MONORAIL CRISPER FOR A REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a liner defining a compartment within a cabinet, and a storage bin that is slidably disposed within the compartment. A sliding assembly permits the storage bin to slide with respect to a support surface. The sliding assembly includes a support bracket having an elongated channel that includes opposing arm channel portions, and a guide rail extending downwards from a bottom wall of the storage bin. The guide rail is located at a central position of the bottom wall of the storage bin with respect to opposing side walls of the storage bin and includes opposing arm members. The guide rail is at least partially disposed within the elongated channel such that the opposing arm members engage arm guiding surfaces in the opposing arm channel portions to slidingly guide the storage bin between a retracted position and an extended position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to a crisper storage bin for a refrigerator, and more particularly, a crisper storage bin having a monorail sliding assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional refrigeration applications, such as domestic refrigerators, typically have both a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. The fresh food compartment is where food items such as fruit, vegetables, and beverages are stored and the freezer compartment is where food items that are to be kept in a frozen condition are stored. The compartments are generally separated by a partition that is either vertically or horizontally oriented depending on the specific configuration of that refrigerator.

Generally, storage bins are located within the fresh food and freezer compartments in order to more efficiently organize and compartmentalize the items stored in said compartments. These storage bins often ride in a frame that suspends said storage bins above a bottom surface of a refrigerator liner.

Moreover, additional supports are often used to promote efficient and correct sliding of the storage bins between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, two or more rails secured to the bottom wall and/or opposing side walls of the storage bin can be used to guide the storage bin. Rollers can additionally be used to promote a smooth guiding surface. However, these additional supports add cost and complexity to the overall design of the storage bin guidance system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a liner defining a compartment within the cabinet. A storage bin is slidably disposed within the compartment at a location above a support surface; the storage bin includes a bottom wall. The refrigerator further includes a sliding assembly that permits the storage bin to slide with respect to the support surface.

The sliding assembly comprises a support bracket fixedly secured to the support surface. The support bracket includes an elongated channel comprising a bottom channel portion and opposing arm channel portions. A wheel guiding surface is located in the bottom channel portion. The slide assembly further includes a guide rail that extends downwards from and is centrally positioned on the bottom wall with respect to opposing side walls of the storage bin. The guide rail is located at least partially within the elongated channel of the support bracket. A wheel is rotatably fixed to the guide rail and rotates about a horizontal axis. The wheel engages the wheel guiding surface of the bottom channel portion.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a liner defining a compartment within the cabinet. A storage bin is slidably disposed within the compartment at a location above a support surface; the storage bin includes a bottom wall. The refrigerator further includes a sliding assembly that permits the storage bin to slide with respect to the support surface.

The sliding assembly comprises a support bracket fixedly secured to the support surface. The support bracket includes an elongated channel having opposing arm channel portions, wherein arm guiding surfaces are located in the opposing arm channel portions, respectively. The slide assembly further includes a guide rail that extends downwards form the bottom wall of the storage bin in a vertical direction. The guide rail is located at a central position of the bottom wall of the storage bin with respect to opposing side walls of the storage bin and is at least partially disposed within the elongated channel of the support bracket.

The guide rail includes a connector member that is connected to and extends directly from the bottom wall of the storage bin. Opposing arm members extend outwards and away from the connector member in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member. Each of the opposing arm members is disposed within the opposing arm channel portions, respectively, of the support bracket. The opposing arm members engage the arm guiding surfaces located in the opposing arm channel portions, respectively, to slidingly guide the storage bin between a retracted position and an extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of a refrigerator;

FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a single storage bin shown in the refrigerator in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support bracket for a sliding assembly of a storage bin;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the support bracket shown in FIG. 3, in an installed position in the refrigerator;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the storage bin;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the storage bin showing a guide rail being at least partially disposed within an elongated channel of the support bracket;

FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of the storage bin in an extended position;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a cooling system and an adsorption system for a refrigerator;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a refrigerator;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a pitcher module;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the pitcher module;

FIG. 12 is a schematic depiction of one embodiment of a capillary tube assembly in a refrigerator cooling system;

FIG. 13 is a schematic depiction of another embodiment of a capillary tube assembly in a refrigerator cooling system;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a freezer storage bin rail;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the freezer storage bin rail installed within a freezer compartment of a refrigerator;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the encircled area shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of dairy bin for a refrigerator;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the dairy bin shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side view of an engagement area of the dairy bin; and

FIG. 20 is a side view of the diary bin installed within a refrigerator.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration appliance in the form of a domestic refrigerator, indicated generally at 100. Although the detailed description that follows concerns a domestic refrigerator 100, the invention can be embodied by refrigeration appliances other than a domestic refrigerator 100. Further, an embodiment is described in detail below, and shown in the figures as a top-mount configuration of a refrigerator 100, including a fresh food compartment 102 disposed vertically below a freezer compartment 104. It is to be understood that other configurations are contemplated, for example, a bottom-mount refrigerator (i.e., fresh food compartment disposed vertically above the freezer compartment), a side by side refrigerator (i.e., fresh food compartment disposed laterally adjacent the freezer compartment), a single compartment refrigerator (i.e., having only a fresh food compartment or a freezer compartment), refrigerators including variable climate zone compartments, etc.

As shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a structural outer cabinet 106 and a liner defining the fresh food and freezer compartments 102, 104 within the cabinet 106. The liner comprises a top surface 108a, a bottom surface 108b, a rear surface 108c, a first side surface 108d, and a second side surface 108e being parallel to the first side surface 108d and spaced therefrom via the rear surface 108c. As further shown, the fresh food and freezer compartments 102, 104 are vertically separated by a partition wall 110.

The freezer compartment 104 is selectively accessible via a freezer door 112 that is rotatably secured to the cabinet 106. FIG. 1 depicts an ice maker 114 and freezer shelves 116 disposed within the freezer compartment 104. It is contemplated that the freezer compartment 104 need not include an ice maker 114. For example, the refrigerator 100 may have no ice maker, or can have an ice maker 114 (not shown) located within the fresh food compartment 102. Moreover, the fresh food compartment 102 is selectively accessible via a fresh food door 118 that is likewise rotatably secured to the cabinet 106. Storage shelves 120 are located within the fresh food compartment 102 and extend horizontally between the first and second side surfaces 108d, 108e of the liner.

As further shown, multiple storage bins 122 are located within the fresh food compartment 102. These storage bins 122 are crisper bins capable of adjusting a degree of humidity within the storage bins 122. However, it is contemplated that the storage bins 122 discussed herein can function differently from crisper bins. That is, the storage bins 122 can be simple storage receptacles (i.e., not capable of adjusting a degree of humidity) or any other type of storage receptacles. The storage bins 122 are shown in a retracted position wherein said storage bins 122 do not inhibit the fresh food door 118 from closing to prevent access to the fresh food compartment 102. While FIG. 1 depicts the refrigerator 100 as having two storage bins 122 disposed side by side, it is to be understood that the refrigerator 100 can have any number of storage bins 122 arranged in any configuration known in the art.

Moving on to FIG. 2, a front cross-sectional view of a single storage bin 122 is shown, taken along a vertical plane located between a front face of the refrigerator 100 and the rear surface 108c of the liner. Of note, the structural configuration of the storage bins 122 depicted in FIG. 1 are identical and, as such, the below disclosures will be made to only a single storage bin 122 with the understanding that the same disclosure also corresponds to the other storage bin 122.

The storage bin 122 is slidably disposed within the fresh food compartment 102 at a location above a support surface 124 that is formed as part of the bottom surface 108b of the liner. That is, the storage bin 122 is located directly above the bottom surface 108b of the liner such that no intervening, separating structures (e.g., partitions, shelves, etc.) are disposed therebetween. As shown, the support surface 124 is recessed from the bottom surface 108b of the liner. In this manner, a gap between the storage bin 122 and the bottom surface 108b of the liner is minimized, thus promoting an aesthetically appealing appearance and providing an increased, such as a maximized, internal volume of the storage bin 122. Further, it is contemplated that the support surface 124 can be another surface such that the storage bin 122 is slidingly disposed at a location above a surface other than the bottom surface 108b of the liner. For example, the support surface 124 can be one of the storage shelves 120 within the fresh food compartment 102 or even the partition wall 110 such that the storage bin 122 is slidingly disposed within the freezer compartment 104.

As further shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a sliding assembly 126 that permits the storage bin 122 to slide with respect to the support surface 124. As shown, the storage bin 122 is supported only by the sliding assembly 126. That is, at any position between the retracted position to an extended position, the storage bin 122 is supported only by the sliding assembly 126 such that the storage bin 122 does not slide along the support surface 124 or any other structural support (e.g., rollers, guides, etc.). This configuration eliminates the need for additional guiding structures to promote efficient movement of the storage bin 122.

With respect to FIG. 3, the sliding assembly 126 includes a support bracket 128 fixedly secured to the support surface 124. Specifically, the support bracket 128 includes mounting members 130 extending outwards from a side thereof. The mounting members 130 accept fasteners 132 (e.g., screws or snap-in fasteners) therein to fixedly secure the support bracket 128 to the support surface 124. While it is shown that the mounting members 130 extend outwards from the same side of the support bracket 128, it is contemplated that the mounting members 130 can extend outwards from opposing sides of the support bracket 128. Further still, it is contemplated that the support bracket 128 can be secured to the support surface 124 in alternative configurations. For example, the support bracket 128 can be secured to the support surface 124 via a snap-in or clip structure with the support surface 124, an adhesive, or the support bracket 128 can even be formed integrally with the support surface 124 such that the support bracket 128 and the support surface 124 are formed as a single piece.

A front end of the support bracket 128 includes horizontal alignment chamfers 133a formed in a top surface thereof. The horizontal alignment chamfers 133a are configured to promote correct alignment of the storage bin 122. Specifically, the horizontal alignment chamfers 133a provide self-alignment of storage bin 122 in the horizontal direction. Further, the support bracket 128 includes vertical alignment chamfers 133b provided on a bottom surface thereof. The vertical alignment chamfers 133b provide self-alignment of the storage bin 122 in the vertical direction. While the horizontal and vertical alignment chamfers 133a, 133b are shown as being angled edges, it is contemplated that the horizontal and vertical alignment chamfers 133a, 133b could alternatively be other geometric configurations (e.g., curved edges).

As shown in FIG. 4, the support bracket 128 includes an elongated channel 134 extending a majority, such as completely, along the length of the support bracket 128. Preferably, the elongated channel 134 is open upwards along its length. The elongated channel 134 further comprises a bottom channel portion 136 and opposing arm channel portions 138 that are inset a distance within each side wall. A wheel guiding surface 140 is located in the bottom channel portion 136 and arm guiding surfaces 142 are located in the opposing arm channel portions 138, respectively. Specifically, the wheel guiding surface 140 and arm guiding surfaces 142 are all oriented parallel with respect to the support surface 124. Moreover, the wheel guiding surface 140 is located at a first vertical height d1 above the support surface 124 and the arm guiding surfaces 142 are located at a second vertical height d2 above the support surface 124. Specifically, the distance spanning the second height d2 is greater than that of the first height d1. In other words, the wheel guiding surface 140 is positioned closer to the support surface 124 than the arm guiding surfaces 142.

Moreover, the support bracket 128 further includes detent members 144 that are disposed vertically above the elongated channel 134. FIG. 4 depicts two detent members 144 that are on opposing sides of the elongated channel 134. It is contemplated that the support bracket 128 can have only a single detent member 144 on either side of the elongated channel 134. Further, each detent member 144 comprises a resilient arm that is configured to bend outwards (i.e., away from) the elongated channel 134 in a direction towards the first or second side surface 108d, 108e of the liner. Preferably, each detent member 144 is integrally formed or molded together with the support bracket 128 and is resiliently moveable at the base thereof. Alternatively, each detent member 144 could be separately attached to the support bracket 128.

Moving on to FIG. 5, the storage bin 122 is shown as including a front wall 146, rear wall 148, bottom wall 150 and opposing side walls 152. A guide rail 154 extends downward directly from the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 in a vertical direction with respect to the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122. Briefly moving back to FIG. 2, the guide rail 154 is located at a central position of the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 with respect to the opposing side walls 152 of the storage bin 122. Specifically, this configuration permits the storage bin 122 to be entirely supported via the sliding assembly 126. That is, the central position of the guide rail 154 provides stability for the storage bin 122 such that the storage bin does not skew with respect to the support surface 124.

With respect to FIG. 5, the guide rail 154 is integrally formed with the storage bin 122 as a single piece part. That is, the guide rail 154 and storage bin are formed simultaneously (e.g., during a molding process) such that they are a single, unitary piece. Further, the guide rail 154 extends in a direction between the front wall 146 and the rear wall 148 of the storage bin 122. Moreover, as more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 154 is centrally located on the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 (i.e., disposed at a middle position between the opposing side walls 152) and is arranged perpendicular to the rear surface 108c of the liner.

Moving on to FIG. 6, the guide rail 154 includes a connector member 156 that is connected to and extends directly from the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122. Opposing arm members 158 extend outwards and away from the connector member 156 in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member 156. Specifically, each of the opposing arm members 158 is located at a distal end of the connector member 156 and extends outward in a direction being parallel to an imaginary plane on which the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 sits. That is, the opposing arm members 158 extend outwards toward the first and second side surfaces 108d, 108e of the liner, respectively.

Moreover, the guide rail 154 further includes protrusions 160 extending outwards and away from the connector member 156 in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member 156. Specifically, the protrusions 160 are oriented parallel to the opposing arm members 158. That is, the protrusions 160 likewise extend outwards toward the first and second side surfaces 108d, 108e of the liner, respectively. The protrusions 160 are disposed at a location between the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 and the opposing arm members 158. Specifically, as will be further discussed below, each protrusion 160 is vertical positioned to engage with a respective detent member 144. Further, the protrusions 160 are positioned towards the rear wall 148 of the storage bin 122, such as shown in FIG. 5.

The protrusions 160 are shown as being formed integrally with the connector member 156 (i.e., formed simultaneously during a molding operation). Alternatively, the protrusions 160 can be a separate and distinct element of the guide rail 154 such that the guide rail 154 is simultaneously formed with the storage bin 122 and then the protrusions 160 are secured to the connector member 156 (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, etc.). In this manner, in the event that the protrusions 160 become deformed over time due to interaction with the detent members 144, as will be further discussed below, said deformed protrusions 160 can be removed and replaced. Furthermore, while FIG. 6 depicts two protrusions 160 (i.e., one on each side of the connector member 156) it is contemplated that the guide rail 154 can include only a single protrusion 160 (i.e., a protrusion 160 on only a single side of the connector member 156).

Briefly moving back to FIG. 5, the guide rail 154 includes wheel mounting portions 162 that are configured to provide attachment locations for wheels. These wheel mounting portions 162 are defined as gaps in the opposing arm members 158 wherein the gaps have a larger length than a diameter of said wheels. Further, each wheel mounting portion 162 includes an aperture (i.e., a through hole formed in the guide rail 154) that is sized to accept an axle of the wheel, or the like. As shown in FIG. 6, a wheel 164 is rotatably fixed to the guide rail 154 (i.e., via the wheel mounting portion 162 on the connector member 156) and is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis. Specifically, the wheel 164 is interposed between the opposing arm members 158 in a horizontal direction.

While a wheel 164 is shown in FIG. 6, it is contemplated that other structural members may be used to provide the same or similar function. That is, a sliding member (e.g. a non-rotatable foot) can be used in place of the wheel 164. In this manner, said sliding member would engage the wheel guiding surface 140 of the support bracket 128 to promote smooth translation of the storage bin 122 with respect to the support surface 124. Further, it is to be understood that the wheel 164 (or sliding member) is an additional feature to promote sliding movement of the storage bin 122 with respect to the support bracket 128. That is, the wheel 164 is optional and is not required in alternative embodiments (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 6, the wheel 164 extends a first distance d3 away from the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 in a vertical direction, and the opposing arm members 158 extend a second distance d4 away from the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 in a vertical direction. As can be seen, the first distance d3 is greater than the second distance d4. That is, the wheel 164 extends further from the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122 in the vertical direction than the opposing arm members 158 extend from the bottom wall 150 of the storage bin 122.

When the storage bin 122 is in an installed position, as shown in FIG. 6, the guide rail 154 is located at least partially within the elongated channel 134 of the support bracket 128. Specifically, the opposing arm members 158 are disposed within the opposing arm channel portions 138 of the support bracket 128, respectively, and engage the arm guiding surfaces 142 in order to slidingly guide the storage bin 122 between the retracted position and the extended position. Moreover, if a wheel 164 is rotatably secured to the guide rail 154, then the wheel 164 is partially disposed within the bottom channel portion 136 of the support bracket 128 such that the wheel 164 is supported on and rotates along the wheel guiding surface 140.

Moving on to FIG. 7, the storage bin 122 is shown from the rear in the extended position. Specifically, as the storage bin 122 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the detent members 144 will interact with the protrusions 160, respectively, of the guide rail 154. That is, the detent members 144 physically contact the protrusions 160, respectively, at the extended position of the storage bin 122, thus inhibiting the storage bin 122 from further extended movement. In other words, the interaction between each detent member 144 and a respective protrusion 160 occurs at a predetermined position which corresponds to a maximum extended position of the storage bin 122 (i.e., a position where the storage bin 122 is maximally drawn out from the fresh food compartment 102, but not separable from the support bracket 128).

However, as previously mentioned, the detent members 144 are resilient arms. As such, when sufficient force is applied to the storage bin 122 in the extended direction (e.g., pulling the storage bin 122 outwards away from the rear surface 108c of the liner), the detent members 144 will deform (i.e., bend outwards and away from the protrusions 160 in a direction towards the first and second side surfaces 108d, 108e of the liner, respectively). As such, when the detent members 144 deform, they no longer prohibit the storage bin 122 from further extended movement. In other words, when sufficient force is applied to the storage bin 122 in the extended direction, the detent members 144 will deform outwards to allow the protrusions 160 to pass thereby and permit removal of the storage bin 122 from the fresh food compartment 102. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the detent members 144 and the protrusions 160 both have generally curved surfaces (e.g., beveled edges, rounded edges, etc.) to assist with the above-discussed interaction. Re-installation of the storage bin 122 back into the fresh food compartment 102 is done in the reverse by forcing the protrusions 160 to move past the detent members 144 while sliding the storage bin 122 rearwardly.

In a separate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cooling system and an adsorption system. The cooling system comprises a compressor 200, a fan 202, and a first condenser 204. The adsorption system comprises an absorption cooler 206, a valve 208, and a second condenser 210. The absorption cooler 206 is used to help cool liquid (e.g., water) that is stored in the refrigerator and dispensed from a dispenser on the refrigerator. Specifically, the adsorption cooler 206 uses waste heat from the compressor 200 and the first condenser 204 to desorb a desiccant material. The desorbed coolant is condensed by the second condenser 210 and then evaporated by an evaporator 212 to help cool the liquid. The valve 208 selectively permits the desorbed coolant to travel to the second condenser 210. Cooling adsorption can take place at a reservoir 214 that stores the liquid therein. The adsorption cooler 206 helps to reduce the cooling load on the cooling system. The adsorption system may further include an accumulator 216.

In a further separate embodiment, the refrigerator appliance 100 includes a module 300 designed to hold goods on a door (e.g., the fresh food door 118) of the refrigerator 100. As shown in FIG. 9, an interior surface 302 of the door 118 includes a plurality of rails 304 mounted thereto. The module 300 is secured to two of the plurality of rails 304 via hooks. In this manner, the module may slide horizontally along the rail or be mounted at various heights. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 10, the module 300 includes a pitcher 306 and a holster 308, the former being configured to house a body of liquid (e.g., water) therein and to be inserted into the holster 308. As shown in FIG. 11, the holster 308 includes a first hook 310 at an upper end thereof, and a second hook 312 at a lower end thereof. The second hook 312 is configured to be in snap-fit engagement with one of the rails 304 when the module 300 is installed on the door 118.

In one embodiment, the holster 308 includes an enclosed, open loop to slidably receive the pitcher 306. Preferably, the pitcher 306 has a tapered design to easily be inserted into the enclosed loop of the holster 308. In other embodiments, the holster 308 can be sized to store other items (e.g., food containers, zip-top bags, dishware, etc.).

In yet another separate embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a capillary tube assembly used in the refrigerator's cooling system. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a bi-stable valve 400 (or an equivalent switching valve) is disposed between a filter dryer 402 and an evaporator 404. The bi-stable valve 400 includes an inlet conduit 401 that connects to the filter dryer 402. The bi-stable valve 400 further includes first and second outlet conduits 403, 405. The first outlet conduit 403 connects directly to a main capillary tube 406. The second outlet conduit 405 connects to an extended capillary tube 408 which is then connected to the main capillary tube 406 at the same location as the first outlet conduit 403. That is, the main capillary tube 406, the first outlet conduit 403, and an outlet of the extended capillary tube 408 all connect at the same junction (e.g., a Y-tube connector). An outlet of the main capillary tube 406 (i.e., an end opposite the junction) is connected to the evaporator 404.

The bi-stable valve 400 is controlled by an electronic control (not shown). Based on various operational conditions of the cooling system, the electronic control determines which outlet of the first and second outlet conduits 403, 405 of the bi-stable valve 400 is used. For example, based on the load or usage of the cooling system, the electronic control selects which outlet (i.e., the first outlet conduit 403 or the second outlet conduit 405) to circulate a cooling refrigerant therethrough.

The extended capillary tube 408 can selectively be placed in series with the main capillary tube 406 to increase the restriction in the cooling system thereby improving heat transfer in a condenser/liquid line. That is, a suction tube 410 is connected between the evaporator 404 and a compressor 412. A portion of the main capillary tube 406 and a portion of the suction tube 410 are placed in a heat exchanger 414 (i.e., in heat exchanging relationship with one another). The foregoing could be used during lighter heat load conditions, such as when the door of the refrigerator remains closed, fewer products are loaded in the refrigerator, or cooler ambient temperatures are present.

As further shown, an outlet of the compressor 412 is connected to an inlet of the condenser 416, and an outlet of the condenser 416 is connected to an inlet of the filter dryer 402. The cooling system further includes a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side, which are represented in the figures by separate dashed lines.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 13, wherein the refrigerant selectively flows directly to the main capillary tube 406 or through either a medium extended capillary tube 418 or a fully extended capillary tube 420 before flowing through the main capillary tube 406. The electronic control is configured to determine which capillaries to connect based on the usage/load of the cooling system. It is contemplated that the cooling system may require an optimization of the refrigerant charge and/or an accumulator to properly balance the cooling system.

In yet another separate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a bracket 500 for a freezer storage bin is shown. Specifically, the bracket 500 includes hook members 502a, 502b on opposing sides thereof that are configured to secure the bracket 500 within a freezer compartment. Further, the bracket 500 includes a lip 503 configured to vertically support the storage bin thereon. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, each of the hook members 502a, 502b are wrapped around supports of a shelf (disposed vertically above the storage bin), such that the bracket 500 hangs down therefrom. It is further contemplated that the bracket 500 can be secured to the shelf via a snap-fit (i.e., the hook members 502a, 502b of the bracket 500 snap-fittingly engage with the supports of the shelf).

As better shown in FIG. 16, each of the supports are secured to a liner of the freezer by a hex head screw 504 that is inserted into the liner, and a grommet 506 that circumferentially surrounds the screw 504.

In a further separate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the refrigerator includes a dairy bin 600 provided therein. Specifically, the dairy bin 600 comprises a bin body 602 and a cover 604. As shown in FIG. 18, the cover 604 is configured to be rotationally secured to the bin body 602 via mounting lugs 606 that snap on to the bin body 602 at lug mounting locations 608.

With respect to FIG. 19, each mounting lug 606 comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall 610 with a stop member 612 formed at a point thereof. The stop member 612 is configured to engage with a recess 614 formed in a slot 616 of the cover 604 in order to stop further rearward rotation of the cover 604 with respect to the bin body 602. As shown in FIG. 20 the dairy bin 600 is secured to a door liner 618. Specifically, a rear end 620 of the dairy bin 600 slides over top mounting lugs 622 of the door liner 618.

The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet;

a liner defining a compartment within the cabinet;

a storage bin slidably disposed within the compartment at a location above a support surface, the storage bin including a bottom wall; and

a sliding assembly configured to permit the storage bin to slide with respect to the support surface, the sliding assembly comprising: a support bracket fixedly secured to the support surface, the support bracket including an elongated channel comprising a bottom channel portion and opposing arm channel portions, wherein a wheel guiding surface is located in the bottom channel portion; a guide rail extending downwards from and centrally positioned on the bottom wall with respect to opposing side walls of the storage bin, the guide rail being located at least partially within the elongated channel of the support bracket; and a wheel that is rotatably fixed to the guide rail and configured to rotate about a horizontal axis, the wheel engaging the wheel guiding surface of the bottom channel portion.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, the guide rail extending in a direction between a front wall and a rear wall of the storage bin, the guide rail comprising:

a connector member that is connected to and extends directly from the bottom wall of the storage bin; and

opposing arm members that extend outwards and away from the connector member in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member, each of the opposing arm members being located at a distal end of the connector member, and the opposing arm members disposed within the opposing arm channel portions, respectively, of the support bracket.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the wheel extends a first distance away from the bottom wall of the storage bin, the opposing arm members extend a second distance away from the bottom wall of the storage bin, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the wheel is interposed between the opposing arm members in a horizontal direction.

5. The refrigerator of claim 2, the guide rail further comprising a protrusion that extends outwards and away from the connector member in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member, the protrusion being disposed at a location between the bottom wall of the storage bin and the opposing arm members, and positioned towards a rear wall of the storage bin.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, the support bracket further comprising a detent member disposed vertically above the elongated channel, the detent member configured to interact with the protrusion of the guide rail such that, as the storage bin moves from a retracted position to an extended position, the detent member physically contacts the protrusion at the extended position and inhibits the storage bin from further extended movement.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, the detent member comprising a resilient arm configured to bend outwards and away from the protrusion such that the detent member does not prohibit the storage bin from further extended movement in order to permit removal of the storage bin from the compartment.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, the liner comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a rear surface, and opposing side surfaces, wherein the support surface is the bottom surface of the liner.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, the support bracket further including arm guiding surfaces located in the opposing arm channel portions, respectively, wherein the wheel guiding surface extends a first distance away from the support surface, the arm guiding surfaces extend a second distance away from the support surface, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

10. The refrigerator of claim 1, the storage bin and the guide rail being integrally formed together as a single piece part.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the storage bin is supported only by the sliding assembly at any position between a retracted position and an extended position of the storage bin.

12. A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet;

a liner defining a compartment within the cabinet;

a storage bin slidably disposed within the compartment at a location above a support surface, the storage bin including a bottom wall; and

a sliding assembly configured to permit the storage bin to slide with respect to the support surface, the sliding assembly comprising: a support bracket fixedly secured to the support surface, the support bracket including an elongated channel having opposing arm channel portions, wherein arm guiding surfaces are located in the opposing arm channel portions, respectively; and a guide rail extending downwards from the bottom wall of the storage bin in a vertical direction, the guide rail being located at a central position of the bottom wall of the storage bin with respect to opposing side walls of the storage bin and at least partially disposed within the elongated channel of the support bracket, the guide rail comprising: a connector member that is connected to and extends directly from the bottom wall of the storage bin; and opposing arm members that extend outwards and away from the connector member in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member, each of the opposing arm members being disposed within the opposing arm channel portions, respectively, of the support bracket and configured to engage the arm guiding surfaces located in the opposing arm channel portions, respectively, to slidingly guide the storage bin between a retracted position and an extended position.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, the guide rail further comprising a protrusion that extends outwards and away from the connector member in a horizontal direction with respect to the connector member, the protrusion being disposed at a location between the bottom wall of the storage bin and the opposing arm members, and positioned towards a rear wall of the storage bin.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, the support bracket further comprising a detent member disposed vertically above the elongated channel, the detent member configured to interact with the protrusion of the guide rail such that, as the storage bin moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the detent member physically contacts the protrusion at the extended position and inhibits the storage bin from further extended movement, and the detent member comprising a resilient arm configured to bend outwards and away from the protrusion such that the detent member does not prohibit the storage bin from further extended movement in order to permit removal of the storage bin from the compartment.

15. The refrigerator of claim 14, the sliding assembly further comprising a wheel that is rotatably fixed to the connector member of the guide rail and configured to rotate about a horizontal axis, the wheel engaging a wheel guiding surface located in a bottom channel portion of the elongated channel.

16. The refrigerator of claim 15, wherein the wheel extends a first distance away from the bottom wall of the storage bin, the opposing arm members extend a second distance away from the bottom wall of the storage bin, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein the wheel is interposed between the opposing arm members in a horizontal direction.

18. The refrigerator of claim 12, the storage bin and the guide rail being integrally formed together as a single piece part.

19. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the storage bin is supported only by the sliding assembly at any position between the retracted position and the extended position of the storage bin.