Appliance having shelving

Abstract

Disclosed is an appliance having shelving in which the outer door is connected to the inner shelving. The appliance may be smaller than a standard size appliance.

Description

STATEMENT OF CROSS RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application, serial No. 60/309,384, filed Aug. 01, 2001, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein to the extent permissible by law.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an appliance having shelving. The invention may include appliances in which the shelving is moveable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Efforts to keep food objects either warm or cold have been around since the beginning of mankind. Our forefathers decided to either leave food in an enclosed/shady space or out in the open heat of the sun, some people do the same today. It is noticeable that as domestication occurred, kitchen appliances were built based on proximity to a single external source of temperature change. Fire supplied ovens with heat to cook and ice supplied refrigerated boxes with cooling capabilities. Efforts were made to leave food over the external source of temperature exchange as much as possible. Fire and ice supplying these food storage appliance areas were consistently separated at the bases to maximize their individual properties. Size, shapes, and colors of appliances have changed over time as energy infrastructure (electricity) availability and consumer expectations/family sizes/economic capabilities have changed. Less than 100 years later, “reach in” appliances with hinged doors have became the norm. Energy infrastructure limits, due to dwindling natural resources, have led the United States government to issue energy standards that United States appliance manufacturers must meet in the years ahead. Regrettably, the energy standards do not legislate/nor address the energy needs or capabilities of the end users. A Virginia Tech Study, which was presented at the 2001 US National Appliance Convention, demonstrated weaknesses within the appliance industry to recognize different sized people with different needs in current household appliance products.

[0004] Per Standard and Poor's industry survey information, the current target market for US appliance manufacturers is from 35 to 64 years old. Unfortunately, that current target market misses the population that is under 35 and over 64. By targeting this market, appliances do not address the single homeowner, who is increasingly in the age groups outside of the target market. According to the 2000 United States Census American Housing Survey, 25% of homeowners are single and live alone. According to the same Census, marriage is being increasingly postponed, contributing to a growing number of single homeowners under the age of 35. Informal market surveys have found that a majority of these single homeowners, whether under 35 or over 64, frequently dine outside of the home for most meals. Consequently, their freezer/refrigerator/oven needs are minimal. For example, looking into a bachelor's refrigerator who is under the age of 35, rarely is the space/energy optimized. Instead, peering into a “full” appliance, what will typically be seen is some condiments and liquid refreshments. It would be desirable if another appliance could be fit into that space such that two separate appliances (either the same or different appliances) fit into the standard U.S. space of one. Due to particular constructions of standard cabinetry, a small size refrigerator would yield space at the side. The space savings would be significant. For example, if the oven could be moved beside a refrigerator, that would free up space elsewhere. This space could be used for other shelving, storage, or even another appliance.

[0005] A recent United Nations Population Division report identified that globally the number of older persons (60 years or older) will more than triple by 2050. Because the current target market does not address the growing global aging community, it does not address those most likely to be impaired in movements of daily living, like reaching into the refrigerator for something cold to drink. A recent American with Disabilities report stated that in the population 15 years old and older, 2.2 million people used a wheelchair. Another 6.4 million used some sort of ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches, or walker. It also identified that 18 million individuals have difficulty grasping a small object. Whether these people are single homeowners or living with someone else, these statistics point to a need to address universal design in both lifting and moving on a daily basis within private homes. Kitchen cabinetry has addressed this problem in a variety of ways with wider doors, higher kick pads, wrist pushing faucet handles. As noted by the Virginia Tech study, appliances need to do the same. Disabled people, such as those in wheelchairs, require appliances that will not interfere with their mobility. For example, in a cramped apartment kitchen, the standard refrigerator precludes reaching access to the refrigerator or freezer (in the standard top-freezer-bottom-refrigerator model). Instead it requires the user to negotiate around the swinging hinged doors, and precludes easy viewing into the refrigerator. Accordingly, a refrigerator that permits minimal intrusion into the valuable space and that is sized to accommodate the disabled is well-received.

[0006] The target market also misses those who need appliances for campers, recreational vehicles, boat, ship, dorm, “state-subsidized,” military, assisted living, multiunit and other limited space users, for example. The increasingly available partially prepared items to “speed cook” have also impacted appliance storage and use. With the increasing use of the microwave, the axis of the “kitchen triangle” has shifted to include that appliance also. Decreasing the space between the swinging door shelves and the body of the appliance storage would assist in maximizing spatial use of smaller kitchen appliances.

[0007] As stated previously, consumer expectations, family sizes, economic changes and energy infrastructure are building to changes in the available appliances again. As consumers change age in mass the U. S. current target market will probably shift accordingly. A paradigm shift in appliances with regards to “private” universal design, ease of access and ease of viewing appliance contents will become more desirable. As increasing numbers of single homeowners become appliance consumers, space saving characteristics will become more desirable. As economic changes separate the “haves” and the “have-nots,” individualized/customized appliances will become increasingly desirable to replace “white goods.” As the energy infrastructure increasing uses alternative ways to power machines, the classic “melting” of the fire (oven)/ice (refrigerator/freezer) appliance separation will become more desirable. As energy conservation measures increase, appropriately sized appliances for the population variances will become more desirable, ending underutilized energy outputs within those marketing and manufacturing arenas. None of these desirable characteristics are United States specific. Accordingly it would be desirable if an appliance had space saving characteristics, easy viewing of the contents, desirable shape to fit existing or new construction, was easier to access or was easier to fabricate, whether the end consumer was in the United States or elsewhere in the world.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved by the present invention. Disclosed is an appliance having shelving in which the outer door is disconnectably connected to the inner shelving. The appliance may be smaller than a standard size appliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section of an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIGS. 7 and 8 are aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 11 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 12 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 13 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 14 shows other embodiments of the invention.

[0022] FIGS. 15A and 15B show aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIGS. 16A to 16C show aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the invention. Shown is an appliance 10, which includes but is not limited to any appliance that has a front door and internal shelving. These appliances may include refrigerators, freezers, ovens, or the like. Appliance 10 may include a door assembly 12, which has facade features 14, such as panels, inlays, sketches, etc. protruding to the viewer. Such facade features may be coordinated with the overall décor. The door assembly 12 may also include a handle 16, but it should be appreciated that any mechanism known in the art to open/close doors is contemplated. The door assembly 12 includes a door 17 that also serves as a first face 18. The door assembly 12 also includes a rear portion 20. The rear portion 20 may terminate at a door assembly rear wall or face 21. The door assembly 12 also includes a first side 22 and a second side 24. Detachably attached to the door 17 is at least one shelf 26. Shelf 26 extends from the door 17 to the rear portion 20 and may terminate coincident with the rear wall 21. The door assembly 12 further includes a first surface 28, such as a top surface, and also includes a second surface 30, such as a bottom surface. The door assembly also includes a shelf frame 29, which may comprise the shelves 26 in conjunction with various vertical supports 33. The door would not be hinged with the appliance main body. As used herein, the term “appliance” means a unit that comprises a door assembly with a shelf assembly that inserts substantially into the internal portion of the appliance cabinet.

[0025] FIG. 3 demonstrates a modified cross sectional view of the door assembly 12. A door back surface 31 of door 17 may include a gasket 32 to maintain a proper seal around the back of the door 17. The gasket 32 may also include a magnet to magnetically seal the door 17. Gaskets are well known in the art. Also shown in phantom are various objects, which in the case of a refrigerator or freezer, these items could be foodstuffs. Although shown to include two shelves 26, it is well understood that there may be as one or more shelves. The shelves may be configured to extend substantially the distance from the door (when in the closed position) to near the back of the appliance. Accordingly, as the appliance has an ascertainable depth measurement, the shelf may be as long as this depth.

[0026] FIG. 4 demonstrates one exemplary mode of connecting shelves 26 to the door 17. One embodiment includes a shelf assembly that may be one shelf 26 directly connected to the door 17, a shelf ladder 36, a vertical attachment component, or any other feature disclosed herein associated with the shelf. One method of connecting the shelf 26 would include apertures, such as holes 34, drilled into the back surface 31. Thus shelves 26 can be inserted into the holes 34. In another embodiment, for example, shelf ladders 36 may be used. Shelf ladders 36 may be elongated strips that include various apertures into which pins or the shelf 26 may be inserted. Shelf ladders are more fully explained in U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,936 (to Dasher et al.), the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein. A shelf ladder 36 in the form of an elongated member is mounted vertically to the door 17 by a number of mounting screws (not shown). The shelf ladder 36 includes a number of vertical slots 37. Thus, the mounting screws (not shown) mount the shelf ladder 36 to the back of the door 17 and are so positioned such that the shelf vertical slots 37 are exposed. In this regard, the shelf 26 may be inserted to the slots 37. Due to the number of slots, the vertical distance between shelves 26 is adjustable simply by moving the location of the slot 37-shelf 26 junction among the various slots 37.

[0027] In another embodiment not shown, the shelf 26 height may be adjusted via a crank mechanism. In this regard, the door assembly 12 may be adapted to provide for a crank in which cranking the crank a certain direction will either increase or decrease the shelf height. Cranks of this type are well known in the art. The shelf height adjustment mechanism may, but need not, be considered part of the shelf assembly.

[0028] FIG. 5 demonstrates another aspect of the invention. Shown is the door assembly 12 in conjunction with a main body appliance 40. As mentioned, the main body appliance 40 could be a refrigerator, freezer, oven, or the like. Although shown with the appliance 40 on a floor 38, due to its size, it may not sit on the floor and may be countertop or used in conjunction with stackable appliances. Main appliance 40 also may include at least one wheel 42 to provide for easy moveability. Naturally, if the intent is to not move it, no wheel or spacer is needed and the main appliance 40 may be on the floor 38. But wheel 42 also provides space between the floor 38 and the appliance 40 to permit cleaning, removal of various drip pans, or permit air circulation under the appliance. The height is readily adjustable by utilizing known height adjusters such as various sized wheels, casters, threaded height adjusters, stands, legs, etc. Furthermore, the door assembly 12 may include a door wheel 44, which provides for movement and support to the assembly. Although not shown there may be a plurality of wheels on either the main appliance 40 or the door assembly 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the lowest shelf 26 may be provided with a shelf floor wheel 46 (shown in phantom). The wheel assembly may be adapted from U.S. Pat. No. 3,058,320 (to Foster), the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference. Accordingly, the wheel 46 may ride in grooved tracks in the main appliance 40. In another embodiment, shelf wheel 46 may also be adapted to collapse such that when the door assembly 12 is pushed into the main appliance 40, wheel 46 collapses and folds up into the lowest shelf and out of the way. The collapsible wheel may further include locks to prevent it from collapsing prematurely. The shelf wheel may, but need not, be considered part of the shelf assembly.

[0030] In this embodiment, foodstuff 48 may be placed on a shelf 26, with the height adjustable to accommodate the foodstuff 48 height. In phantom is shown a tall bottle.

[0031] FIG. 6 demonstrates yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, shown are the shelf wheels 46 that do not extend to the floor 38. In this embodiment, the shelf wheel 46 rides along a bottom 50 of the main appliance body 40. Thus, the wheel(s) 46 provide spacing between the lowest shelf 26 and the bottom 50. The wheels may also run in tracks, grooves, or trackless/grooveless areas. To provide support then for the door assembly 12 as it is pulled out, the assembly may be adapted to include a lock or catch 52 to prevent the door assembly from coming out completely. Thus, a last shelf wheel 51 may stay in the main appliance body 40 and provide support to the assembly. The lock 52 may protrude sideways and catch onto the side of the main appliance body 40 so as to not interfere with the wheel 46 or the wheel runners. It may also have a vertical orientation adapted to catch the appliance body 40 but not interfere with the door assembly movement. The side orientation or vertical orientation is shown as appliance catch 54. Of course, the bottom shelf 26 may also be fitted with the collapsible wheel 46 assembly described such that both the locking catch 52 assembly and the collapsible wheel assembly 46 are used in conjunction. The main body 40 may also include a runner assembly comprising at least one of a track, groove, guide, rod, channel, slide, wheel, roller, and wire. For example, the runner assembly may include the wheel in the manner described herein.

[0032] FIG. 7 demonstrates another embodiment of the shelf frame 29 may attach to the door 17. In this embodiment, the shelf 26 has a terminal portion 70, which may further include a terminal head 72. As shown, the terminal head 72 may be shaped as a dovetail or ball, understanding, of course, that the terminal head 72 may be adapted in any way to connect to the door 17. The door 17 may have a cut-out that accommodates the shape of the terminal head 72, and may further be adapted to lock the terminal head 72 in place such that the shelf's movement is retarded or eliminated when the door 17 is pulled open. Thus, the terminal head 72 need not be permanently affixed to the door 17. In this regard, as décor changes, the door 17 may be changed easily without changing the appliance 10 as a whole.

[0033] FIG. 8 demonstrates some exemplary embodiments of the attachments of the shelf frame 29 to the door 17. The shelf frame 29 may attach directly to the door 17 by a connector 74. The connector 74 may include, but is not limited to, pins, screws, nails, dowels, plugs, rods, etc. The shelf frame 29 may attach to the door via an intermediate spacer 76. This may include the shelf ladder described above, or other spacers 76. The shelf 26 may be connected to the spacer 76 via a spacer connector 78, with the spacer 76 then being connected to the door 17 via a door connector 80. Thus, while the embodiments of FIG. 4 show mechanisms of attachment of the shelf 26 to the door 17, those embodiments may be adapted to attach the shelf frame 29 to the door 17. The attachments may, but need not, be considered part of the shelf assembly.

[0034] FIG. 9 demonstrates a model where the appliance body 40 is a refrigerator. The liquid, or refrigerant, used in a refrigerator evaporates at an extremely low temperature, so it can create freezing temperatures inside the refrigerator. There are several basic parts to any refrigerator: a compressor 90, an expansion valve 92, and heat exchange pipe(s) 94. As seen, the heat exchange pipe(s) 94 can be coils or serpentine, and are both inside the appliance 40 and outside too. Many industrial installations use pure ammonia as the refrigerant. Pure ammonia evaporates at −27 degrees Fahrenheit (−32 degrees Celsius). The choice of refrigerant is adaptable to the circumstances. The basic mechanism of a refrigerator works as such. The compressor 90 compresses the refrigerant gas. This raises the refrigerant's pressure and temperature, so the heat-exchanging coils 94 outside the refrigerator allow the refrigerant to dissipate the heat of pressurization. As it cools, the refrigerant condenses into liquid form and flows through the expansion valve 92. When it flows through the expansion valve 92, the liquid refrigerant is allowed to move from a high-pressure zone to a low-pressure zone, so it expands and evaporates. In evaporating, it absorbs heat, making it cold. The coils inside the refrigerator allow the refrigerant to absorb heat, making the inside of the refrigerator cold. The cycle then repeats.

[0035] For the refrigeration cycle, in the following example, one may assume that the refrigerant being used is pure ammonia, which boils at −27 degrees F. For the refrigeration cycle, the compressor 90 compresses the ammonia gas. The compressed gas heats up as it is pressurized. The coils 94 on the back of the refrigerator let the hot ammonia gas dissipate its heat. The ammonia gas condenses into ammonia liquid at high pressure. The high-pressure ammonia liquid flows through the expansion valve 92. The liquid ammonia immediately boils and vaporizes with its temperature dropping to −27 F. This makes the inside of the refrigerator cold. The cold ammonia gas is sucked up by the compressor 90, and the cycle repeats.

[0036] Although not shown, the refrigerator may also include frost-free features that are well known in the art. This frost forms when water vapor hits the cold coils. The water vapor turns to liquid water. A frost-free freezer has three basic parts. There is a timer, a heating coil and a temperature sensor. Every 6 hours or so the timer turns on the heating coil. The heating coil is wrapped among the freezer coils. The heater melts the ice off the coils. When all of the ice is gone, the temperature sensor will sense the temperature rising above 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) and turns off the heater. As with other refrigerators, the cooling system may also include a drain pan, temperature gauges, fans, etc.

[0037] FIG. 10 demonstrates another embodiment in which lighting is provided. It is understood that the lighting may be provided inside the appliance by the well known methods. For example, the light may turn on when the door is opened as in the typical refrigerator mechanism. But because the shelves 26 are partially outside the appliance when the door is pulled open, the shelves 26 may be adapted to include above-the-shelf lighting 100, below-the-shelf lighting 102 (in phantom), or behind-the-door lighting 104 (in phantom). The lighting chosen for the shelves may include a plurality of low-watt, small-diameter bulbs that run along a shelf track 106. The lighting, though, may also include single bulbs that are brighter. The lighting wiring may be connected to the appliance wiring with routine skill. Shelf lighting may, but need not, be considered part of a shelf assembly.

[0038] Another embodiment of the invention includes a vacuum mechanism. Since cold preservation of food under vacuum is better, the refrigerator may also include a vacuum mechanism such that the interior of the refrigerator is under vacuum when the door 17 is closed and is released when the door is opened. The use of the gasket 32 facilitates vacuum sealing but of course is not required. Vacuum technology as applied to refrigerators is known to the artisan and one method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,940 (to Bertu) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,240 (to Detrick), the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum pump to draw the vacuum and a vacuum conduit to connect the vacuum pump to the interior of the appliance. The vacuum assembly may be connected to the door via sensors to gauge whether the door is open or shut. Pressure sensors in the door or the gasket may be used for this. The vacuum assembly may also be connected to the lighting assembly also since the lights generally turn on when the door is being opened—thus turning off the vacuum—and turns the lighting assembly off once the door is closed—thus turning on the vacuum.

[0039] Another embodiment of the invention is that the appliance can be adapted to fit the standard refrigerator cut-outs in houses, but also can be made smaller. For example, the refrigerator may be made half-sized in terms of its width, or its height, or both. Thus in tight spots, such as apartments, dormitory rooms, or the like, significant space saving is achieved. The standard refrigerator, based on standard kitchen design or cabinetry, has the following dimensions: width 30-36 inches, depth 24-30 inches, and height 64-70 inches. Accordingly, a reduced size refrigerator may have the following dimensions: width 15-18 inches, depth 24-30 inches, and height 64-70 inches. Of course each dimension can be modified larger or smaller to fit the particular circumstances. For example, to reduce height, the 64-70 inches could be reduced also to 32-35 inches. Depending on the circumstances there may be generally accepted or standard sized areas in kitchens designed to accommodate standard sized appliances. It is contemplated that the invention may comprise a size adapted to fit into these sizes with substantial free or unused space remaining.

[0040] FIG. 11 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention in which the appliance is a combination refrigerator and freezer. In this embodiment, combination appliance 110 includes a freezer 112 and a refrigerator 114. The top of the freezer—as with the top of any appliance—may also include a recess 116 to put things on, such as plants, food, or the like. The refrigerator 114 shows the shelves 26 attached to door 17 to comprise the door assembly 12. While the appliance 110 is shown as a uniform construction, it is understood that it need not be so. Although not shown, the freezer 112 may also include the same door assembly that the refrigerator shows in that the freezer includes a freezer door 118 connected to one or more freezer shelves. Naturally, the freezer 112 may include all the features described as applying to the refrigerator.

[0041] It should be understood that although shown in stackable form, as with any embodiment described, the refrigerator-freezer combination may be side-to-side also, or stand independently of each other.

[0042] FIG. 12 demonstrates yet another embodiment of the invention in which the appliance is an oven 120, including any type of oven such as convection, radiation, or microwave. In this embodiment, the general features described above equally apply here as appropriate. The oven 120 also includes an oven door assembly 122, which further includes an oven door 124, an oven gasket 126, and at least one oven shelf 128. The oven shelf 128 may be attached to the door 124 in the same manner described here. A main oven body 130 may further include conventional thermostats 132, such as those made by Eaton or Harper Wyman thermostats; conventional U-shaped bake elements 134 (either partially opened or fully opened, tapered, curved, or hinged); conventional broil elements 136 (multilooped, such as 3 or 5 loops); flame switches or oven ignitors (not shown); safety valves (not shown); oven light 138; a terminal block to connect external wiring to oven wiring (not shown); an oven vent (not shown); and self cleaning oven assembly (not shown). Accordingly, the oven 120 may be narrower in width with the length of the shelves 128 extending to the length of the oven 120. The standard oven, based on the standard kitchen design or cabinetry, has certain dimensions in terms of its width, depth, and height. For example, the height may be around 30-40 inches to make it flush with countertops. Accordingly, a reduced size oven may have smaller dimensions in terms of its width, depth, and height.

[0043] The oven may also include a range at the top. The number of range burners may be adapted to fit the size of the oven body. For example, if the oven is narrow, such as half-size, then the range top may include 2 burners.

[0044] FIG. 13 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention in which a side-by-side configuration is shown having an appliance 140, a refrigerator 142, and oven 144. An insulated wall 146 separates them. In ovens, a fibrous insulating material may surround the oven heat chamber. In refrigerating appliances, high-resistance foams are typically used for thermal insulation. The high-resistance foams are introduced in the form of liquid-starting components between the walls between appliances. Vacuum insulating panels can also be used instead of the high-resistance foam insulation for purposes of insulation in the field of refrigerating appliances. The vacuum insulating panels are typically introduced into the interstice between the walls of the appliance. In that case, transitions between the individual wall portions of the heat-insulating housing of a refrigerating appliance may also be filled with high-resistance plastic foam. Other insulating walls can be adapted from the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,179 (to Wenning), the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference. Another insulating feature may be found using Reflectix® insulation (Reflectix, Inc., Markleville, Ind., USA, 46056), which comprises a layered insulation having layers of aluminum bonded to a layer of polyethylene. It should be appreciated that any layered insulation or heat reflector is contemplated.

[0045] FIG. 14 demonstrates various alternate embodiments of the invention. Shown are side-by-side or stackable arrangements. In any of these embodiments, the selection of appliances may vary. For example, an embodiment includes a refrigerator 150 side-by-side to an oven 152. Another embodiment includes the refrigerator 150 stackable with a freezer 154, the stackable unit beside an oven 152. In yet another embodiment, the stackable refrigerator 150—freezer 154 may be beside a range 156, the range having a cooktop 158. A burner 160 on the cooktop 158 may be the traditional gas, electric, halogen, or other types of burner 160 known in the art. The cooktop 158 may include at least one burner 160. Again, the side-by-side arrangement may be so configured to fit in the space associated with the standard size kitchen or cabinetry. In yet another embodiment, while the inventive appliance may fit in the space provided for the traditional refrigerator in the cabinetry, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be fitted into the space provided for the standard oven, in kitchen islands, in wall mounted spaces, etc.

[0046] FIGS. 15A and 15B show another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the door 17 may include shelf(ves) 26 and a door runner 162 that may also terminate with a runner stopper 164. In engagement, the door runner 162 interfaces and runs along a main body runner receiver 166 (if in the ceiling of the main body) or a receiver 168 (if in the side of the main body). Accordingly, the runner 162 acts like a male receptacle that inserts into the receiver 166, 168 and accordingly, will run partially or entirely along the ceiling (or side) of the main body 40. One nonexclusive purpose of the door runner 162 is to provide support for the door assembly as it is being pulled out, such that the weight carried by the door assembly is partially or entirely supportable by the runner 162 as it interfaces with the receiver 166, 168. Another purpose of the runner 162 is to help keep the door assembly straight as it is opened and closed. FIG. 15B shows a top cutaway view in which the door assembly is shown partially opened such that runner 162 is shown running along the receiver 166. The stopper 164 may be optionally present to stop the door assembly from being completely removed from the main appliance body 40 in similar fashion as assembly catch 52 of FIG. 6. The runner-receiver assembly is useful in those embodiments in which the door assembly does not have the wheel 44 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thus, for example, in the stackable embodiments, the top appliance may have the runner-receiver assembly and the bottom appliance may have the wheel 44. Of course, any embodiment (single appliance, stackable, or side-by-side) may include both the runner-receiver assembly and the wheel 44 assembly; one, but not the other; or neither of them.

[0047] FIG. 16A shows yet another embodiment of the invention. Shown is shelf 26. The shelf 26 may be a plain shelf with no sides. In other words, a shelf floor 170 would be relatively flat. FIG. 16B shows a shelf 26 that has a shelf floor 170 and a shelf side 172. The height of the shelf side 172 may be designed to retard the movement of items off the shelf in the case of shelf movement. This may prevent accidental falling of items off the shelf 26.

[0048] FIG. 16C shows another embodiment in which the shelf side 172 is collapsible. In this embodiment, the shelf side 172 can drop down to any position (shown by the arrow X). In the embodiment shown, the shelf side 172 can drop down parallel with the shelf floor 170 such as to form a partially or entirely planar surface (dropping down to a three o'clock position). Furthermore, the shelf side 172 can drop down to hang freely, for example, in a six o'clock position. The shelf 26 may be provided with a pivot point 174. The pivot point 174 may be a spring, ratchet, rod, pin, or any other torque or moment device. The pivot point 174 may include a pivot arm 176 that connects to the shelf side 172. In this regard, the pivot point 174 can retain the shelf side 172 along any position, such as maintain the shelf at the three or six o'clock positions, or anywhere between. Shelf side designs may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,684 (to Bent), the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein.

[0049] In another embodiment, the pivot point 174 may also have a return mechanism, such as a spring to return the shelf side 172 upright (e.g., to the twelve o'clock position). Accordingly, once the user lets go of the shelf side 172, it will spring back to the normal position on its own. Collapsible shelf sides 172 are useful for the disabled who may not be able to lift up an item over the side, or for providing a way to slide in unwieldy items and then hold them upright.

[0050] In any embodiment, the invention may comprise a means for performing a function. It is understood that the means for performing that function shall be construed to include any structure, act, material, equivalent structure, equivalent act, equivalent material, structural equivalent, act equivalent, or material equivalent.

[0051] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means for attaching the shelf assembly to the door assembly. It is understood that the means for attaching includes all well-known means for attaching a shelf assembly to a door assembly and includes, but is not limited to, pins, nails, screws, rods, dowels, hooks, adhesives, plugs, spacers, embedding, friction fitting, integrally forming, dovetails, biscuit connections, shelf ladders, holes, slots, apertures, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0052] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means for facilitating the opening and/or closing of the door assembly. It is understood that the means for facilitating the opening and/or closing includes all well-known means and includes, but is not limited to, pins, rods, dowels, hooks, plugs, spacers, handles, springs, vacuum, gaskets, rollers, wheels, runners, grooves, casters, stands, legs, tracks, channels, guides, slides, collapsible wheels, door locks, wheel locks, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0053] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means for stabilizing the door assembly. It is understood that the means for stabilizing includes all well-known means and includes, but is not limited to, pins, rods, dowels, hooks, plugs, spacers, handles, springs, vacuum, gaskets, rollers, wheels, runners, grooves, casters, stands, legs, tracks, channels, guides, slides, collapsible wheels, door locks, wheel locks, etc., or any combination thereof. These stabilizers may be located anywhere as the location is not particularly relevant. Accordingly, they may be found connected to the door, shelf, wheel(s), the main appliance inner compartment, any frame of the appliance, the appliance main body, etc.

[0054] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means for substantially sealing the door when the door assembly is in a closed position. It is understood that the means for facilitating the opening and/or closing includes all well-known means and includes, but is not limited to, pins, rods, dowels, hooks, plugs, spacers, handles, springs, vacuum, gaskets, rollers, wheels, runners, grooves, casters, stands, legs, tracks, channels, guides, slides, collapsible wheels, door locks, wheel locks, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0055] It is also understood that any means for performing a function include components or structures in gross or on a component-by-component basis. That is, it is intended that the means for performing the function may be broadly described in expanded models, built up models, overall structures; or on a component by component basis.

[0056] In addition, it is understood that in the multi-appliance embodiments, the appliances may be integrally formed such that adjacent appliances share a common wall even though the overall cabinet or housing is integrally formed; or the appliances may be single appliances disposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, in the integrally formed modes, the overall cabinet may be plugged into an electric wall socket even though it powers two appliances. In those embodiments in which the appliances are not integrally formed together, each appliance may have its own plug.

[0057] Furthermore, in any embodiment, there may be an icemaker or water supply. In simple embodiments, the icemaker or water supply may be formed with the appliance or may be a separate unit. In any embodiment, the icemaker or water supply may be located beside, below, or above any appliance.

[0058] Moreover, in any embodiment, the invention may include at least one addition to make the invention more useful to the particular consumer. For example, the addition may be a butter dish, egg tray, vegetable crisper, meat drawer, soda can holder, milk judge holder, or wine holder. The additions may be separate features or may be formed with the shelving assembly. The additions may be simply placed into the shelves, fitted, or snapped into the shelves.

[0059] While the invention above has been described with reference mostly to home appliances, it is also understood that the invention may be applied to mobile homes, campers, recreational vehicles, buses, airplanes, boats, trains, rockets/capsules, or any other vehicle, mode of transport, dwelling, or location. Accordingly, as with any embodiment of the invention, some of the above recited vehicles or locations have allocated space by virtue of a standard design. As mentioned above, a North American kitchen may have a standard cabinet design built to accommodate standard sized appliances. In any embodiment of the invention, the invention may be sized to fit into a standard sized opening.

[0060] For example, a standard kitchen has a standard space allocated to a refrigerator.

[0061] Embodiments of the invention may include having two inventive appliances in a side-by-side configuration such that the two side-by-side appliances fit into the “footprint” or space of the standard appliance. In addition, the inventive appliance(s) may be configured to fit into a vertical allocated space. As another example, a standard kitchen may have space allocated for an oven and the embodiment(s) of the invention may provide for configuration into the standard oven space. It is understood that while certain measurements of a standard kitchen and appliances are in reference to North American measurements, it is contemplated that the term “standard” varies by country, region, building code, ordinance, custom, or business practice anywhere in the world and in reference to any standardization in any vehicle.

[0062] It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to a limited number of embodiments that have been provided for illustration purposes only. It is intended that the scope of invention is defined by the appended claims and that modifications to the embodiments above may be made that do not depart from the scope of the claims. While the invention has been described in the home appliance industry, it is contemplated that application is also in the industrial sector too.

Claims

1. An appliance having a door assembly, a main body, and an inner compartment, comprising: at least one shelf assembly attached to the door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receive the at least one shelf assembly.

2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven.

3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the door assembly comprises a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly.

4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises a means for facilitating the opening or closing of the door assembly.

5. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf assembly comprises lighting.

6. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises:

(a) at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven;

(b) the door assembly comprises a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly;

(c) the appliance comprises a means for facilitating the opening or closing of the door assembly; and

(d) wherein the shelf assembly comprises lighting.

7. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the door assembly comprises a means for stabilizing the door assembly.

8. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the appliance comprises a means for substantially sealing the door assembly to the appliance main body when the door assembly is in a closed position.

9. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance is sized to be placed in a non-standard sized area.

10. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance is insulated.

11. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, high resistance plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene).

12. The appliance of claim 11, wherein the appliance further comprises:

(a) at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven;

(b) the door assembly comprises a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly;

(c) the appliance comprises a means for facilitating the opening or closing of the door assembly;

(d) the shelf assembly comprises lighting;

(e) the door assembly comprises a means for stabilizing the door assembly;

(f) the appliance comprises a means for substantially sealing the door assembly to the appliance main body when the door assembly is in a closed position; and

(g) the appliance is sized to be placed in a non-standard sized area.

13. An appliance, comprising:

(a) an appliance main body, the main body having an inner compartment, the inner compartment having a runner assembly adapted to receive a door assembly;

(b) the door assembly having at least one shelf assembly attached to a door back surface;

14. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the appliance main body comprises a spacer configured to space the appliance main body away from another object.

15. The appliance of claim 14, wherein the spacer comprises at least one a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

16. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the appliance includes a vacuum apparatus to create vacuum in the inner compartment.

17. The appliance of claim 16, wherein the vacuum is adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

18. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the appliance main body comprises a spacer configured to space the appliance main body away from another object, and the spacer comprises at least one a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

19. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the runner assembly comprises at least one of a track, groove, guide, rod, channel, slide, wheel, ball bearing, roller, and wire.

20. The appliance of claim 19, wherein the appliance main body comprises a spacer configured to space the appliance main body away from another object, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

21. The appliance of claim 20, wherein a vacuum apparatus is adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

22. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the shelf assembly includes a vertical attachment component and a horizontal component, the vertical component disconnectably connecting the horizontal component to the door back surface, and the horizontal component comprising at least one shelf.

23. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

24. The appliance of claim 23, wherein the appliance main body comprises a spacer configured to space the appliance main body away from another object, and the spacer comprises at least one a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

25. The appliance of claim 24, wherein a vacuum apparatus is adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

26. The appliance of claim 25, wherein the door assembly comprises a gasket.

27. A modular appliance system, comprising:

(a) a first appliance and a second appliance; and

(b) the first and second appliance, each having a door assembly, a main body, and an inner compartment, further comprising at least one shelf assembly attached to the door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receive the at least one shelf assembly.

28. The modular appliance system of claim 27, wherein the first appliance comprises at least one a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the second appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven.

29. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliances are different.

30. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliances are positioned side-by-side.

31. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliances are stackable.

32. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliances are disconnectably connected.

33. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the door assembly of the first and second appliances comprise a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly.

34. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliances comprise a means for facilitating opening or closing of the door assembly.

35. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the shelf assembly comprises lighting.

36. The modular appliance system of claim 27, wherein:

(a) the first appliance is a refrigerator, and the second appliance is selected from the group consisting of a freezer or an oven;

(b) the door assembly comprises a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly;

(c) the first and second appliances comprise a means for facilitating the opening or closing of the door assembly; and

(d) the shelf assembly comprises lighting.

37. The modular appliance system of claim 36, wherein the first appliance comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

38. The modular appliance system of claim 30, wherein the first and second appliances are integrally formed in a side-by-side arrangement, the first appliance having a shared wall with the second appliance, and the shared wall being insulated.

39. The modular appliance system of claim 38, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene).

40. The modular appliance system of claim 39, wherein the first and second appliances comprise a spacer configured to space the appliances away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

41. The modular appliance system of claim 39, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

42. The modular appliance system of claim 39, wherein the size of the side by side configuration of the first and second appliance is sized to fit into a standard sized area.

43. The modular appliance system of claim 42, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator and the second appliance is an oven.

44. The modular appliance system of claim 42, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator and the second appliance is a freezer.

45. The modular appliance system of claim 42, wherein the first appliance is a freezer and the second appliance is an oven.

46. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator and the second appliance is a freezer.

47. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator and the second appliance is an oven.

48. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance is a freezer and the second appliance is an oven.

49. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the door assembly of the first and second appliances comprise a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly.

50. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the first and second appliances comprise a means for facilitating opening or closing of the door assembly.

51. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the shelf assembly comprises lighting.

52. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

53. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the appliances are integrally formed in a stackable arrangement, the first appliance having a shared ceiling with the bottom floor of the second appliance, and the shared ceiling/floor being insulated.

54. The modular appliance system of claim 53, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene).

55. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein at least one of the first appliance and second appliance comprises a spacer configured to space the at least one first appliance and second appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

56. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

57. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein:

(a) the door assembly of the first and second appliances comprise a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly;

(b) the first and second appliances comprise a means for facilitating opening or closing of the door assembly;

(c) the first appliance comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly;

(d) the first and second appliances are integrally formed in a stackable arrangement, the first appliance having a shared ceiling with the bottom floor of the second appliance, and the shared ceiling/floor being insulated, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene);

(e) at least one of the first appliance and second appliance comprises a spacer configured to space the at least first and second appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand; and

(f) the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

58. A modular appliance system, comprising:

(a) a first appliance, a second appliance, and a third appliance;

(b) the first, second, and third appliances each-having a door assembly, a main body, and an inner compartment, further comprising at least one shelf assembly attached to the door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receive the at least one shelf assembly.

59. The modular appliance system of claim 58, wherein the first appliance comprises at least one a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; the second appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the third appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven.

60. The modular appliance system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, and third appliances are different.

61. The modular appliance system of claim 59, wherein the first and second appliances are positioned side-by-side; and the first and third appliances are stackable.

62. The modular appliance system of claim 61, wherein the first, second, and third appliances are integrally formed.

63. The modular appliance system of claim 61, wherein the first, second, and third appliances are disconnectably connected.

64. The modular appliance system of claim 61, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

65. The modular appliance system of claim 61, wherein each appliance is insulated.

66. The modular appliance system of claim 65, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene).

67. The modular appliance system of claim 65, wherein the size of the side by side configuration of the first and second appliances is sized to fit into a standard sized area.

68. The modular appliance system of claim 65, wherein the size of the stackable configuration of the first and third appliances is sized to fit into a standard sized area.

69. The modular appliance system of claim 65, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

70. The modular appliance system of claim 65, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a spacer configured to space the at least one appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.

71. The modular appliance system of claim 70, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

70. The modular appliance system of claim 59, wherein:

(a) at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a spacer configured to space the at least one appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand;

(b) the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting; and

(c) at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

71. The modular appliance system of claim 61, wherein:

(a) at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a spacer configured to space the at least one appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand;

(b) the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting; and

(c) at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.

72. The modular appliance system of claim 71, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator, the second appliance is a freezer, and the third appliance is an oven.

73. The modular appliance system of claim 71, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator, the second appliance is an oven, and the third appliance is a freezer.

74. The modular appliance system of claim 58, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a stove.

75. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises a stove.

76. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the appliance comprises a stove.

77. The modular appliance system of claim 27, wherein at least one of the first and second appliances comprises a stove.

78. A modular appliance system, comprising:

(a) a first appliance, a second appliance, a third appliance, and a stove;

(b) the first, second, and third appliances each having a door assembly, a main body, and an inner compartment, further comprising at least one shelf assembly attached to the door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receive the at least one shelf assembly.

79. The modular appliance system of claim 78, wherein the first appliance comprises at least one a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; the second appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the third appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the first, second, and third appliances are different.

80. The modular appliance system of claim 79, wherein:

(a) at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a spacer configured to space the at least one appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand; and

(b) the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.

81. The modular appliance system of claim 80, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly.