MECHANISMS FOR ATTACHING A DISPENSER TO A REFRIGERATOR DOOR

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance is provided with features for securing a dispenser to a door of the appliance. The dispenser can include a top wall, a bottom wall and a back wall that define a dispenser recess. An insert includes at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall. The insert is mounted to a back of a front panel of the door. As a result, the dispenser can have a trim-less appearance on the front panel of the door.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to mechanisms for attaching a dispenser to a refrigerator appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food items. For example, a cabinet can define a fresh food chamber for receipt of fresh food items and a freezer chamber for receipt of frozen food items. Refrigerator appliances can also include an ice maker for production of ice, e.g., within the freezer chamber.

To access ice produced by the ice maker, an ice dispenser can be provided. The dispenser can be mounted to a door of the appliance, e.g., a freezer or a refrigerator door. The dispenser can include a dispenser recess. To dispense ice, a user can insert a glass or cup into the dispenser recess and actuate a lever within the ice dispenser in order to initiate a flow of ice into the glass or cup.

Various mechanisms can be used to attach the dispenser to the appliance's door. For example, the dispenser can be attached to the appliance's door using fasteners that extend through a front panel of the door into the dispenser. Alternatively, the dispenser can be attached to the front panel of the door using heat staking, ultrasonic welding, or other similar methods. However, such methods for attaching the dispenser can be time consuming to manufacture. For example, an assembly worker may be required to insert and secure each fastener individually or, similarly, heat stake each boss individually. Accordingly, such methods can add to the overall cost of producing the refrigerator appliance. Thus, a refrigerator appliance the does not require fasteners, heat staking, or other similar methods to secure a dispenser to a door of the appliance would be useful.

In addition, trim may be required to cover the fasteners or the boss used to secure the dispenser. Trim can be mounted to the door's front panel to, e.g., cover screw heads or other cosmetically unappealing elements used to secure the dispenser to the door. Such trim can add to the overall cost of producing the refrigerator. In addition, trim can be aesthetically displeasing to certain consumers. Accordingly, a design goal for refrigerator appliances can include providing a trim-less dispenser design.

In trim-less designs, the dispenser can be attached to the refrigerator's door using adhesive tape or glue that does not modify the appearance of the door's front panel and, thus, does not require trim on the front panel. However, applying tape and glue can also be a time consuming and labor intensive process. In addition, tape and/or glue can provide a relatively weak bond or connection between the door and dispenser. Further, tape and glue can provide a poor seal for containing insulating foam during manufacture of the door. For example, insulating foam can be sprayed into the door during assembly. Such foam expands during curing and is preferably contained within the door during assembly to avoid subsequent removal of cured excess foam.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for securing a dispenser to a door of the appliance such that trim is not required would be useful. In particular, a refrigerator appliance the does not require glue or tape to secure a dispenser to a door of the appliance would be useful. Further, a refrigerator appliance with features for containing insulating foam within a door of the appliance during assembly would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A refrigerator appliance is provided with features for securing a dispenser to a door of the appliance. The dispenser can include a top wall, a bottom wall and a back wall that define a dispenser recess. An insert includes at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall. The insert is mounted to a back of a front panel of the door. As a result, the dispenser can have a trim-less appearance on the front panel of the door. Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles. A door is mounted to the cabinet. The door is configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet. The door includes a front panel. The door extends between a top and a bottom along a vertical direction. The door also extends between a first side and a second side along a horizontal direction. The door further extends between a front and a back along a transverse direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical directions. A dispenser includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall that define a dispenser recess. An insert includes at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall of the dispenser. The refrigerator appliance also includes a means for securing the insert to the door.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary refrigerator appliance according to an embodiment of the present subject matter and, in particular, illustrates doors of the appliance in a closed configuration such that an exemplary dispenser of an ice dispensing assembly is shown.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of the refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 and, in particular, illustrates refrigerator doors of the appliance in an open configuration to reveal a fresh food chamber of the appliance.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator door of the appliance shown in FIG. 1 with portions of the door removed to show details of the door and also shows a first exemplary insert of the dispenser removed from the door.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 4 with the first exemplary insert mounted to the door.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-section view of portions of the door and the first exemplary insert of FIG. 5 and, in particular, illustrates exemplary tabs of the first exemplary insert securing the same to the door.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door shown in FIG. 1 with portions of the door removed to show details of the door and also shows a second exemplary insert of the dispenser removed from the door.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 7 with the second exemplary insert mounted to the door.

FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of portions of the door and the second exemplary insert of FIG. 8 and, in particular, illustrates exemplary retainer straps of the second exemplary insert securing the same to the door.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door shown in FIG. 1 with portions of the door removed to show details of the door and also shows a third exemplary insert of the dispenser removed from the door.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 10 with the third exemplary insert mounted to the door with an exemplary wedge.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door shown in FIG. 1 with portions of the door removed to show details of the door and also shows a fourth exemplary insert of the dispenser removed from the door.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 12 with the fourth exemplary insert mounted to the door.

FIG. 14 provides a cross-section view, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13, of portions of the door and the fourth exemplary insert of FIG. 13 and, in particular, illustrates an exemplary hook of the fourth exemplary insert securing the same to the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 100 including an ice-dispensing assembly 200 for dispensing water and/or ice. Refrigerator 100 includes a housing or cabinet 120 defining chilled chambers for receipt of food items, e.g., an upper fresh food compartment 122 and a lower freezer compartment 124 arranged at the bottom of refrigerator 100. As such, refrigerator 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present invention apply to other types of refrigerators, e.g., side-by-side style refrigerators. Consequently, the embodiment of refrigerator appliance 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention in any aspect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 120 defines an access opening 121 for accessing fresh food compartment 122 and lower freezer compartment 124. Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 120 adjacent access opening 121 for accessing fresh food compartment 122. A freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for accessing freezer compartment 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably coupled within freezer compartment 124.

In the closed position, refrigerator doors 128 extend between a top 101 and a bottom 102 along a vertical direction V and also extend between a first side 105 and a second side 106 along a horizontal direction H. When in a closed position, refrigerator doors 128 further have a thickness between a front 103 and a back 104 (FIG. 2) along a transverse direction T (FIG. 2). Transverse direction T is substantially perpendicular to horizontal and vertical directions H, V. Thus, vertical direction V, horizontal direction H, and transverse direction T are orthogonally oriented such that vertical direction V, horizontal direction H, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal directional system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front, perspective view of dispenser 210. As may be seen in FIG. 3, dispenser 210 includes a discharging outlet 212 for accessing ice and water. A paddle 214 is mounted below discharging outlet 212 for operating dispenser 210. A control panel 136 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 136 includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation.

Dispenser 210 includes a bottom wall 222, a top wall, 224, and a back wall 226. Bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 are spaced apart along the vertical direction V. Back wall 226 extends between bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 along the vertical direction V. A dispenser recess 220 is defined by bottom wall 222, top wall, 224, and back wall 226 of dispenser 210.

Discharging outlet 212 and paddle 214 are an external part of dispenser 210 and are mounted in dispenser recess 220. Discharging outlet 212 is defined adjacent top wall 224 and back wall 226 of dispenser 210. Paddle 214 is mounted adjacent back wall 226. Dispenser 210 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over, and without the need to access freezer compartment 124. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser 210 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Turning back to FIG. 2, doors 128 are in an open position. As such, the various components of ice dispensing assembly 200 are illustrated. Ice-dispensing assembly 200 includes an insulated housing 142 mounted within fresh food compartment 122. Insulated housing 142 defines an insulated cavity (not shown). Due to the insulation which encloses such cavity, the temperature within the cavity can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surrounding fresh food compartment 122. Insulated cavity is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature to facilitate producing and storing ice.

Dispenser 210 is positioned below insulated housing 142 for receipt of ice from an ice maker (not shown) mounted within housing 142. Dispenser 210 includes an inlet 154 for receiving ice from insulated housing 142. Outlet 212 is in communication with inlet 154. Thus, upon activation of paddle 214 (FIG. 1), ice exits insulated housing 142 and enters inlet 154. Once within inlet 154, the ice is channeled or directed through dispenser 210 to outlet 212.

As discussed above, the embodiment of refrigerator appliance 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Thus, ice may be produced and delivered to dispenser 210 using other suitable configurations. For example, in a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, an ice maker may be mounted in the freezer chamber, and a dispenser mounted to a freezer door may be positioned proximate to and vertically below the ice maker when the freezer door is in a closed configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment, refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a water supply (not shown). Water supply is also in communication with discharging outlet 132 (FIG. 1) such that water can be dispensed through refrigerator door 128.

FIGS. 4-14 illustrate four exemplary embodiments of an insert (a first exemplary insert 200, a second exemplary insert 300, a third exemplary insert 400, and a fourth exemplary insert 500). These exemplary inserts include at least one of a bottom wall 222, top wall 224, and back wall 226 of dispenser 210 (FIG. 1). Thus, when one of the inserts is mounted to door 120, the insert assists in forming dispenser 210 and dispenser recess 220.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of one of refrigerator doors 128 dismounted from cabinet 120 and with portions of refrigerator door 128 removed to show detail. Refrigerator door 128 includes a front panel 230 with an interior surface 236 and an exterior surface 238. A sidewall 232 extends away from front panel 230 along the transverse direction T. A flange 234 extends away from sidewall 232 along the horizontal direction H. Thus, flange 234 is spaced apart from front panel 230 along the transverse direction T.

A dispenser opening 216 is defined by front panel 230. Dispenser opening 216 permits access to dispenser recess 220 (FIG. 3) through front panel 230. Thus, dispenser 210 (FIG. 3) is positioned at least partially within and/or adjacent dispenser opening 216.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, door 128 provides the back wall 226 of dispenser 210. Back wall 226 is formed by recessing a portion of front panel 230. Thus, back wall 226 extends away from front panel 230 along the transverse direction T such that back wall 226 is spaced apart from front panel 230 along the transverse direction T. In FIG. 4, back wall 226 is substantially arcuate. However, back wall 226 may be linear or have any other suitable configuration in alternative embodiments.

In FIG. 4, a first exemplary insert 300 is shown in exploded view relative to door 128. First exemplary insert 300 includes bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 of dispenser 210. Bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 are spaced apart along the vertical direction V with a rail 240 extending between and fixing together bottom wall 222 and top wall 224.

Tabs 320 are mounted to first exemplary insert 300. Tabs 320 are configured for securing first exemplary insert 300 to door 128 as discussed in greater detail below. Tabs 320 extend between a first end 321 and a second end 322. First end 321 of tabs 320 are fixed to first exemplary insert 320. Second end 322 of tabs 320 are spaced apart from first end 321 of tabs 320 such that tabs 320 extends away from first exemplary insert 300, e.g., along the transverse direction T.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of door 128 with first exemplary insert 300 mounted to door 128. First exemplary insert 300 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230. To mount first exemplary insert 300 to door 128 from the position shown in FIG. 4, first exemplary insert 300 is inserted into door 128, e.g., along the transverse direction T. Tabs 320 strike flange 234 and are deflected inwardly along the horizontal direction H. When first exemplary insert 300 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230, tabs 320 snap back outwardly along the transverse direction T beneath flange 234.

As may be seen in FIG. 5, with first exemplary insert 300 mounted to door 128, rail 240 is positioned adjacent back wall 226 of dispenser 210 such that rail 240 is behind back wall 226 when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 1. To assist in securing first exemplary insert 300 to door 128, a fastener (not shown) may be inserted into rail 240 and back wall 226 in order to couple first exemplary insert 300 and door 128.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-section view of door 128 and first exemplary insert 300 and, in particular, illustrates one of tabs 320 of first exemplary insert 300 securing first exemplary insert 300 to door 128. Tab 320 extends between first exemplary insert 300 and flange 234 of door 128 along the transverse direction T. First end 321 of tab 320 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230, and second end 322 of tab 320 is positioned adjacent flange 234. By extending between flange 234 and interior surface 236 of front panel 230, tab 320 assists in securing first exemplary insert 300 to door 128 by, e.g., by hindering movement of first exemplary insert 300 along the transverse direction T.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of one of refrigerator doors 128 dismounted from cabinet 120 and with portions of refrigerator door 128 removed to show detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, door 128 includes back wall 226 of dispenser 210.

In FIG. 7, a second exemplary insert 400 is shown in an exploded view relative to door 128. Second exemplary insert 400 includes bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 of dispenser 210. Bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 are spaced apart along the vertical direction V with rail 240 extending between and fixing together bottom wall 222 and top wall 224. Second exemplary insert 400 also extends between a front 430 and a back 432. Front 430 and back 432 of second exemplary insert 400 are spaced apart, e.g., along the transverse direction T.

Retainer straps (e.g., spring wires) 420 are positioned adjacent second exemplary insert 400. Retainer straps 420 are configured for securing second exemplary insert 400 to door 128 as discussed in greater detail below. Retainer straps 420 extend between a first end 421 and a second end 422. In FIG. 7, retainer straps 420 are not attached to second exemplary insert 400. However, in alternative embodiment, retainer straps 420 may be attached to second exemplary insert 400, e.g., to back 432 of second exemplary insert 400. Second end 422 of retainer straps 420 are spaced apart from first end 421 of retainer straps 420 such that retainer straps 420 extend across second exemplary insert 400, e.g., along the horizontal direction H. In additional alternative embodiments, a middle portion of retainer straps 420 may be mounted or fixed to second exemplary insert 400 such that first and second ends 421, 422 of retainer straps 420 extend away from second exemplary insert 400, e.g., along the horizontal direction H.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of door 128 with second exemplary insert 400 mounted to door 128. Front 430 of second exemplary insert 400 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230. To mount second exemplary insert 400 to door 128, from the position shown in FIG. 7, second exemplary insert 400 is inserted into door 128, e.g., along the transverse direction T. When front 430 of second exemplary insert 400 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230, first and second ends 421, 422 of retainer straps 420 may be adjusted and positioned adjacent flange 234 as shown in FIG. 8 in order to secure second exemplary insert 400 to door 128.

FIG. 9 provides a cross-section view of door 128 and second exemplary insert 400 and, in particular, illustrates one of retainer straps 420 of second exemplary insert 400 securing second exemplary insert 400 to door 128. Retainer strap 420 extends between back 432 of second exemplary insert 400 and flange 234 of door 128 along the horizontal direction H. Second end 422 of retainer strap 420 is positioned adjacent flange 234. Similarly, first end 421 (FIG. 7) of retainer strap 420 is positioned adjacent opposite flange 234. With retainer strap 420 extending between flange 234 and back 432 of second exemplary insert 400, retainer strap 420 urges second exemplary insert 400 towards front panel 230 of door 128 and, thus, assisting to secure second exemplary insert 400 to door 128, e.g., by hindering movement of second exemplary insert 400 along the transverse direction T.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of one of refrigerator doors 128 dismounted from cabinet 120 and with portions of refrigerator door 128 removed to show detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, door 128 includes back wall 226 of dispenser 210. Back wall 226 defines a slot 510 that extends longitudinally along the vertical direction V.

In FIG. 10, a third exemplary insert 500 is shown in an exploded view relative to door 128. Third exemplary insert 500 includes bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 of dispenser 210. Bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 are spaced apart along the vertical direction V with rail 240 extending between and fixing together bottom wall 222 and top wall 224. A jam or wedge 520 is also shown in FIG. 10 in exploded view relative to door 128. Wedge 520 is configured for receipt within slot 510 in order to mount third exemplary insert 500 to door 128 as discussed in greater detail below. Wedge 520 includes a chock 522 with a lip 524 extending away from chock 522.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of door 128 with third exemplary insert 500 mounted to door 128. Third exemplary insert 500 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230. To mount third exemplary insert 500 to door 128, from the position shown in FIG. 10, third exemplary insert 500 is inserted into door 128, e.g., along the transverse direction T, and wedge 520 is placed into slot 510. When third exemplary insert 500 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230 and wedge 520 is positioned within slot 510, fasteners 530 are extended into rail 240 and wedge 520 in order to couple wedge 520 and rail 240. Other suitable mechanisms may also be used to couple rail 240 and wedge 520, e.g., hooks or glue. With rail 240 coupled to wedge 520, third exemplary inset 500 is hindered from translating in the vertical direction V and the transverse direction T by wedge 520.

Wedge 520 is mounted in slot 510 such the wedge 520 extends through back wall 226 along transverse direction T. Thus, chock 522 is disposed within slot 510, and lip 524 is disposed adjacent back wall 226. As discussed above, fasteners 530 couple wedge 520 and third exemplary insert 500 such that third exemplary insert 500 is secured to door 128. For example, wedge 520 impacts bottom of slot 510 when third exemplary inset 500 is urged downwardly along vertical direction V. Similarly, wedge 520 impacts back wall 226 adjacent slot 510 if third exemplary inset 500 is urged along transverse direction T. For example, lip 524 of wedge 520 impacts back wall 226 adjacent slot 510 if third exemplary inset 500 is urged along transverse direction T.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of one of refrigerator doors 128 dismounted from cabinet 120 and with portions of refrigerator door 128 removed to show detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, door 128 includes a lip 610 positioned adjacent dispenser opening 216 and extending away from front panel 230 along the transverse direction T. Lip 610 includes hooks 612 configured for securing a fourth exemplary insert 600 to door 128.

In FIG. 12, lip 610 extends away from front panel 230 about all of dispenser opening 216. Thus, lip 610 is continuous about dispenser opening 216. However, in alternative embodiments, lip 610 need not be continuous about opening dispenser 216 and may include a plurality of lips 610 disposed about dispenser opening 216. Similarly, hooks 612 need not be uniformly disposed on lip 610 as shown in FIG. 12 and may have any suitable number or configuration.

In FIG. 12, fourth exemplary insert 600 is shown in an exploded view relative to from door 128. Fourth exemplary insert 600 includes bottom wall 222, top wall 224, and back wall 226 of dispenser 210. Bottom wall 222 and top wall 224 are spaced apart along the vertical direction V with back wall 226 extending between and fixing together bottom wall 222 and top wall 224. Back wall 226 is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction H, but, as discussed above, in alternative embodiments, back wall 226 may have any suitable shape.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear perspective view of door 128 with fourth exemplary insert 600 mounted to door 128. Fourth exemplary insert 600 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230. To mount fourth exemplary insert 600 to door 128, from the position shown in FIG. 12, fourth exemplary insert 600 is inserted into door 128, e.g., along the transverse direction T. When fourth exemplary insert 600 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230, lip 610 and hook 612 are received by fourth exemplary insert 600 as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 14 provides a partial, cross-sectional view of door 128 and fourth exemplary insert 600 taken along the 14-14 axis of FIG. 13. As may be seen in FIG. 14, fourth exemplary insert 600 defines a slit 620 that extends into fourth exemplary insert 600 along the transverse direction T. Fourth exemplary insert 600 also defines a hole 622 that extends into fourth exemplary insert 600 along the horizontal direction H from slit 620.

In addition, as may be seen in FIG. 14, hook 612 of lip 610 includes a point 614 that is spaced apart from lip 610 along the horizontal direction H. To mount fourth exemplary insert 600 to door 128, lip 610 is inserted into slit 620. Hook 612 deforms during mounting such that point 614 of hook 612 deflects towards lip 610 along the horizontal direction H. When fourth exemplary insert 600 is positioned adjacent interior surface 236 of front panel 230 and lip 610 is suitably positioned within slit 620, point 614 of hook 612 deflects away from lip 610 and snaps into hole 622. Thus, hook 612 is received within hole 622. With hook 612 received within hole 622, hook 612 assists in securing fourth exemplary insert 600 to door 128. For example, hook 612 may hinder movement of fourth exemplary insert 600 along the transverse direction T.

As discussed above, FIGS. 4-14 illustrate four exemplary embodiments of an insert (first exemplary insert 200, second exemplary insert 300, third exemplary insert 400, and fourth exemplary insert 500). When any one of the inserts is mounted to door 120, the insert provides at least one of bottom wall 222, top wall 224, and back wall 226 of dispenser 210. However, it should be understood that the mechanisms used to attach the inserts in the four exemplary embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in order to attach an additional exemplary insert to door 120. For example, the additional exemplary insert may include tabs and retainer straps, tabs and a wedge, or any other suitable combination of attachment mechanisms.

The various attachment mechanisms illustrated in the first exemplary insert 200, second exemplary insert 300, third exemplary insert 400, and fourth exemplary insert 500, provide reliable and robust mechanisms for securing the inserts 200, 300, 400, and 500 to the door 120. Also, the various attachment mechanisms provide a seal that can prevent insulating foam from leaking out of door 120. For example, during manufacture of door 120, door 120 is filled with insulating foam. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, without the robust seal provided by the attachment mechanisms such foam could leak out between the dispenser 210 and the door 120 during assembly.

In addition, a gasket (not shown) may be disposed between dispenser 210 and any of the inserts (first exemplary insert 200, second exemplary insert 300, third exemplary insert 400, or fourth exemplary insert 500). As an example, the gasket can be disposed on interior surface 236 and extend between interior surface 236 of door 120 and the insert. The gasket can provide improved sealing and/or prevent foam insulation from leaking out between the dispenser 210 and the door 120 during assembly. Thus, the gasket can have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the interface between the inserts and the door 120 as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet defining a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles;

a door mounted to said cabinet, said door configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of said cabinet, said door including a front panel, said door extending between a top and a bottom along a vertical direction, said door also extending between a first side and a second side along a horizontal direction, said door further extending between a front and a back along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical directions;

a dispenser mounted adjacent said door, said dispenser having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall that define a dispenser recess;

an insert comprising at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall of said dispenser; and

means for securing said insert to said door in order to form said dispenser.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said door further comprises:

a sidewall that extends away from the front panel of said door along the transverse direction; and

a flange that extends from said sidewall along the horizontal direction such that said flange is spaced apart from the front panel, wherein said means for securing comprises a tab connected to said insert and extending between said insert and said flange of said door in order to secure said insert to said door.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein said insert comprises the top wall and the bottom wall of said dispenser, wherein said door comprises the back wall of said dispenser, the back wall of said dispenser being substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said door further comprises:

a sidewall that extends away from the front panel of said door along the transverse direction; and

a flange that extends from said sidewall along the horizontal direction such that said flange is spaced apart from the front panel, wherein said insert extends between a front and a back with the front of said insert positioned adjacent the front panel of said door, the back of said insert spaced apart from the front of said insert along the transverse direction, wherein said means for securing comprises a retainer strap extending between the back of said insert and said flange of said door in order to urge said insert towards the front panel of said door.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein said insert comprises the top wall and the bottom wall of said dispenser, wherein said door comprises the back wall of said dispenser, the back wall of said dispenser being substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said insert comprises the top wall and the bottom wall of said dispenser, wherein said door comprises the back wall of said dispenser, the back wall of said dispenser defining a slot, wherein said means for securing comprises:

a jam received within the slot of the back wall; and

a fastener that couples said insert to said jam in order to secure said insert to said door.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein the back wall of said dispenser is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said insert extends between a front and a back along the transverse direction, said insert defining a slit that extends into said insert along the transverse direction and a hole positioned adjacent said slit and extending into said insert along the horizontal direction, wherein said means for securing comprises a lip mounted adjacent said door and extending away from the front panel along the transverse direction, said lip received within said slit, said lip having a hook with a tip positioned away from said lip along the horizontal direction, the tip of the hook disposed within said hole in order to secure said insert to said door.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said door comprises the back wall of said dispenser, wherein said insert extends between a front and a back along the transverse direction, said insert comprising:

the top wall of said dispenser;

the bottom wall of said dispenser spaced apart from the top wall of said dispenser along the vertical direction; and

a rail extending between the top wall and the bottom wall of said dispenser, said rail positioned adjacent the back wall of said dispenser.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, wherein said means for securing comprises a fastener that couples said rail and the back wall of said dispenser.

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, wherein said door further comprises a flange spaced apart from the front panel of said door along the transverse direction, wherein said means for securing comprises a tab mounted to said insert and extending from said insert to said flange in order to secure said insert to said door.

12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the back wall of said dispenser is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction.

13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, wherein said door further comprises a flange spaced apart from the front panel of said door along the transverse direction, wherein said means for securing comprises a retainer strap extending between the back of said insert and said flange such that said retainer strap urges said insert towards the front panel of said door.

14. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the back wall of said dispenser is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, wherein the back wall of said dispenser defines a slot, wherein said means for securing comprises:

a jam received within the slot of the back wall; and

a fastener that couples said insert to said jam in order to secure said insert to said door.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, wherein the back wall of said dispenser is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said insert extends between a front and a back along the transverse direction, said insert comprising:

the top wall of said dispenser;

the bottom wall of said dispenser spaced apart from the top wall of said dispenser along the vertical direction;

the back wall of said dispenser extending between the top wall and the bottom wall of said dispenser, wherein said insert defines a slit that extends into said insert along the transverse direction and a hole positioned adjacent said slit and extending into said insert along the horizontal direction, wherein said means for securing comprises a lip mounted adjacent said door and extending away from the front panel along the transverse direction, said lip received within said slit, said lip having a hook with a tip positioned away from said lip along the horizontal direction, the tip of the hook disposed within said hole in order to mount said insert to said door.

18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said insert defines an outlet for directing a flow of ice to the dispenser recess.

19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a gasket disposed between the front panel of said door and said insert.