SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR AN APPLIANCE
A support assembly includes a support surface configured to selectively transition between a stowed position, a deployed position, and an intermediate position defined between the stowed position and the deployed position. A retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface and is configured to transition the support surface between the stowed position and the deployed position. The retention feature includes a projection about which the support surface pivots to define a pivot axis. A bracket is coupled to the support surface and is configured to distribute a load along the support assembly in the intermediate position and the deployed position.
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The present disclosure generally relates to an appliance, and more specifically, to a support assembly for an appliance.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREAccording to one aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a cabinet and an inner liner coupled to the cabinet. A mullion is coupled to the inner liner and defines a retaining space. A support assembly is selectively disposed within the retaining space and includes a support surface that is operably coupled to the cabinet. The support surface is configured to transition between a stowed position and a deployed position. A retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface, and a bracket is coupled to the support surface. The bracket is configured to brace the support surface.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a support assembly includes a support surface configured to selectively transition between a stowed position, a deployed position, and an intermediate position defined between the stowed position and the deployed position. A retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface and is configured to transition the support surface between the stowed position and the deployed position. The retention feature includes a projection about which the support surface pivots to define a pivot axis. A bracket is coupled to the support surface and is configured to distribute a load along the support assembly in the intermediate position and the deployed position.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cabinet includes an inner liner that defines a retaining space. A support assembly is operably coupled to the inner liner. The support assembly includes a support surface that is operable between a first position and a second position. A retention feature is rotatably coupled to the support surface and includes a projection that is operably coupled to the support surface. A bracket is coupled to the support surface.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
In the drawings:
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to a support assembly for an appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in
The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The retention features 46a, 46b are so called because each is configured to couple the bracket 50 to the support assembly 34 and, ultimately, couple the support assembly 34 to the cabinet 14. For example, the retention feature 46b illustrated in
Referring now to
The support assembly 30 is positioned within the retaining space 26 and is generally concealed within the retaining space 26 by the mullion 22 and the inner liner 18 when in the stowed position 38. Accordingly, when the support assembly 30 is in the stowed position 38, the support assembly 30 appears to be integrally formed with the mullion 22. In general, the stowed position 38 may be referred to as the first position, and the deployed position 42 may be referred to as the second position. To release the support assembly 30 from the retaining space 26, the user can compress the support surface 34, described in more detail below with respect to
With further reference to
Once deployed from the stowed position 38, the support surface 34 may transition into the horizontally aligned deployed position 42 about projections 78 that extends from opposing retention features 46. The support surface 34 defines recesses 82 in which the projections 78 of the retention features 46 can be coupled, such that the support surface 34 may rotate about the projections 78 relative to the bracket 50 to define a pivot axis 86 of the support assembly 30. In addition, the bracket 50 may further include a flange 90 that engages the support surface 34 to prevent circumferential rotation about the pivot axis 86. In addition to engaging the support surface 34, the flange 90 is configured to slidably engage grooves 92 defined within the retaining space 26. The slidable engagement of the flange 90 within the grooves 92 is configured to slidably transition the support assembly 30 from the stowed position 38 in the retaining space 26 into the deployed position 42.
In another non-limiting example illustrated in
As generally mentioned above, the grasping aperture 96 is defined on an edge 98 of the support surface 34, such that the user may utilize the grasping aperture 96 to rotatably remove the support surface 34 from the retaining space 26 about the axis X. Once the support surface 34 is in the vertically aligned deployed position 42, the support surface 34 can then rotate about the pivot axis 86 to define a support position 100. The horizontally aligned deployed position 42 corresponds to the support position 100. When the support surface 34 is in the support position 100 the user may utilize the support surface 34 to temporarily store various items stored in the appliance 10.
With further reference to
Referring now to
To release the support surface 34 from the retaining space 26 within the mullion 22, the user may press upon the edge 98 of the support surface 34 to minimally compress the support surface 34 into the retaining space 26. This compression of the support surface 34 releases a coupling feature 106 positioned within the retaining space 26 that is operably coupled to the retention feature 46 of the support assembly 30. The coupling feature 106 is coupled to the mullion 22 to retain the support assembly 30 in the stowed position 38. It is generally contemplated that the coupling feature 106 engages the retention feature 46, such that the coupling feature 106 receives and retains the retention feature 46. Once the retention feature 46 is received by the coupling feature 106, the coupling feature 106 latches to the retention feature 46 to retain the support surface 34 in the stowed position 38.
With further reference to
Typically, the support surface 34 is utilized in the deployed position 42 to retain items stored within the storage compartment 70 of either the refrigeration compartment 62 or the freezer compartment 66, as discussed above. However, it is also contemplated that the support surface 34 may be used in the intermediate position 102, such that, although there may be a smaller available surface, the support surface 34 can still hold items from the refrigeration compartment 62 or the freezer compartment 66. In particular, the intermediate position 102 may be advantageous when the user is rearranging items within the freezer compartment 66, as the freezer compartment 66 illustrated in
With further reference to
As illustrated in
Referring now to
A similar coupling feature 106 (
As illustrated in
The flange 90 of the bracket 50 may minimize the rotation of the support surface 34 about the pivot axis 86 by engaging the inner liner 18 in the deployed position 42 of the support surface 34. As described above, the projections 78 (
Referring now to
In such construction, the support surface 34 and the first and second brackets 50a, 50b may be hingedly transitioned between a raised position 164 and a lowered position 166 by the retention features 46a, 46b. Generally, the raised position 164 of the support assembly 30 corresponds to the stowed position 38. Similarly, the lowered position 166 of the support assembly 30 generally corresponds to the deployed position 42. For example, when the support surface 34 is in the lowered position 166, the support surface 34 is deployed from the retaining space 26 of the inner liner 18 and may be used to receive items within the appliance 10. When the support assembly 30 is in the raised position 164, the support surface 34 is stowed generally planar with the top surface 146 of the inner liner 18. As similarly mentioned above, but with respect to the illustrated construction in
With further reference to
It is generally advantageous to have the support assembly 30 disposed within the mullion 22 of the appliance 10. For example and as described above, the support surface 34 may be used to temporarily store items that are otherwise generally stored within the storage compartment 70 of the appliance 10. Accordingly, if the user is rearranging the items within the storage compartment 70, then the user may place the items on the support surface 34 so as to easily rearrange and return the items to the shelves in varying order. The support assembly 30 may also provide additional storage spaces within the storage compartments 70 of the appliance 10, such as the wire support assembly 30 and the rotatable shelf outwardly extending from the inner liner 18.
Additionally or alternatively, the support surface 34 may be used as a work surface, such that when the support surface 34 is in the deployed position 42 the support surface 34 is also in the support position 100. While in the support position 100, the support surface 34 may be operable as a workstation. The support assembly 30 is additionally advantageous with regard to the storability of the assembly 30. For example, once the user has completed use of the support surface 34, the user may easily return the support assembly 30 into the retaining space 26. As discussed in detail above, once stored, the support assembly 30 appears generally integrally formed with the mullion 22 and/or liner 18 of the appliance 10.
The disclosure disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a cabinet and an inner liner coupled to the cabinet. A mullion is coupled to the inner liner and defines a retaining space. A support assembly is selectively disposed within the retaining space and includes a support surface that is operably coupled to the cabinet. The support surface is configured to transition between a stowed position and a deployed position. A retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface, and a bracket is coupled to the support surface. The bracket is configured to brace the support surface.
According to another aspect, a support surface is disposed within a retaining space defined by a mullion in a stowed position and is rotatably coupled to the mullion.
According to still another aspect, a support assembly is wire and is hingedly coupled to an inner liner via a retention feature.
According to yet another aspect, a bracket is pivotally coupled to a retention feature to distribute a load along a support surface.
According to another aspect, a bracket is configured to rotate a support surface between a stowed position and a deployed position.
According to still another aspect, a support surface is operable between a lowered position and a raised position relative to an inner liner.
According to yet another aspect, a support surface is disposed within a retaining space in a stowed position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a support assembly includes a support surface configured to selectively transition between a stowed position, a deployed position, and an intermediate position defined between the stowed position and the deployed position. A retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface and is configured to transition the support surface between the stowed position and the deployed position. The retention feature includes a projection about which the support surface pivots to define a pivot axis. A bracket is coupled to the support surface and is configured to distribute a load along the support assembly in the intermediate position and the deployed position.
According to another aspect, a support surface is a wire basket, and a bracket extends along the support surface to rotatably couple a retention feature to the support surface.
According to still another aspect, a retention feature collapses along a support surface in an intermediate position and a stowed position.
According to yet another aspect, a support surface is a shelf that defines a grasping aperture on an edge of the support surface. The shelf is operable in an intermediate position and a deployed position.
According to another aspect, a bracket defines an opening through which the projection of the retention feature extends.
According to yet another aspect, a support surface is further transitionable to a support position about a pivot axis via a bracket.
According to still another aspect, a retention feature is a hinge operably coupled to a support surface. The hinge is configured to hingedly translate the support surface between a stowed position and a deployed position.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cabinet includes an inner liner that defines a retaining space. A support assembly is operably coupled to the inner liner. The support assembly includes a support surface that is operable between a first position and a second position. A retention feature is rotatbly coupled to the support surface and includes a projection that is operably coupled to the support surface. A bracket is coupled to the support surface.
According to another aspect, a support assembly is disposed within a retaining space of an inner liner. The support assembly is hingedly coupled to the inner liner to define a pivot axis about which a support surface is translated between a first position and a second position.
According to still another aspect, a support surface rotates about a projection of a retention feature and a pivot axis.
According to yet another aspect, a first position is a stowed position and a second position is a deployed position of a support surface. The support surface slidably transitions between the stowed position and the deployed position.
According to another aspect, retention features are rotatable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to an inner liner and a support surface.
According to still another aspect, a first position is a stowed position vertically aligned relative to a cabinet and a second position is a deployed position horizontally aligned relative to the cabinet.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
Claims
1. An appliance, comprising:
- a cabinet;
- an inner liner coupled to the cabinet;
- a mullion coupled to the inner liner and defining a retaining space; and
- a support assembly selectively disposed within the retaining space, the support assembly comprising: a support surface operably coupled to the cabinet, the support surface configured to transition between a stowed position and a deployed position; a retention feature operably coupled to the support surface; and a bracket coupled to and disposed along a length of the support surface, the bracket including flanges selectively coupled to the mullion and configured to at least partially brace the support surface in the deployed position.
2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the support surface is disposed within the retaining space defined by the mullion in the stowed position and rotatably coupled to the mullion.
3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the support assembly is wire and is hingedly coupled to the inner liner via the retention feature.
4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the bracket is pivotally coupled to the retention feature and configured to distribute a load along the support surface, and wherein the support surface is disposed on and operably coupled to at least one of the flanges of the bracket in the deployed position.
5. The appliance of claim 4, wherein the bracket is configured to rotate the support surface between the stowed position to the deployed position.
6. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the support surface is operable between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the inner liner.
7. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the support surface is disposed within the retaining space in the stowed position.
8. A support assembly for a cabinet, comprising:
- a support surface configured to selectively transition between a stowed position, a deployed position, and an intermediate position defined between the stowed position and the deployed position;
- a bracket coupled to and disposed along a length of the support surface and configured to distribute a load along the support surface in the intermediate position and the deployed position; and
- a retention feature operably coupled to the bracket and the support surface and configured to hingedly couple the support surface to a mullion of said cabinet, the retention feature including a projection pivotably coupled to an end of the support surface to define a pivot axis.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The support assembly of claim 8, wherein the support surface is a shelf defining a grasping aperture on an edge of the support surface.
12. (canceled)
13. The support assembly of claim 8, wherein the support surface is further transitionable to a support position about the pivot axis via the bracket.
14. The support assembly of claim 8, wherein the retention feature is a hinge operably coupled to the support surface, the hinge configured to hingedly translate the support surface between the stowed position and the deployed position.
15. A cabinet, comprising:
- an inner liner defining a retaining space; and
- a support assembly operably coupled to the inner liner, the support assembly including: a support surface operable between a first position and a second position, the support surface comprising an insulated panel; a retention feature rotatably coupled to the support surface, the retention feature including a projection operably coupled to the support surface; and a bracket coupled to the support surface and including flanges selectively coupled to the inner liner and configured to brace the support surface in the second position of the support surface.
16. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the support assembly is disposed within the retaining space of the inner liner and hingedly coupled to the inner liner to define a pivot axis about which the support surface is translated.
17. The cabinet of claim 16, wherein the support surface rotates about the projection of the retention feature and the pivot axis.
18. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the first position is a stowed position and the second position is a deployed position of the support surface, and wherein the support surface slidably transitions between the stowed position and the deployed position.
19. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the retention features are rotatable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the inner liner and the support surface.
20. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the first position is a stowed position vertically aligned relative to the cabinet and the second position is a deployed position horizontally aligned relative to the cabinet.
21. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the retaining space defines grooves in which the flanges of the bracket are selectively disposed in the stowed position.
22. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the retaining space includes guide rails and the support surface includes rotatable features, and wherein the rotatable features are operably coupled to the guide rails and configured to translate the support surface between the stowed position and the deployed position.
23. The support assembly of claim 8, wherein the bracket includes flanges extending along a length of the support surface and configured to brace the support surface in the deployed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 7, 2020
Publication Date: Jul 8, 2021
Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION (BENTON HARBOR, MI)
Inventors: Kapil Ayyawar (St. Joseph, MI), Vincent F. Bertolino (Kalamazoo, MI), Umakant Suresh Katu (St. Joseph, MI), Ian M. Pavnick (Michigan City, IN), Ryan Michael Post (Coloma, MI), Adam Thomas Needham (Coloma, MI)
Application Number: 16/736,188