MULTI-LEVEL DRAWER ORGANIZATION SYSTEM FOR A REFRIGERATING APPLIANCE

Abstract

A multi-level drawer system includes a refrigerating appliance having a back wall and a plurality of sidewalls that define a freezer compartment having an interior volume. The freezer compartment includes a freezer drawer that is slidably operable within the freezer compartment between extended and retracted positions. The interior volume is accessible when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position. A first storage drawer is slidably operable within the freezer drawer between a plurality of first-drawer positions when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position. A second storage drawer is positioned above the first storage drawer and slidably operable between a plurality of second-drawer positions when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position. A third-tier storage member is disposed on the second storage drawer and is slidably operable between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of refrigerating appliances, and more specifically, organizational systems for refrigerating appliances having multiple tiers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is generally directed toward a multi-level drawer system for a refrigerating appliance that includes a refrigerating appliance having a back wall and a plurality of sidewalls that define a freezer compartment having an interior volume. The freezer compartment includes a freezer drawer. The freezer drawer is slidably operable within the freezer compartment between an open extended position and a closed retracted position. The interior volume is accessible when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position. A first storage drawer is slidably operable within the freezer drawer and is operable between a plurality of first-drawer positions at least when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position. A second storage drawer is positioned above the first storage drawer and slidably operable within the freezer drawer between a plurality of second-drawer positions when the freezer drawer is extended away from the retracted position. A third-tier storage member is disposed on at least a portion of the second storage drawer and is slidably operable between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a tiered organizational system for a refrigerating appliance includes a freezer compartment of a refrigerating appliance. The freezer compartment has a rear wall, a plurality of sidewalls and an interior volume. The plurality of sidewalls defines a freezer opening for accessing the interior volume. The freezer compartment includes an operable door panel moveable between open and closed positions. The interior volume is accessible when the operable door panel is the open position. A first storage drawer is slidably operable in relation to the freezer compartment between a plurality of first storage-drawer positions when the operable door panel is in the open position. A second storage drawer has a plurality of sides and an inner portion, and is positioned superior to the first storage drawer and is operable in relation to the freezer compartment between a plurality of second storage-drawer positions when the operable door panel is in the open position. The plurality of sides of the second storage drawer defines an upper rim including a level rear portion and an angled front portion. The angled front portion extends downward at an angle from the level rear portion to a lowered front edge of the upper rim.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a tiered organizational system for installation in a freezer compartment of a refrigerating appliance that includes a lower storage drawer configured to be slidably operable in relation to a freezer compartment between a plurality of lower storage drawer positions. An upper storage drawer has a plurality of sides and an inner portion, and is positioned superior to the first storage drawer. The upper storage drawer is configured to be operable in relation to the freezer compartment between a plurality of upper storage drawer positions, wherein the plurality of sides of the upper storage drawer defines an upper rim including a level rear portion and an angled front portion, wherein the angled front portion extends downward at an angle from the level rear portion to a lowered front edge of the upper rim. A third-tier storage member is disposed on at least a portion of the upper storage drawer proximate the level rear portion and slidably operable between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the upper storage drawer.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings, certain embodiment(s) which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Drawings are not necessary to scale. Certain features of the invention may be exaggerated in scale or shown in schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator containing one embodiment of the multi-level drawer system contained within a freezer drawer of a refrigerating appliance with the freezer drawer in the open position;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a lower first storage drawer of an alternate embodiment of the multi-level drawer system for a refrigerating appliance showing a plurality of dividers contained therein;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an upper second storage drawer of an alternate embodiment of the multi-level drawer system for a refrigerating appliance, having a plurality of interior dividers and a third-tier storage member slidably disposed thereon;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another alternate aspect of the slidably multi-level drawer system installed within a freezer drawer of a refrigerating appliance with the upper second storage drawer in a forward position relative to the freezer compartment of the refrigerating appliance;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 5 with the upper second storage drawer in a rearward position within the refrigerating appliance and the lower first storage drawer in a forward position relative to the freezer compartment;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an upper second storage drawer of another alternate aspect of the multi-level drawer system for a refrigerating appliance with the internal dividers and third-tier storage member removed therefrom;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the upper second storage drawer of FIG. 7 shown with a low divider installed therein and an ice storage bin removed;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the upper second storage drawer of FIG. 7 having a plurality of dividers installed therein;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view for a refrigerator containing another embodiment of the multi-level drawer system contained within a freezer drawer of the refrigerating appliance with the freezer drawer in the open position;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 11 with the upper second storage drawer in a rearward positon within the refrigerating appliance and the lower first storage drawer in a forward position relative to the freezer compartment;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 11, with the multi-level drawer system removed from the freezer drawer of the refrigerator;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the upper second storage drawer of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 16, with the third-tier storage member in an aft position;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the upper second storage drawer of FIG. 17 with the third-tier storage member moved forward relative to the upper second storage drawer;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the lower first storage drawer of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the lower first storage drawer of FIG. 19 showing dividers in an ice storage bin in alternate configurations;

FIG. 21 is an alternate top perspective view of the lower first storage drawer of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 22 is another alternate top perspective view of the lower first storage drawer of the multi-level drawer system of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the subject invention is described further, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described below, as variations of the particular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Instead, the scope of the present invention will be established by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a multi-level drawer system installed within a refrigerating appliance, such as the freezer compartment of the refrigerating appliance according to one embodiment. The multi-level drawer system 10 includes a refrigerating appliance 12 having a back wall 16 and a plurality of sidewalls 18 that define a freezer compartment 14 with an interior volume 20. The freezer compartment 14 includes a freezer drawer 22, wherein the freezer drawer 22 is slidably operable within the freezer compartment 14 between an open extended position 24 and a closed retracted position (not shown). The interior volume 20 of the freezer compartment 14 is accessible when the freezer drawer 22 is extended away from the retracted position 26. A first storage drawer 28 is slidably operable within the freezer drawer 22 and operable between the plurality of first-drawer positions. The first storage drawer 28 is operable at least when the freezer drawer 22 is distal from the retracted position 26.

A second storage drawer 30 is positioned above the first storage drawer 28 and is slidably operable within the freezer drawer 22 between a plurality of second-drawer positions including forward and rearward positions 32, 34 relative to the freezer drawer 22. As with the first storage drawer 28, the second storage drawer 30 is operable between the forward and rearward positions 32, 34 when the freezer drawer 22 is distal from the retracted position 26. A third-tier storage member 36 is disposed on at least a portion of the second storage drawer 30 and is slidably operable between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer 30. According to various embodiments, the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 are independently operable with respect to one another.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-15, the multi-level drawer system 10 can be adapted for use within a French-door refrigerator having a pull-out freezer drawer 22. In such an embodiment, the multi-level drawer system 10 is configured to be installed within the freezer drawer 22 of the refrigerating appliance 12. In this manner, as the freezer drawer 22 is moved between the extended position 24 and the retracted position 26, the user of the refrigerating appliance 12 can operate the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 and the third-tier storage member 36 between a plurality of configurations to store and access various foodstuffs kept within the multi-level drawer system 10 for easy access when needed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 14-16 and 19-22, the first storage drawer 28 of the multi-level drawer system 10 can include at least one first-drawer divider 50 that is configured to define a plurality of first-drawer compartments 52 within the first storage drawer 28. It is contemplated that the first-drawer divider 50 can include various types of partitions including, but not limited to, a front-back lower divider 54 and/or a left-right lower divider 56. According to various embodiments, the first storage drawer 28 can include a permanent front-back lower divider 54 that extends the full depth of the first storage drawer 28. In this manner, the permanent front-back lower divider 54 of the first storage drawer 28 can separate the first storage drawer 28 into permanent left and right first-drawer compartments 58, 60 that have predefined widths. In such an embodiment, because the widths of the left and right first-drawer compartments 58, 60 is fixed, the various left-right lower dividers 56 for the first storage drawer 28 can also be configured to have a fixed and consistent length for placement within the left or right first-drawer compartments 58, 60. Within the left and right first-drawer compartments 58, 60, the left-right lower dividers 56 can be moved forward and rearward within the respective left and right first-drawer compartments 58, 60 to define lower sub-compartments 62 within the first storage drawer 28. In this manner, the various lower sub-compartments 62 of the first storage drawer 28 can be configured to accommodate specific package sizes of frozen foods to be disposed within the multi-level drawer system 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 14-16 and 19-22, it is contemplated that at least one of the left-right lower dividers 56 can include a storage bin 70 made up of at least two bin-dividing walls 72. The various bin-dividing walls 72 of the storage bin 70 can be spaced in a predetermined configuration to provide space for larger items. Such larger items can include, but are not limited to, a whole turkey, a large ham, and other large frozen food items. According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the storage bin 70 disposed within the first storage drawer 28 can have at least partially translucent or transparent bin-dividing walls 72 to allow a user to view items disposed within the storage bin 70 and behind the storage bin 70 without fully extending the first storage drawer 28 out from the freezer compartment 14 of the refrigerating appliance 12. It is also contemplated that the various first-drawer dividers 50, including the front-back lower dividers 54 and the left-right lower dividers 56 can also be at least partially translucent or transparent to allow for viewing through the various first-drawer dividers 50 contained within the first storage drawer 28 of the multi-level drawer system 10. The bin-dividing walls are typically conceivably solid, but could conceivably have one or more apertures and be in the form of a wire grid wall.

According to various embodiments, it is contemplated that instead of a permanent front-back lower divider 54 being disposed within the first storage drawer 28, the front-back lower divider 54 can be adjustable toward the left and right sides of the first storage drawer 28. To accommodate this left and right movement of the front-back lower divider 54, it is contemplated that the left-right lower dividers 56 of the first storage drawer 28 can also be adjustable to accommodate the various sizes of the left and right first-drawer compartments 58, 60 created by the left and right movement of the front-back lower divider 54. The left-right lower dividers 56 can be lengthened and shortened through various mechanisms that can include, but are not limited to, a plurality of slidable panels, accordion-style extensions, extendable and retractable arms, foldable panel portions that can extend the left-right lower dividers 56, and other similar lengthening and shortening mechanisms.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4-9, 11-13 and 16-18, according to the various embodiments, the second storage drawer 30 can include a front angled portion 90 that slopes upward from a front edge 92 of the second storage drawer 30 to a central portion 94 of the second storage drawer 30. The front angled portion 90 can extend across the full width of the second storage drawer 30. The second storage drawer 30 includes a plurality of walls 96 and an inner portion 98. The second storage drawer 30 is positioned superior to the first storage drawer 28. The plurality of walls 96 of the second storage drawer 30 defines an upper rim 100 including a level rear portion 102 and the front angled portion 90. The front angled portion 90 extends downward at a predetermined angle (typically an angle X of from about 85° to about 45° as shown in FIG. 4) from the level rear portion 102 to the lower front edge 92 of the upper rim 100 of the second storage drawer 30. According to the various embodiments, the front angled portion 90 defines a closed-drawer access 110 through which the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30 can be accessed at least when the second storage drawer 30 is completely within the freezer compartment 14 and the freezer drawer 22 is in the extended position 24. In this manner, when the freezer drawer 22 is moved to the open extended position 24, the user can extend the first storage drawer 28 and leave the second storage drawer 30 retracted within the freezer compartment 14 (as illustrated in FIG. 6). In this configuration, the user can access both the first storage drawer 28 and the second storage drawer 30 simultaneously. The closed-drawer access 110 defined by the front angled portion 90 of the second storage drawer 30 allows the user to view and reach into the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30 to see within, place items within, or remove items from the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30. The front angled portion 90 presents items within the second storage drawer 30 to the user.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 4-9, 11-13 and 16-18, in addition to the front angled portion 90 of the second storage drawer 30, a front wall 120 of the second storage drawer 30 can be angled outward such that the front wall 120 extends from a base 122 of the second storage drawer 30 to the front edge 92 of the second storage drawer 30, which is extended toward the door panel 124 of the freezer drawer 22. Because the front wall 120 of the second storage drawer 30 is angled toward the user, the user is allowed a greater range of view of and access to the contents disposed within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30 and still retain the contents within the second storage drawer 30 when it is actuated. The angled front wall 120 also makes it easier for the user to remove items from within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30 for use. The angled front wall 120 of the second storage drawer 30, in combination with the closed-drawer access 110 defined by the front angled portion 90 of the second storage drawer 30, also provides a more convenient path for the user to place items within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 4-9 and 16-18, the second storage drawer 30 can include at least one second-drawer divider 130 configured to define a plurality of second-drawer compartments 132 within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30. As shown in FIG. 8, these second-drawer dividers 130 can be any one or more of various partitions that include, but are not limited to, a short height front-back divider 134 (i.e., does not extend to the height of the drawer), a tall front-back divider 136, an ice storage bin 138 for a dedicated ice maker (not shown), right-left upper dividers 140, and other various dividing panels for the second storage drawer 30. According to the various embodiments, the various second-drawer dividers 130 are typically solid and can be at least partially translucent or transparent to provide a user the opportunity to view items behind the various second-drawer dividers 130 by seeing through the at least translucent panels of the second-drawer dividers 130. According to various embodiments, the various second-drawer dividers 130 can be movable within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30 to modify the sizes of the various second-drawer compartments 132 and upper sub-compartments 142 contained within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30. As discussed above with respect to the first-drawer dividers 50, the short and tall front-back dividers 134, 136 of the second storage drawer 30 can be either permanently fixed or can be movable to the right and left within the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30. Additionally, the right-left upper dividers 140 of the second storage drawer 30, in cases where the short and tall front-back dividers 134, 136 are movable within the second storage drawer 30, can be extendable and retractable to accommodate the movement of the short and tall front-back dividers 134, 136 and the changing sizes of upper left and right compartments 144, 146 of the second storage drawer 30.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 and 19-22, the first storage drawer 28 can include the same or similar dividers as those included in the second storage drawer 30. Accordingly, by way of example, and not limitation, the first storage drawer 28 can include a dedicated ice storage bin 138 that is operable within grooves 190 defined within the lower storage drawer 28 and the first drawer divider 50. Additionally, the first drawer dividers 50, as well as the second drawer dividers 130, can be fixed in place by slots 192 defined within the walls 96 of the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 and the first and second drawer dividers 50, 130. In such an embodiment, the first and second drawer dividers 28, 34 can be slidably engaged with various slots 192 to position the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 within the respective first and second storage drawers 28, 30.

As illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4, the sides of the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 and the third-tier storage member 36, can include air flow channels 148 that are defined within the sides of the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 and the third-tier storage member 36. These air flow channels 148 allow cooled air to circulate throughout the freezer compartment 14 of the refrigerating appliance 12 when the freezer drawer 22 is in the closed position. It is also contemplated that the air flow channels 148 extend along a majority of each wall 96 such that a portion of each air flow channel 148 is in communication with each of the adjacently positioned lower and upper sub-compartments 62, 142. In this manner, air flow through the entire freezer compartment 14 and into each of the lower and upper subcompartments 72, 142 is achieved through the air flow channels 148. It is also contemplated that the air flow channels 148 can be located in a back wall 96 of the first and/or second storage drawers 28, 30 and the third-tier storage member 36 or in any one or more of the first or second drawer dividers 50, 130 to allow for air flow between the various compartments and subcompartments of the first and second storage drawers 28, 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, 4-6, 12, 13 and 16-18, the third-tier storage member 36 can be disposed in at least a portion of the second storage drawer 30 such that the third-tier storage member 36 is slidably operable within the second storage drawer 30 between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer 30. It is contemplated that the third-tier storage member 36 is operable while the second storage drawer 30 is in any of the plurality of second storage drawer positions. By way of explanation, and not limitation, when the second storage drawer 30 is fully retracted within the freezer compartment 14, the third-tier storage member 36 can be slidably extended outward from the freezer compartment 14, to a fore position 172, so that the user can access items placed upon or within the third-tier storage member 36 without moving the position of the second storage drawer 30. When the second storage drawer 30 is in the fully forward position 32 out of the freezer compartment 14, the third-tier storage member 36 can be moved inward toward the freezer compartment 14 to an aft position 174. In this manner, the third-tier storage member 36 can be at least partially, or, in some cases, fully disposed within the freezer compartment 14, without changing the position of the second storage drawer 30.

In various embodiments, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the third-tier storage member 36 can be at least partially translucent, such that a user can see through the third-tier storage member 36 and into the inner portion 98 of the second storage drawer 30 to view items stored therein. It is contemplated that the third-tier storage member 36 can include a platform 160 having a perimetrical lip 162 extending around the at least partially translucent platform 160 to substantially prevent items from rolling off from the platform 160. According to various alternate embodiments, the third-tier storage member 36 can include vertical sides 164 that extend around and upward from the at least partially translucent platform 160. Accordingly, where vertical sides 164 are used, items can be substantially contained within the third-tier storage member 36 without rolling, sliding or being forced off from the platform 160 of the third-tier storage member 36.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-2, 4-6, 12, 13 and 16-18, it is contemplated that the third-tier storage member 36 can be engaged with the second storage drawer 30 through a sliding mechanism 166, such as rollers 200, tracks, guides, slides, or other sliding mechanisms 166 such that the third-tier storage member 36 can easily slide between the plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer 30. These positions can include the fore position 172 that is forward relative to the second storage drawer 30 and the aft position 174 that is rearward relative to the second storage drawer 30. According to various embodiments, it is contemplated that the sliding mechanism 166 of the third-tier storage member 36 can include a detent portion 168 that defines a stowed position 170 of the third-tier storage member 36. In such an embodiment, as the third-tier storage member 36 nears the detent portion 168 of the sliding mechanism 166, the third-tier storage member 36 is guided into the detent portion 168 and substantially retained therein through the force of gravity. It is contemplated that such a detent portion 168 is substantially minimal such that a small amount of force exerted by the user can remove the third-tier storage member 36 from the detent portion 168 for sliding between the plurality of third-tier positions.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the third-tier storage member 36 is configured to engage the second storage drawer 30 rearward of the front angled portion 90 such that when the third-tier storage member 36 is in the stowed position 170, the front portion 180 of the third-tier storage member 36 is positioned at least partially behind, more typically substantially behind, or most typically completely behind, the front angled portion 90 of the second storage drawer 30 to allow the user easy access through the closed-drawer access 110 defined by the front angled portion 90 of the second storage drawer 30. It is also contemplated that the third-tier storage member 36 can be disposed on the second storage drawer 30 proximate the level rear portion 102 of the upper rim 100 of the second storage drawer 30. Again, the positioning of the third-tier storage member 36 within the level rear portion 102 of the upper rim 100 allows the user convenient access through the closed-drawer access 110 defined by the front angled portion 90 of the second storage drawer 30.

According to the various embodiments, the multi-level drawer system 10 can be installed within various refrigerating appliances 12 and can be used for refrigerator compartments, as well as freezer compartments 14. However, the system including the angled portion 90 uniquely assists a user accessing food items stored in the freezer compartment of a French door bottom mount configuration appliance. Additionally, it is contemplated that the multi-level drawer system 10 can be installed within freezer compartments 14 that are accessed through mechanisms other than drawers. Such access mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, side hinge doors, top or bottom hinged doors, sliding panels, and other similar access mechanisms. It is also contemplated that the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 and the third-tier storage member 36 of the multi-level drawer system 10 can be removable from the freezer compartment 14 by hand and without the use of tools for replacement, repair, cleaning, transport, or other similar purpose.

According to various embodiments, it is contemplated that the first storage drawer 28 can include rollers 200 whereby the first storage drawer 28 engages a portion of the freezer drawer 22 such that rollers 200 of the first storage drawer 28 allow the first storage drawer 28 to slidably move along a portion of the freezer drawer 22. It is also contemplated that the second storage drawer 30 can include rollers 200 (shown in FIGS. 17-18) that allow the second storage drawer 30 to roll between the forward and rearward positions 32, 34. It is contemplated that the rollers 200 can be offset relative to the base 122 of the second storage drawer 30. In this manner, the base 122 can be tilted toward the rear to tend to move items toward the rear of the second storage drawer 30. The rollers 200 of the second storage drawer 30, in various embodiments, can be configured to engage a roller guide 202 defined within a top edge of the first storage drawer 28. In such a configuration, it is contemplated that when a user pulls out the second storage drawer 30, the rollers 200 of the second storage drawer 30 will engage a front section of the first storage drawer 28 such that both the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 will be extended out of the freezer compartment 14 of the refrigerating appliance 12 simultaneously. It is further contemplated that in such an embodiment, the second storage drawer 30 can be independently retracted back into the freezer compartment 14 such that portions of the first storage drawer 28 can be accessed. According to various alternate embodiments, each of the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 can include independent sliding mechanisms 166 that engage the freezer compartment 14. In such an embodiment, each of the first and second storage drawers 28, 30 can be independently extended and retracted from the freezer compartment 14.

It is also contemplated that the sliding mechanisms 166 of the first and/or second storage drawers 28, 30 can be sloped either forward or backward. In such an embodiment, the sliding mechanisms 166 can tend to bias the first and/or second drawers in a predetermined position. Such a predetermined position can be within the freezer compartment 14, extended with the freezer drawer 22 or some other position.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the various components of the multi-level drawer system 10 can be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, glass, metal, metal alloys, composite materials, combinations thereof, and other similar materials. It should be understood that the at least partially translucent components of the multi-level drawer system 10 can be typically made of glass, plexiglass, (poly (methyl methacrylate) or other food grade clear plastic, or other similar material that is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Claims

1. A multi-level drawer system for a refrigerating appliance, the multi-level drawer system comprising:

a refrigerating appliance having a back wall and a plurality of sidewalls that define a freezer compartment having an interior volume, wherein the freezer compartment includes a freezer drawer, the freezer drawer being slidably operable within the freezer compartment between an open extended position and a closed retracted position, the interior volume being accessible when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position;

a first storage drawer slidably operable by hand and without the use of tools within the freezer drawer and operable between a plurality of first-drawer positions at least when the freezer drawer is distal from the retracted position;

a second storage drawer positioned above the first storage drawer and slidably operable within the freezer drawer between a plurality of second-drawer positions when the freezer drawer is extended away from the retracted position; and

a third-tier storage member slidably disposed on at least a portion of the second storage drawer and slidably operable by hand and without the use of tools between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer.

2. The multi-level drawer system of claim 1, wherein the first and second storage drawers are independently operable.

3. The multi-level drawer system of claim 1, wherein the second storage drawer includes a front angled portion that extends upward and rearward from a front edge of the second storage drawer.

4. The multi-level drawer system of claim 3, wherein the front angled portion slopes upward from a front edge of the second drawer to a central portion of the second drawer located between the front edge and a rear wall of the second drawer, wherein the third-tier storage member slidably engages the second drawer rearward of the front angled portion, and wherein the front angled portion defines a closed-drawer access through which an inner portion of the second storage drawer can be accessed at least when the second storage drawer is completely within the freezer compartment.

5. The multi-level drawer system of claim 1, wherein the first storage drawer includes at least one first-drawer divider that is configured to define a plurality of first-drawer compartments within the first storage drawer, and wherein the at least one first-drawer divider is at least partially translucent.

6. The multi-level drawer system of claim 5, wherein the second storage drawer includes at least one second-drawer divider that is configured to define a plurality of second-drawer compartments within the second storage drawer, and wherein the at least one second-drawer divider is at least partially translucent.

7. The multi-level drawer system of claim 6, wherein the at least one first storage drawer divider includes at least one front-back lower divider and at least one left-right lower divider, and wherein the at least one second storage drawer divider includes at least one front-back upper divider and at least one right-left upper divider.

8. The multi-level drawer system of claim 1, wherein the third-tier storage member is at least partially translucent, and wherein the third-tier storage member is operable when the second storage drawer is in any of the plurality of second drawer positions.

9. A tiered organizational system for a refrigerating appliance, the tiered organizational system comprising:

a freezer compartment of a refrigerating appliance, the freezer compartment having a rear wall, a plurality of sidewalls and an interior volume, wherein the plurality of sidewalls define a freezer opening for accessing the interior volume, and wherein the freezer compartment includes an operable door panel moveable between open and closed positions, the interior volume being accessible when the operable door panel is in an open position;

a first storage drawer slidably operable in relation to the freezer compartment between a plurality of first storage drawer positions when the operable door panel is in the open position; and

a second storage drawer having a plurality of sides and an inner portion, and positioned superior to the first storage drawer and operable in relation to the freezer compartment between a plurality of second storage drawer positions when the operable door panel is in the open position, the plurality of sides defining an upper rim including a level rear portion and an angled front portion, wherein the angled front portion extends downward at an angle from the level rear portion to a lowered front edge of the upper rim.

10. The tiered organizational system of claim 9, wherein the angled front portion defines a closed-drawer access through which the inner portion of the second storage drawer is accessible at least when the second storage drawer is fully disposed within the freezer compartment.

11. The tiered organizational system of claim 9, further comprising:

a third-tier storage member disposed on at least a portion of the second storage drawer proximate the level rear portion and slidably operable between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the second storage drawer.

12. The tiered organizational system of claim 9, wherein the first and second storage drawers are independently operable between an open and a closed position.

13. The tiered organizational system of claim 9, wherein the first and second storage drawers each include at least one divider that is at least partially translucent, and wherein each of the first and second storage drawers includes a side having at least one air flow channel.

14. The tiered organizational system of claim 13, wherein the at least one divider includes at least one storage bin defining a plurality of bin-dividing walls, and wherein the at least one storage bin is at least partially translucent.

15. The tiered organizational system of claim 11, wherein the third-tier storage member is at least partially translucent and is operable when the second storage drawer is in any of the plurality of second storage drawer positions.

16. A tiered organizational system for installation in a freezer compartment of a refrigerating appliance, the tiered organizational system comprising:

a lower storage drawer configured to be slidably operable in relation to a freezer compartment between a plurality of second-drawer positions;

an upper storage drawer having a plurality of sides and an inner portion, and positioned superior to the lower storage drawer, the upper storage drawer configured to be operable in relation to the freezer compartment between a plurality of first-drawer positions, wherein the plurality of sides defines an upper rim including a level rear portion and an angled front portion, wherein the angled front portion extends downward at an angle from the level rear portion to a lowered front edge of the upper rim; and

a third-tier storage member disposed on at least a portion of the upper storage drawer proximate the level rear portion and slidably operable between a plurality of third-tier positions relative to the upper storage drawer.

17. The tiered organizational system of claim 16, wherein the lower and upper storage drawers are independently operable between respective open and closed positions.

18. The tiered organizational system of claim 16, wherein the lower and upper storage drawers each include at least one air flow channel and at least one divider that is at least partially translucent.

19. The tiered organizational system of claim 18, wherein the at least one divider includes at least one dividing bin defining a plurality of bin walls, and wherein the at least one dividing bin is at least partially translucent.

20. The tiered organizational system of claim 16, wherein the third-tier storage member is at least partially translucent and is operable when the upper storage drawer is in any of the plurality of upper drawer positions.