U.S. patent application number 16/245380 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-16 for soft close drawer assembly for a refrigerator appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bagawathkumar Chellappan, Louis A. Wantland.
Application Number | 20200224959 16/245380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71517437 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-16 |
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200224959/US20200224959A1-20200716-D00010.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200224959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wantland; Louis A. ; et
al. |
July 16, 2020 |
SOFT CLOSE DRAWER ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE
Abstract
A drawer assembly for a refrigerator appliance includes a drawer
support frame having a left support wall, a center support wall,
and right support wall. A storage bin is positioned on each side of
the center support wall and is supported by the drawer support
frame using a roller and guide rail assembly. Each storage bin
defines a striker that extends toward the center support wall and a
soft close mechanism is positioned on each side of the center
support wall for engaging the strikers and performing a slow close
operation of the storage bins.
Inventors: |
Wantland; Louis A.;
(Louisville, KY) ; Chellappan; Bagawathkumar;
(Prospect, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
71517437 |
Appl. No.: |
16/245380 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2210/0094 20130101;
A47B 88/40 20170101; F25D 25/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 25/02 20060101
F25D025/02; A47B 88/40 20060101 A47B088/40 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator appliance comprising: a cabinet defining a
chilled chamber; a door being operably coupled to the cabinet to
provide selective access to the chilled chamber; and a drawer
assembly positioned within the chilled chamber, the drawer assembly
comprising: a drawer support frame comprising a first side support
and a second side support; a storage bin supported by the first
side support and the second side support and being movable between
an open position and a closed position; a striker extending from a
side of the storage bin, the striker defining a striking face and a
locking face; and a soft close mechanism mounted to the first side
support and being configured for engaging the striker when the
storage bin is moved toward the closed position, the soft close
mechanism comprising a piston rod slidably received within a
cylinder assembly, a first face for engaging the striking face of
the striker when the storage bin is closed, and a second face for
engaging the locking face of the striker when the storage bin is
opened.
2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the first side
support defines a support rail that protrudes toward the storage
bin, the drawer assembly further comprising: a bin roller rotatably
mounted on the side of the storage bin for rolling along the
support rail as the storage bin moves between the open position and
the closed position.
3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the bin roller is
positioned proximate a rear of the storage bin.
4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the side of the
storage bin defines a bin guide rail that protrudes toward the
first side support, the drawer assembly further comprising: a
support roller rotatably mounted proximate a front of the first
side support for supporting the bin guide rail as the storage bin
moves between the open position and the closed position.
5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the soft close
mechanism is mounted on an upper rail defined by the first side
support.
6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 5, wherein the upper rail is
spaced apart from and extends parallel to the support rail to
define a roller slot, the bin roller being received within the
roller slot.
7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein a retention lip
is defined by at least one of the support rail and the upper rail
for retaining the bin roller within the roller slot.
8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the soft close
mechanism is mounted at an extension angle relative to a transverse
direction, and wherein the support rail defines an angled portion
that extends at a guide angle relative to the transverse direction,
the guide angle being substantially equivalent to the extension
angle.
9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the second side
support is defined by or positioned proximate a sidewall of the
chilled chamber.
10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, wherein a first gap is
defined between a first side of the storage bin and the first side
support and a second gap is defined between a second side of the
storage bin and the second side support, the second gap being
larger than the first gap.
11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the first side
support is a center support of the drawer support frame, the
storage bin is a first storage bin, and the soft close mechanism is
a first soft close mechanism, wherein the drawer assembly further
comprises: a second storage bin supported by the center support and
being movable between an open position and a closed position; a
second striker extending from a side of the second storage bin; and
a second soft close mechanism mounted to the center support
opposite the first soft close mechanism and being configured for
engaging the second striker when the second storage bin is moved
toward the closed position.
12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the first
storage bin and the second storage bin are identical.
13. A drawer assembly comprising: a drawer support frame comprising
a first side support and a second side support; a storage bin
supported by the first side support and the second side support and
being movable between an open position and a closed position; a
striker extending from a side of the storage bin, the striker
defining a striking face and a locking face; and a soft close
mechanism mounted to the first side support and being configured
for engaging the striker when the storage bin is moved toward the
closed position, the soft close mechanism comprising a piston rod
slidably received within a cylinder assembly, a first face for
engaging the striking face of the striker when the storage bin is
closed, and a second face for engaging the locking face of the
striker when the storage bin is opened.
14. The drawer assembly of claim 13, wherein the first side support
defines a support rail that protrudes toward the storage bin, the
drawer assembly further comprising: a bin roller rotatably mounted
on the side of the storage bin for rolling along the support rail
as the storage bin moves between the open position and the closed
position.
15. The drawer assembly of claim 13, wherein the side of the
storage bin defines a bin guide rail that protrudes toward the
first side support, the drawer assembly further comprising: a
support roller rotatably mounted proximate a front of the first
side support for supporting the bin guide rail as the storage bin
moves between the open position and the closed position.
16. The drawer assembly of claim 13, wherein the soft close
mechanism is mounted on an upper rail defined by the first side
support, wherein the upper rail is spaced apart from and extends
parallel to the support rail to define a roller slot, the bin
roller being received within the roller slot.
17. The drawer assembly of claim 13, wherein the soft close
mechanism is mounted at an extension angle relative to a transverse
direction, and wherein the support rail defines an angled portion
that extends at a guide angle relative to the transverse direction,
the guide angle being substantially equivalent to the extension
angle.
18. The drawer assembly of claim 13, wherein the second side
support is defined by or positioned proximate a sidewall of the
chilled chamber, and wherein a first gap is defined between a first
side of the storage bin and the first side support and a second gap
is defined between a second side of the storage bin and the second
side support, the second gap being larger than the first gap.
19. The drawer assembly of claim 13, wherein the first side support
is a center support of the drawer support frame, the storage bin is
a first storage bin, and the soft close mechanism is a first soft
close mechanism, wherein the drawer assembly further comprises: a
second storage bin supported by the center support and being
movable between an open position and a closed position; a second
striker extending from a side of the second storage bin; and a
second soft close mechanism mounted to the center support opposite
the first soft close mechanism and being configured for engaging
the second striker when the second storage bin is moved toward the
closed position.
20. A drawer assembly comprising: a drawer support frame comprising
a first side support and a second side support; a storage bin
supported by the first side support and the second side support and
being movable between an open position and a closed position; a
striker extending from the first side support toward the storage
bin, the striker defining a striking face and a locking face; and a
soft close mechanism mounted to a side of the storage bin and being
configured for engaging the striker when the storage bin is moved
toward the closed position, the soft close mechanism comprising a
piston rod slidably received within a cylinder assembly, a first
face for engaging the striking face of the striker when the storage
bin is closed, and a second face for engaging the locking face of
the striker when the storage bin is opened.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator
appliances, and more particularly to soft close drawer assemblies
for use in refrigerator appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that
defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles for storage.
In addition, refrigerator appliances include one or more doors
rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food
items stored in chilled chamber(s). The refrigerator appliances can
also include various storage components mounted within the chilled
chamber and designed to facilitate storage of food items therein.
Such storage components can include racks, bins, shelves, or
drawers that receive food items and assist with organizing and
arranging of such food items within the chilled chamber.
[0003] Certain refrigerator appliances include storage bins that
slide between an open and closed position to permit selective
access to items stored therein. However, these storage bins are
often difficult or cumbersome to close completely. In addition, if
the storage bin is closed too quickly, the impact of the storage
bin against its support frame generates a very loud closing noise
and potentially causes damage or premature wear to one or more
refrigerator components. Accordingly, certain refrigerator
appliances include soft close mechanisms for slowly and completely
closing the storage bin when desired. However, such soft close
mechanisms are commonly incorporated within ball bearing drawer
slides which are mounted on both sides of the storage bin and are
very expensive.
[0004] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for
improving the opening and closing of storage bins would be useful.
More specifically, a drawer assembly including a low cost and
effective soft close mechanism would be particularly
beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be apparent from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0006] In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is
provided including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door
being operably coupled to the cabinet to provide selective access
to the chilled chamber, and a drawer assembly positioned within the
chilled chamber. The drawer assembly includes a drawer support
frame including a first side support and a second side support and
a storage bin supported by the first side support and the second
side support and being movable between an open position and a
closed position. A striker extends from a side of the storage bin
and a soft close mechanism is mounted to the first side support and
is configured for engaging the striker when the storage bin is
moved toward the closed position.
[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment, a drawer assembly
includes a drawer support frame including a first side support and
a second side support and a storage bin supported by the first side
support and the second side support and being movable between an
open position and a closed position. A striker extends from a side
of the storage bin and a soft close mechanism is mounted to the
first side support and is configured for engaging the striker when
the storage bin is moved toward the closed position.
[0008] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a drawer
assembly is provided including a drawer support frame including a
first side support and a second side support and a storage bin
supported by the first side support and the second side support and
being movable between an open position and a closed position. A
striker extends from the first side support toward the storage bin
and a soft close mechanism is mounted to a side of the storage bin
and is configured for engaging the striker when the storage bin is
moved toward the closed position.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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 figures.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary
refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food
chamber shown in an open position.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a front view of a drawer assembly of the
exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary drawer
assembly of FIG. 3 with the storage bins removed for clarity.
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a perspective cross sectional view of the
exemplary drawer assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage bin of the
exemplary drawer assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a striker on the exemplary
storage bin of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of a center support of the exemplary
drawer assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present subject matter.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the storage bin
supported by a support roller of the exemplary drawer assembly of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a soft close mechanism in
an extended position for use with the exemplary drawer assembly of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a soft close mechanism in a
retracted position for use with the exemplary drawer assembly of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0022] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
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 various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
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.
[0024] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator
appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or
housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a
vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side
110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a
rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical
direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are
mutually perpendicular to one another, such that an orthogonal
coordinate system is generally defined.
[0025] Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food
items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food
chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of housing 102 and a
freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of housing
102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to
as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the
benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles
of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator
appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single
door refrigerator appliance. Moreover, aspects of the present
subject matter may be applied to other appliances as well, such as
ovens, storage cabinets, etc. Consequently, the description set
forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended
to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance or
configuration.
[0026] Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of
housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In
addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors
128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130
is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within
freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130
are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the
art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are
possible and within the scope of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance
100 shown with refrigerator doors 128 in the open position. As
shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within
fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein
as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular,
the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each
of these storage components are configured for receipt of food
items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with
organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted
on refrigerator doors 128 or may slide into a receiving space in
fresh food chamber 122. It should be appreciated that the
illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of
explanation and that other storage components may be used and may
have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be
described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject
matter. Although several different exemplary embodiments of
dispensing assembly 140 will be illustrated and described, similar
reference numerals may be used to refer to similar components and
features. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for
dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary
dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it
should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made
to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present
subject matter.
[0029] Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be
positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined
on one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess
142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100
such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without
opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is
positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to
access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to
bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is
positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a
user.
[0030] Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144
including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from
dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a
paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice
or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any
suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser
144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as
an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle.
Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external
part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.
By contrast, refrigerator door 128 may define an icebox compartment
150 (FIG. 2) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin (not shown)
that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess 142.
[0031] A control panel 152 is provided for controlling the mode of
operation. For example, control panel 152 includes one or more
selector inputs 154, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen
interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an
ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation
such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 154 may be
used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing
assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 154 may be in communication
with a processing device or controller 156. Signals generated in
controller 156 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing
assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 154. Additionally, a
display 158, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be
provided on control panel 152. Display 158 may be in communication
with controller 156, and may display information in response to
signals from controller 156.
[0032] As used herein, "processing device" or "controller" may
refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and
is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing
device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100,
dispensing assembly 140 and other components of refrigerator
appliance 100. The processing device may include, or be associated
with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage
media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include
electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible
processing device, including instructions that can be executed by
processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or
any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the
processing device, cause the processing device to perform
operations.
[0033] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 11, a drawer
assembly 200 which may be used with refrigerator appliance 100 will
be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present
subject matter. Specifically, drawer assembly 200 may be positioned
within fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124 of
refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., replacing one or more of bins 134
in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that drawer assembly 200 is an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter intended only
for explaining aspects of the present subject matter and is not
intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any
manner.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, drawer assembly 200 includes a
drawer support frame 202 which is generally configured for
supporting one or more storage bins 204, e.g., using a roller and
guide rail assembly. More specifically, drawer support frame 202
includes a top frame 210, a left support wall 212, a center support
wall 214, and a right support wall 216, each of which extend down
from top frame 210. In general, top frame 210 may include a solid
surface or pane of glass (not shown), is intended to form a top of
each storage bin 204, and may additionally be used as a shelf
within refrigerator appliance 100. Support walls 212-216 extend
down from top frame 210 and are intended to support storage bins
204 while permitting a user to slide storage bins 204 between an
open position to access food items positioned therein and a closed
position when not in use or when doors 120 are closed.
[0035] Although the illustrated embodiment shows two storage bins
204 positioned adjacent each other along the lateral direction L,
it should be appreciated that aspects the present subject matter
may be applied to other drawer assembly styles and configurations.
For example, drawer assembly 200 could instead include a single
storage bin 204 or may include storage bins that are stacked
adjacent each other along the vertical direction V. In addition,
drawer support frame 202 and storage bins 204 may have any other
suitable size or configuration. Moreover, it should be appreciated
that drawer assembly 200 as described herein is designed such that
storage bins 204 may be identical and interchangeable between the
left hand and right hand side of drawer support frame 202.
[0036] According to exemplary embodiments, drawer assembly 200 and
its components may be formed from any material which is
sufficiently rigid to support the weight of storage bins 204 or
other supported items. For example, drawer support frame 202 and
storage bins 204 may be formed by injection molding, e.g., using a
suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade high
impact polystyrene (HIPS) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment, these
components may be compression molded, e.g., using sheet molding
compound (SMC) thermoset plastic. According still other
embodiments, some or all of drawer support frame 202 and storage
bins 204 may be formed from stamped metal, acrylic glass, or any
other suitable material or combination thereof.
[0037] Although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate drawer assembly 200 as
having two storage bins positioned adjacent each other, exemplary
embodiments of the present subject matter include a single storage
bin configuration. For example, referring now also to FIGS. 5
through 11, such a single storage bin configuration will be
described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. In this regard, drawer support frame 202 will be
described as including a first side support 220 and a second side
support 222 which are spaced apart along the transverse direction T
for receiving storage bin 204. It should be appreciated that first
side support 220 may generally correspond with center support wall
214 and a second side support 222 may generally correspond with
either left support wall 212 or right support wall 216 as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, it should be appreciated that according
to alternative embodiments, second side support 222 may be defined
by a sidewall of fresh food compartment 122 instead of extending
vertically from top frame 210.
[0038] As mentioned above, storage bin 204 is supported by first
side support 220 and second side support 222 such that is movable
between an open or extended position and a closed or retracted
position. Specifically, in order to reduce costs associated with
expensive ball bearings slide assemblies, storage bin 204 may be
supported by a roller and guide rail assembly. Specifically, first
side support 220 may define a support rail 230 which protrudes or
extends from the first side support 220 toward storage bin 204,
e.g., along the lateral direction L. In addition, support rail 230
generally extends along substantially an entire depth of drawer
support frame 202, e.g., from a front 232 of drawer support frame
202 to a rear 234 of drawer support frame 202 along the transverse
direction T. It should be appreciated that as used herein, terms of
approximation, such as "approximately," "substantially," or
"about," refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.
[0039] Generally speaking, support rail 230 may have any suitable
shape or profile suitable for facilitating the opening and closing
of storage bin 204. For example, support rail 230 may include a
flat portion 236 which extends substantially parallel to the
transverse direction T and an angled portion 238 which is angled
relative to the transverse direction T at a guide angle 240. In
this manner, flat portion 236 may be defined proximate a front 232
of support frame 202 such that storage bin 204 extends
substantially within a horizontal plane as it approaches the open
position. By contrast, angled portion 238 may be designed to
facilitate closing of storage bin 204 by encouraging storage bin
204 to roll down on angled portion 238 under the force of gravity
as it approaches the closed position.
[0040] In addition, the guide rail and roller assembly may further
include a bin roller 242 which is rotatably mounted on a side 244
of storage bin 204 for rolling along support rail 230 as storage
bin 204 moves between the open position and the closed position.
More specifically, bin roller 242 may be mounted proximate a rear
246 of storage bin 204. Notably, drawer assembly 200 may further
include a rear stop 248 positioned proximate rear 234 of support
frame 202 and a front stop 250 positioned proximate front 232 of
support frame 202. In this manner, bin roller 242 may be configured
for engaging or seating against rear stop 248 when in the fully
closed position and may be prevented from pulling out of support
frame 202 by front stop 250 when in the fully extended or open
position.
[0041] In addition, side 244 of storage bin 204 may define a bin
guide rail 252 that protrudes toward first side support 220, e.g.,
substantially along the lateral direction L. A support roller 254
may be rotatably mounted to first side support 220 proximate front
232 of support frame 202 for supporting bin guide rails 252 as
storage bin 204 moves between the open position and the closed
position. It should be appreciated that a similar guide rail and
roller assembly may be included proximate a second side support
222. In this manner, storage bin 204 is fully supported along the
lateral direction L and the transverse direction T. Specifically,
support roller 254 supports bin guide rail 252 proximate front 232
of storage bin 204 and support rail 230 support bin roller 242
proximate rear 234 of storage bin 204.
[0042] As best shown in FIG. 8, drawer assembly 200 may further
include an upper rail 260 that is defined by first side support 220
and defines a top surface 262 and a bottom surface 264. As shown,
upper rail 260 is spaced apart from and extends parallel to support
rail 230 to define a roller slot 266. More specifically, roller
slot 266 is defined between a top surface of support rail 230 and
bottom surface 264 of upper rail 260. Bin roller 242 may be
received within roller slot 266 to prevent too much wobble or
vertical movement of storage bin 204 within roller slot 266. In
addition, a distal end of one or both of support rail 230 and upper
rail 260, a retention lip 268 may be defined for retaining bin
roller 242 within roller slot 266.
[0043] Notably, when storage bin 204 is installed within drawer
support frame by the roller and guide rail assembly, gaps are
defined between storage bin 204 and side supports 220-222.
Specifically, a first gap 270 is defined between storage bin 204
and first side support 220 along the lateral direction L and a
second gap 272 is defined between storage bin 204 and second side
support 222 along the lateral direction L. According to exemplary
embodiments, first gap 270 is smaller than second gap 272. For
example, according to an exemplary embodiment, first gap 270 may be
less than about 0.1 millimeters less than about 0.075 millimeters,
or smaller. By contrast, second gap 272 may be greater than 1 mm,
greater than 2 millimeters, or larger. In this regard, for example,
the support rail 230 and bin guide rail 252 may be wider to support
the lateral variation of storage bin 204 within support frame 202
proximate second side support 222. By contrast, retention lip 268
is configured for slidably receiving and retaining bin roller 242
proximate first side support 220, thereby substantially fixing its
lateral position. It should be appreciated that the guide rail and
roller assembly as described herein may vary according to
alternative embodiments, and such variations remain within the
scope of the present subject matter.
[0044] Referring still to FIGS. 3 through 11, assembly 200 may
further include a striker 280 which extends from side 244 of
storage bin 204 toward first side support 220. In addition, drawer
assembly 200 may include a soft close mechanism 282 which is
mounted to the first side support 220 and is configured for
engaging striker 280 when storage bin 204 is moved toward the
closed position. However, it should be appreciated that according
to alternative embodiments, the position of striker 280 and soft
close mechanism 282 may be reversed. Specifically, for example,
striker 280 may extend from first side support 220 and soft close
mechanism 282 may be mounted on storage bin 204.
[0045] As used herein, soft close mechanism is intended to refer to
devices, mechanisms, or assemblies which are designed to act as a
damper to slow the velocity of the closing drawer or storage bin
while also engaging the storage bin and moving it into a fully
closed position. According to the illustrated embodiment, soft
close mechanism 282 is mounted to top surface 262 of upper rail 260
and is mounted at an extension angle 284 relative to the transverse
direction T. In addition, extension angle 284 is substantially
equivalent to guide angle 240 such that soft close mechanism 282
will remain engaged with striker 280 as storage bin 204 moves
toward the closed position.
[0046] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the
manner in which an soft close mechanism 282 engages striker 280 to
facilitate a soft close operation of storage bin 204 will be
described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. As shown, striker 280 generally defines a rear face
or striking face 286 and a front face or locking face 288. In
addition, soft close mechanism 282 defines a pivoting head 290
mounted on the distal end of a piston rod 292. Piston rod 292 is
slidable along the transverse direction T within a cylinder
assembly 294 which provides the damping and retraction forces to
piston rod 292.
[0047] Thus, during operation, as storage bin 204 is moved toward
the closed position, striking face 286 of striker 280 impacts a
first face 296 of pivoting head 290. As storage bin 204 continues
to move toward the closed position, pivoting head 290 pivots
relative to piston rod 292 such that a second face 298 of pivoting
head 290 engages locking face 288 of striker 280. At this point,
striking face 286 and locking face 288 of striker 280 are
sandwiched between first face 296 and second face 298 of pivoting
head 290 such that storage bin 204 moves with pivoting head 290
along the transverse direction T. Through this linkage, cylinder
assembly 294 may act to damp the closing motion of storage bin 204
via piston rod 292. Simultaneously, cylinder assembly 294 may draw
storage bin 204 into the fully closed position.
[0048] When a user desires to open storage bin 204, they may pull
on a handle at the front of storage bin 204 such that locking face
288 of striker 280 pulls against second face 298 of pivoting head
290 and extends piston rod 292 within cylinder assembly 294. After
piston rod 292 has reached its full extension, the force of locking
face 288 against second face 298 forces pivoting head 290 to pivot
away from and release striker 280 altogether. Piston rod 292 may be
configured for remaining in the extended position until a
subsequent closing process of storage bin 204. It should be
appreciated that the soft close mechanism described is only
exemplary and that other soft close mechanisms may be used
according to alternative embodiments.
[0049] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *