124 and sets the desired temperature setting
at the control circuitry. At this point, if the temperature of
lower portion 26 is greater than the selected temperature by an
unacceptable amount, the control circuitry increases the speed of
the refrigeration system or otherwise operates in a manner that
reduces the temperature.
[0057] Now referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6c, once the control
circuitry has increased the refrigeration system's speed, it
instructs damper 94 to open port 92 allowing cold air from cooling
area 78 to flow into lower portion 26 (as denoted by arrows 144 and
146). Air introduced into lower area 26 via port 92 displaces air
within the area, causing it to exit via vent 96 (as denoted by
arrows 148). The air exiting lower portion 26 enters cooling area
78 to begin the process again. The temperature sensor (not shown)
in lower portion 26 continues to measure and transmit temperature
information to the control circuitry. When the control circuitry
determines the temperature within lower portion 26 has lowered to
an acceptable level, the circuitry instructs damper 94 to close
port 92 in order to restrict or prevent additional cold air from
cooling area 78 flowing into lower portion 26.
[0058] In another embodiment, the control circuitry can instruct
damper 94 to partially close port 92 in order to reduce the amount
of cold air from cooling area 78 flowing into lower portion 26
based on the temperature information received from the temperature
sensor. The damper may then be instructed to close the port once
the temperature in the lower portion has reached an acceptable
level.
[0059] When the control circuitry determines that the temperature
within refrigeration area 34, frozen food area 80, and lower
portion 26, have all reached acceptable levels, the circuitry
returns the speed of the refrigeration system of refrigerator 10 to
normal. The temperature sensors, such as temperature sensors 48 and
50, continue to monitor and transmit the temperature level of each
area to the control circuitry.
[0060] As described above, the refrigeration system of refrigerator
10 preferably includes a variable speed compressor 101 (FIG. 5A),
the speed of which is controlled by the control circuitry. This
circuitry sets the speed of the motor of compressor 101 depending
on the difference by which the actual temperature of at least one
of frozen food area 80, refrigeration area 34, or lower portion 26
is greater than its desired temperature. The increase in speed of
the motor set by the control circuitry is related to the difference
between the actual temperature and the desired temperature of the
certain area. For example, the control circuitry will preferably
cause the speed of the motor of compressor 101 to operate at a
higher rate when the actual temperature of lower portion 26 is 5
degrees higher than the desired temperature than when the actual
temperature is 2 degrees higher than the desired temperature. By
way of another example, when the user selects a setting for lower
portion 26 corresponding to a temperature or temperature range for
a freezer area (i.e., from 0 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit) using
control panel 58 and the previous setting for the lower portion
corresponded to a temperature or temperature range for a
refrigerator area (i.e., from 34 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit), the
control circuitry causes variable speed compressor 101 to operate
continuously at a very high rate in order to rapidly decrease the
temperature of the air in lower portion 26. In this specific
situation, the control circuitry instructs damper 84 to close port
82 and dampers in rear covering 72 to close ports 98 and 100 so
that all the air being cooled in cooling area 78 is sent through
port 90, down channel 88, through port 92, and into lower portion
26. This causes the temperature of lower portion 26 to drop
rapidly.
[0061] In another embodiment, temperature controls 44 allow the
user to set the temperature for frozen food area 80 and
refrigeration area 34 to any desired temperature or temperature
range. For example, the user may desire refrigeration area 34 to
operate as a freezer and accordingly uses temperature controls 44
to set the desired temperature to below freezing. The refrigeration
system operates as described above in order to decrease the
temperature of the air within refrigeration area 34 to the desired
level, thereby converting the refrigeration area into a
freezer.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, refrigeration area 34 includes an air
curtain device 64, which is located at the front topmost portion of
area's interior and is attached to underside of top wall 14. A
water filter 150, which filters water flowing into the refrigerator
and to dispenser 56 to be used for drinking, is located adjacent to
air curtain device 64. The operation of such water filters should
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and is,
therefore, not discussed in further detail. When refrigerator door
38 is opened, fans within air curtain device 64 draw air in from
vents at the rear of the device and expel air through slit-like
vents 152 at the front of the device vertically downward toward the
base of refrigeration area 34 (as denoted by arrows 154). When
refrigerator door 38 is open, operation of air curtain device 64
creates a barrier of circulated air at the front of refrigeration
area 34 planar with the location of refrigerator door 38 when the
door is shut. The barrier creates a virtual air wall, or "curtain,"
which obstructs the exchange of heat energy between the ambient air
and the air within refrigeration area 34. This obstruction of heat
energy exchange decreases the rate at which the temperature of the
air inside refrigeration area 34 would otherwise increase when
refrigerator door 38 was opened under normal conditions.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, refrigeration area 34 includes
bottle rack 66 comprising a back support 156 and a front support
158. Back support 156 is attached to and suspends vertically
downward from the underside of a shelf, such as shelf 60, and
includes a vertical support piece 160 and a horizontal flange piece
162. Vertical support piece 160 and horizontal flange piece 162
include a number of curves, each constructed to receive the bottom
end of an item shaped like a bottle. Front support 158 is also
attached to the underside of shelf 60 at points 164 and 166 and
suspends vertically downward therefrom. Front support 158 also
exhibits a number of curves, each constructed to receive the mid or
neck portion of an item shaped like a bottle. As shown specifically
in FIG. 9b, front support 158 is adapted to pivot at points 164 and
166 (as denoted by arrow 168 and phantom lines 170) allowing it to
attach horizontally to the underside of shelf 60 where it can be
stored.
[0064] In operation, a user pivots front support 158 down into its
vertical position as shown in FIG. 9a and depicted by phantom lines
170 in FIG. 9b. An item, such as a 2-liter bottle of soda or a
bottle of wine, is passed between shelf 60 and front support 158
until the item's base reaches vertical support 160. The user then
places the item's base against vertical support 160 and sets the
item on horizontal flange 162 within one curve of back support 156.
The user then rests the mid or neck portion of the item on a
corresponding curve of front support 158. When not in use, front
support 158 may be pivoted upward and attached to the underside of
shelf 60 (as denoted by arrow 168) providing a user with more space
below the shelf.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 10, separable bin 68 is attached to the
interior of refrigerator door 38 and comprises a back support 172
and a removable front 174. Back support 172 includes a container
area 176 and a support tray 178, which is formed to fit within the
base of removable front 174 (as denoted by phantom lines 180).
Likewise, removable front 174 includes its own container area 182,
which is defined by an outside surface 184 having a hollow portion
formed to receive support tray 178.
[0066] In operation, the user places items in container area 176.
Other items frequently removed from refrigerator 10 by the user are
placed in container area 182. Instead of removing items one-by-one
from container area 182, the user vertically lifts outside surface
184 thereby separating removable front 174 from support tray 178.
The user then carries removable front 174 to transport the items
stored in container area 182 to a desired location. When finished
with the items stored in container area 182, the user vertically
replaces removable front 174 back down onto support tray 178.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 11, dairy bin 70 includes support sides
186 (only one support side of the bin is shown for simplicity)
attached to the interior of refrigerator door 38. A cover 188
consists of a partially cylindrical section 190 formed with
perpendicular sides 192 (only one side of the cover is shown for
simplicity). Side 192 is secured to support side 186 at point 194
such that point 194 is coaxial with partially cylindrical section
190 giving cover 188 the ability to rotate (as denoted by arrow
196) about it axis. Side 192 includes gear teeth (collectively
denoted at 198). A tray 200 is slideably attached to the base of
support sides 186 so that the tray is able to move forward and
backward in the horizontal plane (as denoted by arrow 202) and
includes recesses (collectively denoted at 204) formed to receive
gear teeth 198.
[0068] A user of refrigerator 10 can either vertically raise cover
188 or horizontally slide tray 200 forward to access the items
stored in dairy bin 70. When cover 188 is raised, side 192 rotates
in a counterclockwise motion so that gear teeth 198 engage recesses
204. As gear teeth 198 rotate counterclockwise with side 192, they
push recesses 204 forward, thereby causing tray 200 to slide
forward horizontally. Likewise, when tray 200 is slid horizontally
forward, recesses 204 engage gear teeth 198. As tray 200 slides
forward, recesses 204 pull gear teeth 198 causing side 192 to
rotate counterclockwise about point 194. This rotation also causes
cover 188 to raise.
[0069] When tray 200 is slid in the opposite direction, recesses
204 move backward with the tray. Because gear teeth 198 are engaged
with recesses 204, this movement causes gear teeth 198, and thus
side 192, to rotate in the clockwise direction. This lowers cover
188 onto tray 200 to close dairy bin 70. Likewise, if the user
lowers cover 188, side 192 rotates clockwise causing gear teeth 198
to also rotate clockwise. As gear teeth 198 rotate, they pull
recesses 204 back toward the inside surface of refrigerator door
38. Thus, it should be understood that a dairy bin capable of being
opened by either moving tray 200 or cover 188 is disclosed.
[0070] FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of frozen food area 80 (FIG.
6a) with the addition of an ice maker 205. Ice maker 205 is
attached to rear covering 72 near the covering's top. An ice bin
206 located underneath ice maker 205 and attached to rear covering
72 extends horizontally from the covering to the front of freezer
food 80 and is used to store ice produced by the maker. The front
of ice maker 205 and the top of ice bin 206 preferably define a
ledge at 208. A removable L-shaped shelf 210 is located on the top
of ice bin 206 and attached to the front of ice maker 205. The
right side of ice bin 206 and vertical wall 30 define a narrow
space 212 extending from the bottom of the ice bin to the underside
of top wall 14. A curved support 214 is attached to ice bin at the
foot of space 212.
[0071] As explained above with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6a,
cold air produced by the refrigeration system of refrigerator 10 is
transferred from cooling area 78 through ports 98 and 100 into
frozen food area 80 as denoted by arrows 140 and 142. Ice maker 205
and ice bin 206 are located in the space between ports 98 and 100
causing the area occupied by the ice maker and bin to exhibit a
temperature lower than the surrounding air in freezer area 80.
Because L-shaped shelf 210 is located in this area, the temperature
of the air in the space occupied by the shelf is lower than the
surrounding air in frozen food area 80. Items which the user wishes
to store at a temperature lower that the average temperature of
frozen food area 80, such as ice cream, can be stored on L-shaped
shelf 210 (as denoted by phantom lines 216).
[0072] Depending on the size and configuration of refrigerator 10,
some irregularly shaped items may be unable to adequately fit
horizontally in frozen food area 80, such as frozen pizza boxes.
Because of its spatial characteristics, space 212 is ideal for
storing such items (as shown in phantom lines). Users avoid having
to remove and rearrange the contents of such items to fit within a
regular storage container in order to place the contents in frozen
food area 80. Instead, such items can be placed on support 214,
which is designed to act as a foundation for such items. The user
may set the item on curved support 214 and push item toward the
rear of frozen food area 80. The item can be easily removed when
desired.
[0073] While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention
have been shown and described, it should be understood that any and
all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included
within the scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are
presented by way of example only and are not intended as
limitations upon the present invention. Thus, it should be
understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the present
invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications
can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such
embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall
within the scope and spirit thereof.
* * * * *