U.S. patent application number 14/965924 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for hidden drawer glides for pantry drawers of a refrigerating appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Whirlpool Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Whirlpool Corporation. Invention is credited to Robert J. Haeberle, Dakota E. Kosek, Michael S. Richards, Todd J. Tunzi, Rahul Wadke, Joshua J. Wittes.
Application Number | 20170167779 14/965924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59020630 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170167779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haeberle; Robert J. ; et
al. |
June 15, 2017 |
HIDDEN DRAWER GLIDES FOR PANTRY DRAWERS OF A REFRIGERATING
APPLIANCE
Abstract
A refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet structure having an
inner liner defining an interior compartment. A drawer includes a
panel member and a sliding structure that extends between the panel
member and the cabinet structure. The sliding structure serves to
operably dispose the panel member between extended and retracted
positions of the drawer. A drawer liner is selectively positioned
approximate the drawer and is engaged with the panel member. The
drawer liner includes opposing sides that define first and second
channels, respectively, wherein the first and second channels
extend over portions of the sliding structure. A wire chase is
defined within at least one of the first and second channels
wherein electrical wiring extends from the cabinet structure and to
the panel member through the wire chase.
Inventors: |
Haeberle; Robert J.; (St.
Joseph, MI) ; Kosek; Dakota E.; (Benton Harbor,
MI) ; Richards; Michael S.; (St. Joseph, MI) ;
Tunzi; Todd J.; (St. Joseph, MI) ; Wadke; Rahul;
(St. Joseph, MI) ; Wittes; Joshua J.; (Berrien
Springs, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Whirlpool Corporation |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
59020630 |
Appl. No.: |
14/965924 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2400/36 20130101;
A47B 2210/02 20130101; F25D 23/021 20130101; A47B 2210/0059
20130101; F25D 2400/40 20130101; A47B 2210/06 20130101; A47B
2210/175 20130101; F25D 25/025 20130101; F25D 23/067 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/06 20060101
F25D023/06; F25D 25/02 20060101 F25D025/02; A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04; F25D 23/04 20060101 F25D023/04 |
Claims
1. A refrigerating appliance comprising: a cabinet structure having
an inner liner defining an interior compartment; a drawer having a
panel member and a sliding structure extending between the panel
member and the cabinet structure for operably disposing the panel
member between extended and retracted positions; a drawer liner
selectively positioned proximate the drawer and engaged with the
panel member, the drawer liner having opposing sides that define
first and second channels, respectively, wherein the first and
second channels extend over portions of the sliding structure, the
drawer liner defining a single unitary piece; and a wire chase
defined within at least one of the first and second channels,
wherein electrical wiring extends from the cabinet structure and to
the panel member through the wire chase, and wherein the electrical
wiring and the sliding structure are contained within the first and
second channels and are hidden from view when the pantry drawer is
in the extended position.
2. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
bottom cover selectively engaged to the drawer liner at the wire
chase, wherein the wire chase is substantially enclosed by the
panel member, the bottom cover and at least one of the first and
second channels.
3. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the drawer liner
defines at least a bottom panel, sides and back wall of a storage
area of the drawer.
4. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the panel member
includes a user interface, wherein the user interface is in
communication with a utility system disposed within the cabinet
structure via the electrical wiring disposed in the wire chase.
5. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the panel member
includes a tab structure that receives a front wall of the drawer
liner.
6. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the cabinet
structure includes a plurality of drawer assemblies, and wherein
each of the plurality of drawer assemblies has a corresponding
drawer liner.
7. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the sliding
structure includes a laterally sliding portion that attaches to the
panel member, and wherein the first and second channels include
support members that engage the laterally sliding portion of the
sliding structure to support the drawer liner relative to the panel
member.
8. The refrigerating appliance of claim 7, wherein the support
members and laterally sliding portions are attached together via
fasteners.
9. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the drawer liner
is made of a single continuous member.
10. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the drawer is a
pantry drawer in communication with a pantry compartment defined
within the cabinet structure.
11. A drawer assembly for a refrigerating appliance, the drawer
assembly comprising: a panel member; a drawer sliding structure
having a sliding member that is engaged to the panel member and a
cabinet member that is adapted to engage a portion of a cabinet
structure; a drawer liner having opposing sides that define first
and second channels, respectively, wherein the first and second
channels extend between the sliding member and the cabinet
structure and over the sliding member, wherein the drawer liner is
selectively coupled to the panel member and the sliding member of
the drawer sliding structure, and wherein at least one of the first
and second channels defines a wire chase that is contained within
the drawer liner and extends from the panel member to a position
proximate a back wall of the drawer liner.
12. The drawer assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a wire
harness coupled to the panel member and extending through the wire
chase, to an electrical connector disposed at an end of the wire
chase, wherein the wire harness places electrical components of the
panel member in communication with the electrical connector.
13. The drawer assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a bottom
cover selectively disposed proximate the wire chase, wherein the
bottom cover engages the drawer liner to substantially enclose the
wire chase within at least one of the first and second channels,
wherein the wire chase is entirely contained within the drawer
liner.
14. The drawer assembly of claim 11, wherein the drawer liner is
formed from a single continuous member.
15. The drawer assembly of claim 11, wherein the drawer liner is
plastic.
16. The drawer assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the first and
second channels include an inboard member that defines a portion of
a storage area of the drawer liner and an outboard member that
defines a covering portion that extends over at least a part of the
sliding member, wherein the inboard and outboard members engage one
another at a top rail, wherein the inboard and outboard members and
the top rail of at least one of the first and second channels
defines the wire chase.
17. The drawer assembly of claim 12, wherein the electrical
components of the panel member include at least one of a light
fixture, a user interface, a heating element and an air handling
unit.
18. A refrigerating appliance comprising: a cabinet structure
having an inner liner defining a plurality of interior
compartments, including a pantry compartment; a pantry drawer
having a panel member and first and second drawer glides positioned
at opposing sides of the pantry compartment, respectively, wherein
each of the drawer glides includes a sliding member coupled to the
panel member and a cabinet member coupled to a portion of the
cabinet structure; and a drawer liner selectively coupled to the
panel member and the sliding members of the first and second drawer
glides, wherein the drawer liner includes hollow sides that define
first and second channels, wherein the first and second channels
extend around the respective sliding members of the first and
second drawer glides, each of the first and second channels
including outboard members that extend around the respective
sliding members between the respective sliding members and the
cabinet structure, the outboard members concealing the respective
sliding members from view when the pantry drawer is in an extended
position.
19. The refrigerating appliance of claim 18, wherein each of the
first and second channels includes an inboard member that partially
defines a storage area of the pantry drawer, a top rail that
extends between the inboard and outboard members and a removable
bottom cover extending between the inboard and outboard members,
wherein the respective sliding members are contained within the
first and second channels, respectively, and are each surrounded by
the inboard and outboard members, the top rail and the removable
bottom cover of the first and second channels, respectively.
20. The refrigerating appliance of claim 18, wherein at least one
of the first and second channels defines a wire chase, wherein
electrical wiring extends from the panel member to the cabinet
structure via the wire chase, the electrical wiring being hidden
from view and contained within the at least one of the first and
second channels when the pantry drawer is in the extended position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The device is in the field of refrigerating appliances.
Specifically, the device is in the field of concealed drawer glides
for pantry drawers of a refrigerating appliance.
SUMMARY
[0002] In at least one aspect, a refrigerating appliance includes a
cabinet structure having an inner liner defining an interior
compartment. A drawer includes a panel member and a sliding
structure that extends between the panel member and the cabinet
structure. The sliding structure serves to operably dispose the
panel member between extended and retracted positions of the
drawer. A drawer liner is selectively positioned approximate the
drawer and is engaged with the panel member. The drawer liner
includes opposing sides that define first and second channels,
respectively, wherein the first and second channels extend over
portions of the sliding structure. A wire chase is defined within
at least one of the first and second channels wherein electrical
wiring extends from the cabinet structure and to the panel member
through the wire chase.
[0003] In at least another aspect, a drawer assembly for a
refrigerating appliance includes a panel member and a drawer slide
mechanism that includes a sliding portion engaged with a panel
member and a cabinet portion that is adapted to engage a structural
member of an appliance cabinet. A drawer liner includes opposite
sides that define first and second channels, respectively. The
first and second channels extend over the sliding portion. The
drawer liner is selectively coupled to the panel member and the
sliding portion of the drawer slide mechanism. At least one of the
first and second channels defines a wire chase extending from the
panel member to a position proximate a back wall of the drawer
liner.
[0004] In at least another aspect, a refrigerating appliance
includes a cabinet structure having an inner liner that defines a
plurality of interior compartments, including a pantry compartment.
A pantry drawer includes a panel member and first and second drawer
glides that are positioned at opposite sides of the pantry
compartment, respectively. Each of the drawer glides includes a
sliding member that is coupled to the panel member and a cabinet
member that is coupled to a portion of the cabinet structure. A
drawer liner is selectively coupled to the panel member and the
sliding members of the first and second drawer glides. The drawer
liner includes hollow side walls that define first and second
channels, wherein the first and second channels extend around the
respective sliding members of the first and second drawer
glides.
[0005] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present device will be further understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance
incorporating an aspect of the concealed drawer glides within the
pantry compartment of the appliance;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an aspect of the pantry
compartment, with the pantry drawers in the extended position;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pantry compartment for
an appliance, illustrating an aspect of the drawer liners and
drawer glides of the pantry compartment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the pantry
compartment of FIG. 3 taken at area IV;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the pantry
compartment of FIG. 3 taken at area V;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of a pantry
compartment incorporating the concealed drawer glides and
illustrating an aspect of the wire chase for the concealed drawer
glides;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of the wire
chase illustrating the bottom cover separated from the wire chase
of the drawer liner;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of a drawer
liner used in conjunction with the concealed drawer glides;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a pantry
drawer for an appliance illustrating the panel member separated
from the drawer liner;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a pantry compartment
for an appliance illustrating an aspect of the drawer liner being
engaged with the panel member and the sliding members of the first
and second drawer glides;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the pantry compartment
of FIG. 10 illustrating the drawer liner engaged with the panel
member and the sliding member of the drawer glides; and
[0018] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the panel member
engaged with the drawer liner, according to at least one aspect of
the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] For purposes of description herein the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as
oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device
may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined
in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
[0020] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8,
reference numeral 10 generally refers to a pantry compartment for a
refrigerating appliance 12, where the refrigerating appliance 12
can include a plurality of interior compartments 14, such as
refrigerated compartments 16, freezing compartments 18, pantry
compartments 10, warming compartments, multi-purpose compartments,
and other similar interior compartments 14. According to the
various embodiments, a refrigerating appliance 12 can include a
cabinet structure 20 having an inner liner 22 that defines at least
one interior compartment 14. A drawer assembly 24 having a panel
member 26 and a sliding structure 28 that extends between the panel
member 26 and the cabinet structure 20 operably disposes the panel
member 26, and, in turn, the drawer assembly 24 between extended
and retracted positions 30, 32. A drawer liner 34 is selectively
positioned proximate the drawer assembly 24 and is engaged with the
panel member 26.
[0021] The drawer liner 34 includes opposing sides 40 that define
first and second channels 42, 44, respectively. The first and
second channels 42, 44 extend over portions of the sliding
structure 28. A wire chase 46 is defined within at least one of the
first and second channels 42, 44, wherein electrical wiring 48 is
adapted to extend from the cabinet structure 20 and to the panel
member 26 through at least a portion of the wire chase 46.
[0022] According to the various embodiments, as exemplified in
FIGS. 1-9, a bottom cover 60 is selectively engaged to the drawer
liner 34 at the wire chase 46. In such an embodiment, the wire
chase 46 is substantially enclosed by the panel member 26, the
bottom cover 60, and at least one of the first and second channels
42, 44. It is contemplated that one or more openings 62 for the
wire chase 46 could be positioned within the drawer liner 34
proximate a back wall 64 of the drawer liner 34. Such an opening 62
can allow for delivery of electrical wiring 48 from the cabinet
structure 20 and into the wire chase 46 via the opening 62 defined
within the drawer liner 34. It is further contemplated that
additional openings 62 within the drawer liner 34 can be positioned
proximate a front wall 66 of the drawer liner 34, such that the
electrical wiring 48 from the wire chase 46 can be delivered from
the wire chase 46 within the drawer liner 34 and through the
opening 62 proximate the front wall 66 into the panel member 26 for
the drawer assembly 24. It is contemplated that the openings 62 for
the wire chase 46, through which the electrical wiring 48 can enter
and exit the wire chase 46 can be defined by the respective ends 68
of each of the first and second channels 42, 44 of the opposing
sides 40 of the drawer liner 34.
[0023] Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, according to various aspects
of the device, the drawer liner 34 can include a bottom panel 80,
sides 40 and a back wall 64 that define a storage area 82 of the
drawer assembly 24. According to various embodiments, it is
contemplated that the drawer liner 34 can also include the front
wall 66 that further defines the storage area 82 of the drawer.
Alternatively, the drawer liner 34 can be constructed to be
substantially free of a front wall 66, such that a rear 84 of the
panel member 26, when attached to the drawer liner 34, defines at
least a portion of the storage area 82 of the drawer. In this
manner, the panel member 26 can include a tab structure 86 that
receives a panel attachment portion 88 of the drawer liner 34. The
panel attachment portion 88 of the drawer liner 34 can at least
partially define a front wall 66, such that the tab structure 86 of
the panel member 26 is positioned in a lower area 90 of the rear 84
of the panel member 26. Where the drawer liner 34 includes a front
wall 66, the tab structure 86 can be positioned on an upper area 94
of the rear 84 of the panel member 26 to receive the panel
attachment portion 88 in the form of a front lip 92 of the drawer
liner 34.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 3-10, it is contemplated that the
sliding structure 28 can include a laterally sliding portion 100,
including sliding members 102 that are configured to attach to the
panel member 26 at a slide-receiving portion 104 of the panel
member 26. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the first
and second channels 42, 44 of the drawer liner 34 can include
support members 106 that are adapted to engage the laterally
sliding portion 100 of the sliding structure 28 to support the
drawer liner 34 relative to the panel member 26. According to the
various embodiments, the support members 106 of the first and
second channels 42, 44 can rest directly upon the sliding members
102 of the laterally sliding portion 100. It is further
contemplated that the support members 106 can be attached to the
laterally sliding portion 100 by fasteners, such as screws, bolts,
or other similar fasteners.
[0025] According to the various embodiments, engagement between the
support members 106 and the sliding members 102 of the laterally
sliding portion 100 of the sliding structure 28 can be magnetic, or
can be attached through one or more interference mechanisms,
adhesives, welding, combinations thereof, combinations with
fasteners, and other similar attachment methods. It is contemplated
that removal of the drawer liner 34 after manufacture may be
desired, such that separation of the support members 106 and the
sliding members 102 may be desired. In such an embodiment, it is
contemplated the engagement between the support members 106 and the
sliding members 102 can be separable, such as in the case of a
magnetic connection, interference connection, or a fastener-type
connection. Such removal of the drawer liner 34 may be desired in
cases of replacement of a drawer liner 34, upgrade of a drawer
liner 34, cleaning of a drawer liner 34, or other similar
circumstance where the drawer liner 34 of the drawer assembly 24
may be removed or replaced.
[0026] The replacement of the drawer liner 34 within the drawer
assembly 24 serves to define the storage area 82 for the
compartment, such as in the case of a pantry drawer 120, at least
partially defining the storage area 82 for the pantry compartment
10. In this manner, the drawer assembly 24 can be defined as a
pantry drawer 120 that is placed in communication with a pantry
compartment 10 defined within the cabinet structure 20.
Alternatively, the drawer liner 34 described herein can be used for
other drawer-type compartments, such as a refrigerating
compartment, freezer compartment or other similar compartment,
where a drawer liner 34 is attached to a panel member 26 and a
sliding structure 28 to define a laterally operable storage area 82
for the appliance 12.
[0027] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the wire chase 46 that is
defined within the first and second channels 42, 44 of the drawer
liner 34 can serve to deliver electrical wiring 48 and, in turn,
electrical power from an electrical system 130 of the appliance 12
to various electrical components 132 placed within the panel member
26 of the drawer assembly 24. According to the various embodiments,
it is contemplated that the electrical components 132 which can
include a user interface 134, various light fixtures 136, heating
elements, air handling units, electrical components 132 related to
a glazing system disposed in the panel member 26, thermostats,
humidity sensors, combinations thereof, and other similar
electrical components 132 which can be incorporated in the panel
member 26 of the drawer assembly 24. It is also contemplated that
the electrical components 132 connected to the electrical wiring 48
fed through the wire chase 46 can be directed toward electrical
components 132 disposed within or proximate the drawer liner 34.
Such electrical components 132 of the drawer liner 34 can include,
but are not limited to, air handling units, light fixtures 136,
heating elements, user interface 134, thermostats, humidity
sensors, combinations thereof, and other similar electrical
components 132.
[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, where the panel member 26
includes a user interface 134, it is contemplated that the user
interface 134 can be placed in combination with a utility system
150 disposed within the cabinet structure 20 of the appliance 12.
Such communication between the user interface 134 of the panel
member 26 and the utility system 150 can be accomplished via the
electrical wiring 48 disposed in the wire chase 46. It is
contemplated that the various utility systems 150 of the appliance
12 can include, but are not limited to, an electrical system 130, a
refrigerant system, water delivery system, data transfer systems,
monitoring systems, combinations thereof, and other similar utility
systems 150 of the appliance 12. It is also contemplated that the
user interface 134 disposed on the panel member 26 can be used for
selecting various functions relating to the drawer assembly 24
disposed within the corresponding interior compartment 14 and also
functions related to the appliance 12 as a whole. Data concerning
the drawer assembly 24 and the appliance 12 as a whole can be
delivered to the user interface 134 of the panel member 26. It is
further contemplated that the user interface 134 of the panel
member 26 could be placed in communication with a separate master
control disposed on a different portion of the appliance 12, such
as a refrigerator compartment door 160.
[0029] Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, it is contemplated that the
cabinet structure 20 of the appliance 12 can include a plurality of
interior compartments 14. In such an embodiment, the various
interior compartments 14 of the appliance 12 can each include a
separate drawer assembly 24, where each of the plurality of drawer
assemblies 24 includes a corresponding drawer liner 34. By way of
example, and not limitation, the pantry compartment 10 of the
refrigerating appliance 12, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-3, can
include two separate pantry drawers 120 for the pantry compartment
10. Each of the pantry drawers 120 can include a separate drawer
liner 34. As discussed above, other interior compartments 14 of the
appliance 12 can include drawer assemblies 24 having the drawer
liner 34 described herein.
[0030] According to the various embodiments, the drawer liner 34
for each of the drawers of the appliance 12 can be made from a
single continuous member. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated
that the drawer liner 34 can be molded, formed or otherwise
constructed from a single sheet of metal, plastic or other formable
material. It is also contemplated that the drawer liner 34 can be
made from various components that are attached, formed or molded
together to define the structure of the drawer liner 34. Where
multiple compartments are implemented, each of the components can
be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited
to, plastic, metals, polymers, composite materials, combinations
thereof, and other similar materials that can be used in
conjunction with a refrigerating appliance 12 for performing
cooling, freezing, warming, heating, storing, and other similar
functions of an appliance 12.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, it is contemplated that the
panel member 26 and drawer liner 34 disclosed herein can be made as
part of a drawer assembly 24 that can be disposed within a
refrigerated appliance 12 as a separate piece included therein
during manufacturing of the appliance 12. According to the various
embodiments, the drawer assembly 24 can include the panel member 26
and the drawer sliding structure 28 having at least one sliding
member 102 that is engaged to the panel member 26 and a cabinet
member 170 that is adapted to engage a portion of the cabinet
structure 20 of the appliance 12. It is contemplated that the
drawer liner 34 can include opposing sides 40 that define the first
and second channels 42, 44, respectively. The first and second
channels 42, 44 are configured to extend over the sliding members
102 and the drawer liner 34 is selectively coupled to the panel
member 26 and one or more sliding members 102 of the drawer sliding
structure 28. A discussed above, at least one of the first and
second channels 42, 44 can define a wire chase 46 that extends from
the panel member 26 to a position proximate the back wall 64 of the
drawer liner 34.
[0032] According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated
that separate wire chases 46 can be disposed in each of the first
and second channels 42, 44. In such an embodiment, each of the
first and second channels 42, 44 can include a separate bottom
cover 60 that engages the drawer liner 34 at the wire chase 46
where the bottom cover 60 is selectively removable from the drawer
liner 34.
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 3-8, the bottom cover 60 of the
drawer assembly 24 can include cover tabs 180 that engage tab
receptacles 182 of the drawer liner 34, such that the bottom cover
60 can be snapped into place along the underside of the wire chase
46 of the drawer liner 34 through an interference-type engagement.
It is contemplated that various alternate connection mechanisms
between the bottom cover 60 and the drawer liner 34 can be used,
such connection mechanisms can include, but are not limited to,
magnetic connections, fastening members, welding, combinations
thereof, and other similar connection methods. The connection
method used between the bottom cover 60 and the drawer liner 34 can
be determined based upon the specific design of the appliance 12.
Where subsequent modification of one or more components of the
drawer assembly 24 may be desired, a more temporary connection
between the bottom cover 60 and the drawer liner 34 may be
included, such that removal of the bottom cover 60 and subsequent
replacement can be achieved.
[0034] Turning again to FIGS. 2-9, it is contemplated that each of
the first and second channels 42, 44 can include an inboard member
190 that defines at least a portion of the storage area 82 of the
drawer liner 34. Each of the first and second channels 42, 44 can
also include an outboard member 192 that defines a covering portion
194 that extends over at least a part of the sliding member 102 of
the sliding structure 28. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated
that the inboard and outboard members 190, 192 of each of the first
and second channels 42, 44 engage one another at a top rail 196 at
each of the first and second channels 42, 44, respectively. It is
contemplated that the inboard and outboard members 190, 192, in the
top rail 196 of each of the first and second channels 42, 44, at
least partially define the wire chase 46. As discussed above, the
wire chase 46 can also be defined by the bottom cover 60 that is
attached to one or both of the inboard and outboard members 190,
192 of the first and second channels 42, 44.
[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 3-9, in order to deliver the
electrical wiring 48 from the cabinet structure 20 and through the
wire chase 46 to the panel member 26, the drawer assembly 24 can
include a wire harness 210 that is coupled to the panel member 26.
It is contemplated that the wire harness 210 can extend through the
wire chase 46 and to an electrical connector 212 that is positioned
at the wiring end 214 of the electrical wiring 48, where the wiring
end 214 can extend outside of the wire chase 46. In this manner,
the wire harness 210 places electrical components 132 of the panel
member 26 in communication with the electrical connector 212. The
electrical connector 212 can engage an electrical receptacle 216
disposed within a cabinet structure 20 where the electrical
connector 212 engages the electrical receptacle 216 of the cabinet
structure 20 to connect the various utility systems 150 of the
appliance 12 with the electrical components 132 disposed in the
panel member 26. It is also contemplated that the wire harness 210
can include a panel connector 218 that is disposed proximate the
panel member 26, where the panel connector 218 can engage a portion
of the panel member 26 to connect to the electrical wiring 48 with
the electrical components 132 disposed in the panel member 26.
[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1-12, according to the various
embodiments, the appliance 12, such as a refrigerating appliance,
can include the cabinet structure 20 that includes the inner liner
22 defining a plurality of interior compartments 14. As discussed
above, the interior compartments 14 can include pantry compartments
10, refrigerating compartments, freezing compartments 18, warming
compartments, and other similar interior compartments 14 of an
appliance 12. It is contemplated that a pantry drawer 120 can
include a panel member 26 and first and second drawer glides 228,
230 positioned at opposing surfaces 232 of the pantry compartment
10, respectively. It is also contemplated that each of the first
and second drawer glides 228, 230 can include a sliding member 102
that is coupled to the panel member 26, and a cabinet member 170
that is coupled to a portion of the cabinet structure 20. A drawer
liner 34 can be selectively coupled to the panel member 26 and to
the sliding members 102 of the first and second drawer glides 228,
230. The drawer liner 34 can include hollow sides 40 that define
the first and second channels 42, 44. The first and second channels
42, 44 are adapted to extend around the respective sliding members
102 of the first and second drawer glides 228, 230.
[0037] According to the various embodiments, the first and second
drawer glides 228, 230 of the sliding structure 28 can include
standard drawer glides where the sliding member 102 slideably
engages the cabinet member 170 to operate the drawer between a
retracted position 32 within the pantry compartment 10 and an
extended position 30 outside the pantry compartment 10. According
to various alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that the
sliding structure 28 can include a sliding ledge that is integrally
formed within the inner liner 22 of the cabinet structure 20,
wherein a portion of the sliding member 102 engages the inner liner
22 to operate the drawer between an extended and retracted
positions 30, 32. Various alternate sliding structures 28 are
contemplated that can be used to operate the drawer between
extended and retracted positions 30, 32.
[0038] According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated the
drawer assembly 24 disclosed herein can be used for various
appliances that can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators,
freezers, dishwashers, laundry appliances, ovens, and other similar
appliances where it is desirable to conceal the drawer sliding
structure 28 of the appliance 12 or to conceal electrical wiring 48
that may be delivered to a panel member 26 of a drawer for the
appliance 12.
[0039] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described device and other components
is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0040] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0041] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary
embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments
of the present innovations have been described in detail in this
disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure
will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as
multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the
interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width
of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of
the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment
positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be
noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be
constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide
sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of
colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes,
and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without
departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
[0042] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0043] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present device,
and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended
to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their
language expressly state otherwise.
[0044] The above description is considered that of the illustrated
embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those
skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device.
Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the
drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes
and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined
by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles
of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.
* * * * *