APPARATUS FOR RETRACTABLE RECESS TRAY

Abstract

An apparatus includes an extendable tray that can be moved into a retracted position and an extended position away from a recess surface, and a cover with a surface positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the tray when the tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance. Also included is a latch apparatus that includes a latch arm that engages a stop to limit horizontal translation of the tray past an extended position, a handle that, when depressed, disengages the latch arm, enabling removal of the tray past the extended position, a pivot that provides a rotational axis by which the handle is attached to the tray, and a spring arm that controls a pivot angle of the handle, ensuring that latch arm engages the stop. A refrigerator incorporating the structures is also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to refrigeration, and more particularly to icemakers and the like.

It is now common practice in the art of refrigerators to provide an automatic icemaker. The icemaker is often disposed in the freezer compartment and ice is often dispensed through an opening in the access door of the freezer compartment. In this arrangement, ice is formed by freezing water with cold air in the freezer compartment.

Extendable trays are useful in ice and water dispenser to increase the allowable container size for hands-free ice and water filling. Existing approaches, however, include a visible gap behind a sliding tray when in the extended position, providing functional and aesthetic detriments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described herein, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more disadvantages known in the art.

One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising an extendable tray, wherein the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, wherein the two positions comprise a retracted position and an extended position away from a recess surface, and a cover with a surface positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the extendable tray when the extendable tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a latch apparatus attached to an extendable tray comprising a latch arm, wherein the latch arm engages a stop to limit horizontal translation of the tray past an extended position, a handle, wherein the handle, when depressed, disengages the latch arm, enabling removal of the tray past the extended position, a pivot, where the pivot provides a rotational axis by which the handle is attached to the tray, and a spring arm, wherein the spring arm controls a pivot angle of the handle, ensuring that latch arm engages the stop.

Yet another aspect relates to a refrigerator comprising a body defining at least one cooled compartment, a door hinged to the body and permitting access to the at least one cooled compartment, wherein the door includes a dispenser recess, an extendable tray configured in the dispenser recess of the door, wherein the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, wherein the two positions comprise a retracted position and an extended position away from the recess surface, and a cover with a surface positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the extendable tray when the extendable tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary “bottom freezer” refrigerator;

FIG. 2 is a simplified, perspective view of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 with the access doors of the fresh food compartment being in an open position and the drawer for the freezer compartment being removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 depicts a tray retracted view, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a tray extended view, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a tray retracted view with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A depicts a tray extended view with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B depicts a view of the sliding tray alignment features, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a tray extended view of a latch extension side with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a tray extended view of a spring extension side with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a latch lever with spring bias for tray removal, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts latch extensions and bearings, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a tray assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 depicts an opposing cross-sectional view (in relation to FIG. 11) of a tray assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a spring detent with a release lever for sliding tray removal, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a tray in an extended position with the spring detent with a release lever, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 depicts assembly of a latch to a tray, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 depicts example rigid surfaces, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 17 depicts angular relief on a latch extension, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate an exemplary refrigerator 100 which includes a fresh food compartment 102 and a freezer compartment 104. The refrigerator 100 is coolable by a conventional vapor-compression temperature control circuit. Although the refrigerator 100 is shown as the “bottom freezer” type, the teaching of the description set forth below is applicable to other types of refrigeration appliances, including but not limited to, side-by-side refrigerators. The present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to any particular type or configuration of a refrigerator.

The freezer compartment 104 and the fresh food compartment 102 are arranged in a bottom mount configuration where the freezer compartment 104 is disposed or arranged beneath or below the fresh food compartment 102. The fresh food compartment 102 is shown with French doors 134 and 135. However, a single access door can be used instead of the French doors 134, 135. The freezer compartment 104 is closed by a drawer or an access door 132.

The fresh food compartment 102 and the freezer compartment 104 are contained within a main body including an outer case 106. The outer case 106 can be formed by folding a sheet of a suitable material, such as pre-painted steel, into a generally inverted U-shape to form a top 230 and two sidewalls 232 of the outer case 106. A mullion 114, best shown in FIG. 2, which is for example formed of an extruded ABS material, connects the two sidewalls 232 to each other and separates the fresh food compartment 102 from the freezer compartment 104. The outer case 106 also has a bottom 234, which connects the two sidewalls 232 to each other at the bottom edges thereof, and a back (not shown). As is known in the art, a thermally insulating liner is affixed to the outer case 106.

The access door 132 and the French doors 134, 135 close access openings to the freezer compartment 104 and the fresh food compartment 102, respectively.

Each French door 134, 135 is mounted to the main body by a top hinge 136 and a corresponding bottom hinge 137, thereby being rotatable about its outer vertical edge between an open position for accessing the respective part of the fresh food compartment 102, as shown in FIG. 2, and a closed position for closing the respective part of the fresh food compartment 102, as shown in FIG. 1.

Similarly, when an access door 132 is used for the freezer compartment 104, it is rotatably attached to the main body in a known fashion. When a drawer is used for the freezer compartment, it is slidably received in the cavity defined by the sidewalls 232, the mullion 114 and the bottom 234 in a known fashion.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, an ice making assembly 200 is mounted on the interior surface of the access door 134 of the fresh food compartment 102 (of course, the ice making assembly 200 can be mounted on the access door 135, or in a separate location, instead). The ice making assembly 200 includes a thermally insulated ice compartment 204 mounted or formed on the access door 134, and an icemaker 202 disposed in the ice compartment 204 (alternatively, the icemaker 202 may be disposed in the freezer compartment 104 and connected to or in communication with the ice compartment 204 through a channel). Water is provided to ice molds of the icemaker 202 through a water supply conduit (not shown) extending from the main body of the refrigerator to the icemaker 202, and then is frozen into ice cubes. Then the ice cubes are usually discharged from the icemaker 202 and stored in an ice storage bin 206 until needed by a user. The ice storage bin 206 is disposed in the ice compartment 204, below the icemaker 202. The ice cubes may be withdrawn by accessing the ice compartment 204 through an access door 208 which faces the fresh food compartment 102 when the access door 134 is closed. However, the ice cubes are typically withdrawn by using an ice dispenser (not shown) installed in the access door 134 through an opening 203 (shown in FIG. 1) formed on the exterior surface of the French door 134. The opening 203 faces away from the fresh food compartment 102 when the access door 134 is closed and is formed at a height facilitating convenient access to the ice. These are known in the art and therefore will not be discussed in detail here.

As described herein, one or more embodiments of the invention include techniques and apparatuses for a continuous retractable recess tray for through the door ice and/or water dispenser arrangements. Extendable trays are useful, by way of example, in ice and water dispensers to increase the allowable container size for hands-free ice and water filling (it should also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such a feature can be implemented in multiple applications). As such, one or more embodiments of the invention includes a device that provides a continuous appearance (that is, with no gap behind the tray) when the tray is fully extended. Such an apparatus/device can be used and/or implemented in connection with any dispenser design.

One or more embodiments of the present invention include an extendable tray design used in ice and water dispenser that provides a flush surface from the recess to grill. Further, as detailed herein, one or more embodiments of the invention employ a cover with a surface (for example, a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, an angled surface, etc.) positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray (for example, on the top of the extendable tray, on the bottom of the extendable tray, etc.), thus hiding the gap behind the tray caused by the forward translation. The cover improves the appearance of the apparatus and also provides the function of diverting water into the tray instead of allowing water that falls into the dispenser to fall behind the tray. Having the ledge/cover in the back allows that water to drain into the recess tray. One or more embodiments of the invention can also include implementing a lip around the edge of the cover that makes it so that water cannot permeate the back of the tray and allows the water to come forward into the tray as opposed to falling backward into the recess.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the tray can have two positions. In Position One (see, by way of example, FIG. 3), the tray is retracted. In Position Two (see, by way of example, FIG. 4), the tray is extended to allow larger containers to be placed in the dispenser area and maximize the usable area of the tray surface. A stop conveniently impedes further motion of the tray. Further, the tray can be removable for cleaning purposes via a latch that is rotatably attached to the tray. As described further herein, engaging the lever opposite the stop will disengage the stop and allow removal of the tray.

Accordingly, when the tray is in the retracted position, the apparatus detailed herein provides a flush surface that covers from the back of the recess to the grill. When the tray is in the extended position, an example apparatus such as described herein provides a continuous appearance and provides increased allowable container size for hands-free ice and water filling. Also, in one or more embodiments of the invention, when the tray is in extended position, there can be a channel in between the cover and the tray. In such embodiments, the tray is extended for purposes of using a larger container that can span the gap, precluding any problems with containers potentially falling into the gap.

FIG. 3 depicts a tray 302 retracted view, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. Additionally, FIG. 3 depicts targeting feature 304, a feature intended to communicate location of the water stream. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, the targeting feature 304 is a circular demarcation amidst the lines or ridges on the top surface of the tray (centrally located on the tray surface in FIG. 3 at the point where the grill 308 meets the cover 306). As illustrated in FIG. 3 example, the cover 306 includes a surface that is flush to the top of the sliding tray.

FIG. 4 depicts a tray 402 extended view, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. Additionally, FIG. 4 depicts targeting feature 304, a feature (as also depicted in FIG. 3) intended to communicate location of the water stream. Note that in conjunction with the depiction of the targeting feature 304 in FIG. 3 that the targeting feature is stationary and, similar to FIG. 3, centrally located on the tray surface in at the point where the grill 408 meets the cover 406. As depicted in FIG. 4, when the sliding tray is extended, the cover 406 hides the gap behind the tray caused by the forward translation of the tray. For example, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the tray can slide forward 1.5 inches to reach the extended position. As such, the cover would hide the nearly 1.5 inch gap behind the tray.

FIG. 5 depicts a tray retracted view with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 5 depicts a grill 502, which can have some holes in it to allow water to permeate. FIG. 5 also depicts a tray 504 and a cover 506, which is stationary.

As embodied in FIG. 5, one or more embodiments of the invention can include forming a small step 508 in the sliding tray to accommodate the space used by the cover when the tray is in the retracted position. The depth of the step may be identical to the thickness of the cover, allowing the top surface of the cover to remain flush to the top surface of the grill. When the tray is extended, these surfaces will remain in the same plane, such that the container place on said surfaces will remain level.

Additionally, one or more embodiments of the invention may employ a mechanism that creates a completely level surface. This can be accomplished, for example, using a bias spring that pushes the grill up against the bottom of the cover, popping the tray into place when the grill clears the cover. Also, for example, there could also be a guide track that guides the tray horizontally until the grill clears the cover, and then raises the tray up. Further, in one or more embodiments of the invention, a “telescoping” tray with multiple overlapping layers can be used.

FIG. 6A depicts a tray extended view with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 6A depicts a grill 602, which can have some holes in it to allow water to permeate. FIG. 6A also depicts a tray 604, a cover 606 and a small step 608 in the sliding tray (as also detailed in connection with FIG. 5). As illustrated by FIG. 6A, the grill 602 is attached to the tray 604, and the tray includes alignment features 610 that allow the tray to slide in and out (between retracted and extended position), while the cover 606 remains stationary. Additionally, FIG. 6B depicts a view of the sliding tray alignment features 610, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a tray extended view of a latch extension side with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 7 depicts a grill 702, as well as a tray 704 and a cover 706. As illustrated, the back surface/cover surface is flush with the tray grill surface. FIG. 7 also depicts a latch 708, which helps to retain the tray and allow it to slide from an open to a closed position. The latch 708 keeps the tray 704 from pulling beyond “position two” (that is, the extended position).

As depicted in FIG. 7, the latch 708 attaches to the tray 704, and there is also a stop 710 for the latch that is a portion of the recess that fits into the door itself The latch 708 and stop 710 components combine to implement a hook feature 712 that engages the stop. Accordingly, a user can pull the tray 704 out and the latch (that is attached thereto) hits the stop 710. Further, a user can also depress a lever or handle on that latch (see, for example, component 908 in FIG. 9) which allows the user to pull the tray completely out (for example, to clean it, drain the water out, etc.).

FIG. 8 depicts a tray extended view of a spring extension side with cross-section transparency, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 8 depicts a grill 802, as well as a tray 804 and a cover 806. FIG. 8 also depicts a latch 808, as well as a stop 810 for the latch that is a portion of the recess that fits into the door itself. Additionally, FIG. 8 depicts cam-followed feature 812 and lever 814, which can be engaged to bypass the stop.

FIG. 9 depicts a latch lever with spring bias for tray removal, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 9 depicts a latch arm 902, a spring arm 904, a pivot 906, and a handle 908. Pivot 906 provides a rotational axis by which to attach the lever to the tray. Latch arm 902 engages a stop to limit the horizontal translation of the tray (for example, preventing the tray from extending past a second position). Spring arm 904 controls the pivot angle of the lever, ensuring that latch arm engages the stop. As additionally described, for example, in conjunction with FIG. 10, the pivot angle of the spring arm is controlled by a cam surface. Spring arm 904 also provides a bias force to counteract the force applied by the user when depressing the handle 908. Accordingly, the handle 908 is depressed by a user to disengage the latch arm 902, allowing removal of the tray.

FIG. 10 depicts latch extensions and bearings, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 10 depicts a latch extension 1002, a cantilever beam extension with cam surface 1004, and bearings 1006.

Two main functions are accomplished by the respective extensions visible in FIG. 10. The first function is accomplished with the latch extension 1002, which has a hook for engaging a stop (see, for example, FIG. 7). The second function is accomplished with the spring extension 1004. The spring extension (or arm) is a cantilever beam with a cam surface on the end. The cam surface causes the latch to rotate into stop position when the cam surface meets a mating surface (see, for example, FIG. 8). The cantilever beam is deflected elastically when the lever is engaged.

As one or more embodiments of the invention are designed as a plastic part, it can be noted that the only time the cantilever beam is deflected is when the lever is engaged by the user. If the beam is deflected for an extended period of time, there is a risk of permanent deformation of the part, resulting in an operational defect. Incident to the assembly and alignment of the lever are the two bearings with snap arms, as shown in the FIG. 10. The round bearings align to a mating slot in the tray (see, for example, FIG. 15).

The snap arms allow for tool- and connector-free assembly of the lever. The snap arms referenced above are designed to be compliant, and to eliminate the possibility of one or both snap arms breaking, a rigid surface (see, for example, FIG. 16) can be provided to bear the impulse force associated with impacting the stop location. Also, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the lever may also translate a small amount to accommodate this feature. In the event that the impulse force associated with impacting the stop is very high, the latch arm itself is designed to deflect to allow release of the tray without user engagement of the lever. A small angular relief on the hook is provided to this end (see, for example, FIG. 17). This feature eliminates the possibility of breaking the hook if the tray is pulled out too quickly.

As also detailed herein, one or more embodiments of the invention have a feature of providing detent locations at both positions. The detents require a small amount of force to overcome, which provide a positive stop at each position.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a tray assembly (splitting the lever down the center), in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 11 depicts a grill 1102, as well as a tray 1104. FIG. 11 also depicts a latch 1108, as well as a stop 1110 for the latch that is a portion of the recess that fits into the door itself. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the bottom side of the spring arm can act as a cam surface, controlling the rotational position of the latch 1108. The spring arm also provides a force to counteract the force applied by the user on the handle. FIG. 11 also depicts a cam surface 1112 on the recess that interfaces with the spring arm 1114.

FIG. 12 depicts an opposing cross-sectional view (in relation to FIG. 11) of a tray assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 12 depicts a grill 1202, as well as a tray 1204. FIG. 12 also depicts a latch 1208, as well as a stop 1210 for the latch that is a portion of the recess that fits into the door itself. As detailed herein, the latch 1208 engages the stop 1210, impeding the horizontal translation of the tray 1204. Once the user depresses the handle, the latch clears the stop, and the tray can be removed.

FIG. 13 depicts a spring detent with a release lever for sliding tray removal, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. Slider 1302 translates vertically and is biased upward by a compression spring. Lever 1304 is rotatably attached to tray 1308, pivoting at pivot 1306. Tray 1308 slides horizontally, and is shown in FIG. 13 in the refracted position. The tray is outfitted with two detent relief positions. These reliefs allow the slider 1302 to move upward. A horizontally applied force is required to move the tray, which forces a downward translation of the slider 1302. The horizontally-applied force required to move the tray out of the detent position is substantially greater than the frictional force of the slider on the bottom of the tray.

FIG. 14 depicts a tray in an extended position with the spring detent with a release lever, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. The stop location is enforced by the location of a second detent relief in the tray. As the slider 1402 moves into this detent, the left side of the lever 1404 is pushed upward. The right side of the lever moves downward and becomes a release lever. When the release lever is squeezed, the slider 1402 is forced downward, becoming free of the detent relief. The tray 1408 can be removed completely with a minimal amount of horizontally-applied force.

FIG. 15 depicts assembly of a latch to a tray, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 15 depicts a peg or obtrusion portion of the latch 1502 which fits into a hole in the tray 1504 for assembly purposes. The “peg or obtrusion” is connected to a flexible beam that deforms elastically when assembled to the part, as detailed herein (for example, in connection with tool-free assembly description).

FIG. 16 depicts example rigid surfaces, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 16 depicts rigid walls 1602 that oppose motion, and lever 1604, which, upon impact, is pulled in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure. The purpose of this feature is to direct the impulse force into the relatively rigid walls of the latch part. Without these features, the force would be applied directly to the bearing surfaces, and, by extension, to the flexible beams upon which the bearing surfaces are mounted. This would result in overstressing of the beams and may lead to plastic deformation or fracture. It should also be noted that, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the bearings are assembled in holes that are oblong-shaped instead of round, as illustrated in FIG. 15. This allows the latch to translate horizontally until it contacts the stop, when the impulse force is applied. The point of contact when the impulse force is applied is not the bearing surface, but the rigid walls noted herein.

FIG. 17 depicts angular relief on a latch extension, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 17 depicts an angular relief feature 1702 (greater than 90 degree hook angle) of the latch. The purpose of the angular relief is to eliminate potential breakage of the latch in case of an excessive impulse force (for example, when a user pulls the tray out too fast). A hook angle of 90 degrees or less would break in such an instance. Increasing the hook angle beyond 90 degrees encourages the (somewhat stiff) beam upon which the hook is mounted to flex upon impact. The minimum impulse force at which this flexure occurs can be controlled by the hook angle, and by adjusting the stiffness of the beam.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the tray in extended position can be coupled with a switch to carry out multiple features. By way of example, when the tray is pulled into extended position, it can be coupled with a switch (for example, an optical switch, a mechanical switch, etc.) that would enable a number of features (that is, it would cause the controller to perform certain tasks/features). When the tray is pulled into extended position, it could do such things as, for example, activate a switch or detection device that would change the flow rate of the water (so that when you have a larger container, it will fill faster), change the volume of water, turn on/alter dispenser lights, change auto-fill feature detection limits, etc.

Other features that may be coupled with the sliding motion of the tray can include illumination of light-emitting diode (LED) lights, color change of LED lights, change in location of water stream, change in location of water stream target, change in liquid crystal display (LCD), relay information about the tray location (retracted versus extended), etc. The coupling mechanism can trigger a relay that sends a signal to the main board about a state change.

One advantage that may be realized in the practice of some embodiments of the described systems and techniques is, in ice and water dispensers, increasing the allowable container size for hands-free ice and water filling.

Further, given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that, in general terms, an exemplary apparatus, according to an aspect of the invention, includes an extendable tray, (for example, an ice and water dispenser tray for a refrigerator), wherein the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, wherein the two positions comprise a retracted position and an extended position away from a recess surface, and a cover with a surface (for example, a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, an angled surface, etc.) positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray (for example, on the top of the extendable tray, on the bottom of the extendable tray, etc.) so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the extendable tray when the extendable tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance. The cover can be, for example, stationary or contain a telescoping feature. The cover also improves the appearance of the apparatus and provides the function of diverting water into the tray instead of allowing water that falls into the dispenser to fall behind the tray. The apparatus also includes a friction restriction (for example, a stop) that impedes motion of the tray beyond an extended position (to maximize the usable area of the tray surface), and a latch attached to the tray, wherein the latch enables removal of the tray (for example, for cleaning purposes).

As detailed herein, the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, a retracted position and an extended position (for example, to allow larger containers to be placed in the dispenser area). Additionally, the extendable tray can include a targeting feature to communicate location of a water stream emitted from a dispenser, as well as a grill containing holes to allow water to permeate. The extendable tray can also include an alignment feature that facilitates movement of the tray between a retracted position and an extended position. As also described herein, the latch includes a handle (or lever) that, when engaged, disengages the stop and enables removal of the tray.

Such an apparatus can further include a lip implemented around an edge of the cover to substantially prevent water from permeating a back portion of the tray and facilitate water to move forward into the tray. Also, one or more embodiments of the invention include a switch (for example, an optical switch, a mechanical switch, etc.) coupled to the tray used to carry out one or more actions. Such actions can include, by way of example, changing a flow rate of dispensed water, changing a volume of dispensed water, turning on of a dispenser light, altering a dispenser light, changing an auto-fill feature detection limit, illuminating a light-emitting diode (LED) light, changing color of an LED light, changing location of a dispensed water stream, changing location of a dispensed water stream target, altering a liquid crystal display (LCD), relaying information about tray position, etc.

Additionally, given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that, in general terms, an exemplary latch apparatus attached to an extendable tray, according to another aspect of the invention, includes a latch arm, wherein the latch arm engages a stop to limit horizontal translation of the tray past an extended position, and a handle, wherein the handle, when depressed, disengages the latch arm, enabling removal of the tray past the extended position. The latch apparatus additionally includes a pivot, where the pivot provides a rotational axis by which the handle is attached to the tray, and a spring arm, wherein the spring arm controls a pivot angle of the handle, ensuring that latch arm engages the stop.

As detailed herein, the latch arm can include a hook for engaging the stop. Also, the spring arm provides a bias force to counteract a force applied when the handle is depressed. The spring arm additionally includes a cantilever beam with a cam surface on an end, wherein the cam surface causes the latch apparatus to rotate into stop position when the cam surface meets a mating surface. The cantilever beam deflects elastically when the handle is engaged.

Such a latch apparatus can further include two bearings with snap arms, wherein the bearings align to a mating slot in the tray and the snap arms allow for tool- and connector-free assembly of the handle. Additionally, one or more embodiments of the invention can include a rigid surface to bear an impulse force associated with impacting a stop location.

Additionally, as detailed herein, the refrigerator apparatus of one or more embodiments of the invention can include an extendable tray configured in the dispenser recess of the door, wherein the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, wherein the two positions comprise a retracted position and an extended position away from the recess surface, and a cover with a surface (for example, a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, an angled surface, etc.) positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray (for example, on the top of the extendable tray, on the bottom of the extendable tray, etc.) so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the extendable tray when the extendable tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance. One or more embodiments of the invention can also include a latch attached to the tray, wherein the latch enables removal of the tray.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an extendable tray, wherein the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, wherein the two positions comprise a retracted position and an extended position away from a recess surface; and

a cover with a surface positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the extendable tray when the extendable tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a friction restriction that impedes motion of the tray beyond the extended position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the friction restriction comprises a stop.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a latch attached to the tray, wherein the latch enables removal of the tray.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the latch comprises a handle, wherein the handle, when engaged, disengages the stop and enables removal of the tray.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable tray comprises a targeting feature to communicate location of a water stream emitted from a dispenser.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable tray comprises a grill, wherein the grill comprises one or more holes to allow water to permeate.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable tray comprises an alignment feature, wherein the alignment feature facilitates movement of the tray between a retracted position and an extended position.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is stationary.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a telescoping feature.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lip implemented around an edge of the cover, wherein the lip substantially prevents water from permeating a back portion of the tray and facilitates water to move forward into the tray.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a switch coupled to the tray, wherein the switch coupled to the tray is used to carry out one or more actions.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more actions comprise at least one of changing a flow rate of dispensed water, changing a volume of dispensed water, turning on of a dispenser light, altering a dispenser light, changing an auto-fill feature detection limit, illuminating a light-emitting diode (LED) light, changing color of an LED light, changing location of a dispensed water stream, changing location of a dispensed water stream target, altering a liquid crystal display (LCD), and relaying information about tray position.

14. A latch apparatus attached to an extendable tray, comprising:

a latch arm, wherein the latch arm engages a stop to limit horizontal translation of the tray past an extended position;

a handle, wherein the handle, when depressed, disengages the latch arm, enabling removal of the tray past the extended position;

a pivot, where the pivot provides a rotational axis by which the handle is attached to the tray; and

a spring arm, wherein the spring arm controls a pivot angle of the handle, ensuring that latch arm engages the stop.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the latch arm comprises a hook for engaging the stop.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the spring arm provides a bias force to counteract a force applied when the handle is depressed.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the spring arm comprises a cantilever beam with a cam surface on an end, wherein the cam surface causes the latch apparatus to rotate into stop position when the cam surface meets a mating surface, wherein the cantilever beam deflects elastically when the handle is engaged.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising two bearings with snap arms, wherein the bearings align to a mating slot in the tray, and wherein the snap arms allow for tool- and connector-free assembly of the handle.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a rigid surface to bear an impulse force associated with impacting a stop location.

20. A refrigerator comprising:

a body defining at least one cooled compartment;

a door hinged to the body and permitting access to the at least one cooled compartment, wherein the door includes a dispenser recess;

an extendable tray configured in the dispenser recess of the door, wherein the extendable tray can be moved into two positions, wherein the two positions comprise a retracted position and an extended position away from the recess surface; and

a cover with a surface positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the extendable tray when the extendable tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance.