Patent Publication Number: US-11662136-B2

Title: Appliance hinge assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to International Application No. PCT/US2018/034085, filed on May 23, 2018, entitled “APPLIANCE HINGE ASSEMBLY” the disclosure to which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present device generally relates to insulated structures, in particular, to a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet structure that includes a door hinge bracket coupled thereto. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some aspects, a cabinet structure is provided herein that includes a wrapper defining an opening. At least one liner is positioned inside the opening of the wrapper and defines a temperature-controlled compartment. An insulation cavity is defined between the wrapper and the liner. A trim breaker is coupled to the wrapper and the liner. A first hinge bracket is positioned outwardly of the trim breaker. An encapsulation member is disposed rearwardly of the trim breaker and defines an encapsulation cavity. A first hinge support has a first section positioned along a second hinge support and a second section extending rearwardly from the first section. The first hinge bracket is coupled to the first and second hinge supports. 
     In some aspects, a cabinet structure is provided herein that includes a wrapper spaced apart from a liner. A trim breaker is coupled to the wrapper and the liner. An insulation cavity is positioned between the wrapper, the liner, and the trim breaker. An encapsulation member is positioned rearwardly of the trim breaker and defines an encapsulation cavity that is separated from the insulation cavity. A first hinge support is positioned laterally outward of a second hinge support. The first and second hinge supports are each coupled with a first hinge bracket. 
     In some aspects, a cabinet structure is provided herein that includes a wrapper spaced apart from a liner. A trim breaker is coupled to the wrapper and the liner. An insulation cavity is defined between the wrapper, the liner, and the trim breaker. A hinge bracket has at least one fastener inserted therethrough, the fastener positioned externally from the insulation cavity. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. Moreover, any of the aspects provided herein may be combined and/or removed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a refrigerator, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded front perspective view of an insulated refrigerator cabinet structure, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of a cover assembly positioned over a central portion of the trim breaker, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  4    is a front plan view of the trim breaker and a hinge bracket, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  5    is a front perspective view of the hinge bracket supporting an articulating hinge, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  6    is a front plan view of the hinge bracket defining a hinge pin opening, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  7    is a front perspective view of the hinge bracket defining the hinge pin opening, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  8    is a rear perspective view of the refrigerator having a first hinge support positioned within an encapsulation cavity defined by an encapsulation member, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  9    is an enhanced view of area IX of  FIG.  8    illustrating the first hinge support positioned within the encapsulation cavity; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator cabinet structure of  FIG.  4    taken along the line X-X; 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator cabinet structure of  FIG.  6    taken along the line XI-XI; 
         FIG.  12    is a top perspective view of the refrigerator having a top plate supporting a pair of top braces and a pair of top hinge brackets coupled with the braces, according to some examples; 
         FIG.  13    is a top perspective view of the top plate supporting the pair of top braces and the pair of top hinge brackets of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a bottom perspective view of the refrigerator having a bottom plate supporting a pair of bottom braces and a pair of bottom hinge brackets coupled with the bottom braces, according to some examples; and 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom perspective view of the bottom plate supporting the pair of bottom braces and the pair of bottom hinge brackets of  FIG.  14   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary examples of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     As required, detailed examples of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “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 preceded 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. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 15   , a refrigerator  10  includes a cabinet structure  12  having a wrapper  14  defining an opening  16 . At least one liner  18 ,  20  is positioned inside the opening  16  of the wrapper  14  and defines at least one temperature-controlled compartment  48 ,  50 . An insulation cavity  22  is defined between the wrapper  14  and the liner  18 ,  20 . A trim breaker  24  is coupled to the wrapper  14  and the liner  18 ,  20 . A first hinge bracket  26  may be positioned outwardly of the trim breaker  24 . An encapsulation member  28  is positioned rearwardly of the trim breaker  24  and defines an encapsulation cavity  30 . A first hinge support  32  has a first section  34  positioned along a second hinge support  36  and a second section  38  extending rearwardly of the first section  34 . The first hinge bracket  26  is operably coupled with the first and second hinge supports  32 ,  36 . A second hinge bracket  40  may be positioned on an opposing side of a temperature-controlled compartment  48 ,  50 . A second hinge bracket  40  may be operably coupled with an externally positioned brace  42 . The brace  42  may be fixed to a plate  44 . The plate  44  extends laterally across an exterior portion  46  of the wrapper  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , the refrigerator  10  includes the insulated cabinet structure  12  that may define the temperature-controlled compartment  48 ,  50 , such as a refrigerator compartment  48  and/or a freezer compartment  50 . One or more refrigerator compartment doors  52 ,  54  are provided to selectively provide access to the refrigerator compartment  48 , while one or more freezer compartment doors  56  may be used to provide access to the freezer compartment  50 . The configuration of the refrigerator  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1    is exemplary only and the present concept is contemplated for use in all refrigerator styles including, but not limited to, side-by-side refrigerators, whole refrigerator and freezers, and refrigerators with upper freezer compartments. Additionally, the one or more refrigerator compartment doors  52 ,  54  and/or one or more freezer compartment doors  56  may be hingedly attached to the cabinet structure  12  and/or slidably attached to the cabinet structure  12  without departing from the teachings provided herein. It will also be appreciated that the assemblies provided herein may be used in any other appliance and/or cabinet structure  12  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the insulated cabinet structure  12  may also include the trim breaker  24  that includes an upper portion  58 , a central portion  60 , and a lower portion  62 . In examples in which the refrigerator compartment  48  includes the refrigerator liner  18 , the refrigerator liner  18  has a top wall  64 , bottom wall  66 , opposed sidewalls  68 ,  70 , and a rear wall  72  which cooperate to define the refrigerator compartment  48 . The refrigerator liner  18  further includes a front edge portion  74  positioned on a front portion of the refrigerator compartment  48 . 
     Similarly, in examples that include a freezer compartment  50 , the freezer liner  20  includes a top wall  76 , a bottom wall  78 , opposed sidewalls  80 ,  82 , and a rear wall  84 , which all cooperate to define the freezer compartment  50 . The rear wall  84  may be a contoured rear wall that provides a spacing S for housing cooling components for cooling the refrigerator compartment  48  and/or the freezer compartment  50 . Such components may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a plurality of conduits, and other related components used for cooling the refrigerator and/or freezer compartments  48 ,  50 . The freezer liner  20  further includes a front edge portion  90  positioned at a front portion of the freezer compartment  50 , which is positioned along the top wall  76 , the bottom wall  78  and the opposed sidewalls  68 ,  70 . In assembly, the front edge portion  74  of the refrigerator liner  18  and the front edge portion  90  of the freezer liner  20  are configured to couple with the trim breaker  24 . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  2   , the insulated cabinet structure  12  further includes the wrapper  14  which includes a top wall  92 , a bottom wall  94 , opposed sidewalls  96 ,  98 , and a rear wall  100  which cooperate to define the opening  16 . The wrapper  14  further includes a front edge portion  102  that defines a front portion of the opening  16 . In assembly, the front edge portion  102  of the wrapper  14  is coupled to the trim breaker  24  around the liners  18 ,  20 . Further, the refrigerator liner  18  and freezer liner  20  are received within the opening  16  of the wrapper  14  when assembled, such that there is a spacing between the outer surfaces of the refrigerator liner  18  and the freezer liner  20  relative to the inner surfaces of the wrapper  14 . In this way, the spacing can be used to create the insulation cavity  22  ( FIG.  8   ) that includes any desired type of insulation therein. For example, the insulation cavity  22  may be a vacuum insulated space and/or contain a vacuum insulated structure therein. 
     The trim breaker  24  may include linear portions that are interconnected to form a ring-like structure having an outer coupling portion and an inner coupling portion ( FIG.  9   ). It will be understood that the trim breaker  24  may have various shapes and configurations as may be required for a particular application, and it is further contemplated that the trim breaker  24  can be used in a refrigerator  10  having multiple liners (as shown in  FIG.  2    with a refrigerator liner  18  and a freezer liner  20 ) or in a refrigerator  10  having a single liner  18 ,  20  for use as a refrigerator or freezer only. 
     The wrapper  14  may be made from sheet metal, polymer materials, or other suitable materials. If the wrapper  14  is made from sheet metal, the wrapper  14  may be formed utilizing known steel-forming tools and processes. Additionally and/or alternatively, the wrapper  14  may be formed from a polymer and/or elastomer material. For example, the wrapper  14  may be fabricated by thermoforming a sheet of thermoplastic polymer material. The wrapper  14  may be constructed of a material that may be substantially impervious, such that oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and/or other atmospheric gases are sealed out of the insulation cavity  22  ( FIG.  8   ) that is formed between the wrapper  14  and liners  18 ,  20 . If the wrapper  14  is formed from a polymer material, the polymer material may include a plurality of layers, wherein the layers of material are selected to provide impermeability to various gases. 
     The refrigerator liner  18  and the freezer liner  20  may be made from a sheet metal material utilizing known steel-forming tools and processes. Additionally and/or alternatively, the liners  18 ,  20  may otherwise be formed from a polymer and/or elastomer material in the form of a polymer sheet that is thermoformed. The polymer material may include one or more layers of material that are selected to provide impermeability to gases. The liners  18 ,  20  may optionally include a plurality of reinforcing structures, such as vertically spaced ridges or other forms for supporting dividers within the refrigerator compartment  48  or freezer compartment  50 . Examples of layered polymer materials that may be utilized to construct the wrapper  14  or liners  18 ,  20  are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/980,702, entitled “MULTILAYER BARRIER MATERIALS WITH PVD OR PLASMA COATING FOR VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/980,778, entitled “MULTI-LAYER GAS BARRIER MATERIALS FOR VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some instances, the wrapper  14  and/or the liners  18 ,  20  may be thermoformed from a tri-layer sheet of polymer material including first and second outer structure layers and a central barrier layer that is positioned between the outer layers. The outer layers and the barrier layer may be formed from thermoplastic polymers. The barrier layer may optionally include an elastomeric material. The outer layers and the barrier layer may be coextruded or laminated together to form a single multi-layer sheet prior to thermoforming. 
     When the insulated cabinet structure  12  is assembled, the trim breaker  24  connects to the front edge portion  102  of the wrapper  14 , to the front edge portion  74  of the refrigerator liner  18  and to the front edge portion  90  of the freezer liner  20  to thereby interconnect the wrapper  14  and the liners  18 ,  20  into a composite structure. The trim breaker  24  may be formed from a suitable material that is substantially impervious to gases to maintain a vacuum in the insulation cavity  22 . The trim breaker  24  may also have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity to reduce or prevent the transfer of heat between the wrapper  14  and the liners  18 ,  20 . In various examples, the trim breaker  24  may be formed utilizing a molding process, such as a reaction injection molding (RIM) process. In a RIM process, the trim breaker  24  is formed in a mold using a polyurethane material. Other materials suitable for a RIM process may include but are not limited to, polyureas, polyisocyanurates, polyesters, polyphenols, polyepoxides, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate, and nylon materials. In some examples, the trim breaker  24  is overmolded to the refrigerator liner  18 , the freezer liner  20  and the wrapper  14 . In this way, the insulated cabinet structure  12  can be a unitary part after the trim breaker  24  is cast onto the liners  18 ,  20  and the wrapper  14 . 
     When the refrigerator  10  ( FIG.  1   ) is in use, the wrapper  14  is exposed to ambient room temperature air, whereas the liners  18 ,  20  are generally exposed to refrigerated air in the refrigerator compartment  48  or the freezer compartment  50 . With the trim breaker  24  being made of a material that is minimally conductive, and/or substantially non-conductive, with respect to heat, the trim breaker  24  reduces the transfer of heat from the wrapper  14  to the liners  18 ,  20  thereby forming at least one temperature-controlled compartment  48 ,  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 7   , the center portion of the trim breaker  24 , or a mullion, may be positioned between the refrigerator compartment  48  and the freezer compartment  50 . A cover assembly  95  may be positioned outwardly of the mullion to partially and/or fully conceal portions of the mullion. The cover assembly  95  may be coupled to the trim breaker  24 , or the mullion, through one or more fasteners  97 . However, the cover assembly  95  may be coupled to the trim breaker  24 , or the mullion, through any other assembly without departing from the teachings provided herein. In some examples, the cover assembly  95  and trim breaker  24  may be integrally formed with one another  24 ,  95 . 
     The first hinge bracket  26  may support a first hinge  86  that may be operably coupled with the cover assembly  95  and/or trim breaker  24  and may be generally provided laterally outward of a centerline of the refrigerator  10 . The first hinge bracket  26  may also be proximate the central portion of the trim breaker  24 , positioned in a vertically intermediate position along the trim breaker  24 , and/or between the refrigerator compartment  48  and the freezer compartment  50 . A second hinge  88  may be positioned on an opposing side of the temperature-controlled compartment  48 ,  50  from the first hinge  86  and the first hinge bracket  26 . The second hinge  88  ( FIG.  12   ) may be positioned proximate a top portion of the cabinet structure  12  and/or a bottom portion of the cabinet structure  12  to support a door  52 ,  54 ,  56  ( FIG.  1   ) that is pivotably coupled to the cabinet structure  12 . Accordingly, an upper and/or a lower door  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be supported by one or more first hinges  86  and respective second hinges  88 . It will be appreciated that more than one first hinge  86  may be positioned on the central portion of the cabinet structure  12  with one first hinge  86  supporting an upper door  52 ,  54  and another first hinge  86  supporting the lower door  56 . Alternatively, the upper door  52 ,  54  or the lower door  56  may be supported by the first and second hinges  86 ,  88  to allow for the upper door  52 ,  54  or the lower door  56  to rotate between an open and a closed position while the other of the upper door  52 ,  54  or the lower door  56  is supported by a track assembly that allows the respective door  52 ,  54 ,  56  to slide from a closed position to an open position. 
     In some examples, the first hinge  86  may be positioned in a position that conceals one or more fasteners  97  that retain the cover assembly  95 . In some examples, the remaining fasteners  97  that are not aligned with the first hinge  86  may have concealers thereon to assist in obscuring the one or more cover assembly fasteners  97 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the first hinge  86  is illustrated in a contracted position ( FIG.  4   ) and an expanded position ( FIG.  5   ). When the refrigerator  10  is assembled, the contracted position places the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  in the closed position. The expanded position places the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  in the open position. The first hinge  86  and/or the second hinge  88  ( FIG.  12   ) may also be placed in a plurality of intermediate positions between the contracted and expanded positions. In some examples, the first hinge  86  and/or the second hinge  88  may be configured as a six-link mechanism. For example, according to some examples, the first hinge  86  and/or the second hinge  88  may include a Watt&#39;s six-link mechanism for movement. The selection of a Watt&#39;s six-link mechanism allows for a wide-open position and/or a large range of motion, although other link isomers and link variations may be selected without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, as the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  moves from a closed position, as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , to an open position, as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the first and/or second hinge  86 ,  88  may rotate and/or translate the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  laterally outward of the cabinet structure  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 - 9   , the first and second hinges  86 ,  88  may additionally and/or alternatively include respective hinge pins  104  that may be coupled to each hinge bracket  26 ,  40 . A corresponding mounting block  106  may be coupled with the door  52 ,  54 ,  56 . The hinge pin  104  may have a first end portion  108  that is inserted into a cavity  110  defined by the first and/or second hinge brackets  26 ,  40 . A second end portion  112  of the hinge pin  104  may be inserted into the mounting block  106 . The mounting block  106  may be positioned externally from an insulating cavity of the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  to maintain an insulative assembly within the door  52 ,  54 ,  56 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the insulation cavity  22  may be defined between the liners  18 ,  20  and the wrapper  14 . The insulation cavity  22  is configured to receive an insulating material that may be configured as a vacuum core material. The vacuum core material may include a plurality of individual core panels that are preformed and positioned between the wrapper  14  and the liners  18 ,  20 . Alternatively, the vacuum core material may include silica powder or other suitable loose filler material that is inserted (e.g. blown) into the insulation cavity  22  after the wrapper  14 , the liners  18 ,  20 , and the trim breaker  24  are formed into a unitary composite structure. In vacuum insulated structures, a vacuum within the insulation cavity  22  decreases heat transmission through the insulation cavity  22 . By creating a vacuum between the spaces intended to be thermally isolated, heat conduction is minimized because there is no, or less, material (e.g., air) to transfer the thermal energy between the thermally isolated spaces. In some instances, the insulation cavity  22  may have an air pressure of less than about 1 atm, about 0.5 atm, about 0.4 atm, about 0.3 atm, about 0.2 atm, about 0.1 atm, or less than about 0.01 atm. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , a first hinge support  32  may be positioned between a portion of the trim breaker  24  and the refrigerator compartment  48  and/or the freezer compartment  50 . The first section  34  ( FIG.  10   ) of the first hinge support  32  may be positioned along the second hinge support  36  and a second section  38  extends rearwardly of the first section  34 . In some instances, the second section  38  of the first hinge support  32  may couple to or otherwise contact the wrapper  14  and/or the liners  18 ,  20  of the cabinet structure  12 . The first hinge support  32  is configured to support the hinge bracket, and consequently, the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  that is operably coupled with the hinge bracket. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  8 - 11   , the encapsulation member  28  is disposed around a portion of the first hinge support  32 . In various examples, the encapsulation member  28  may have any desired shape. For example, as illustrated, the encapsulation member  28  has a first portion  114  that is separated from the first hinge support  32  by a first distance d 1  to accommodate a portion of a first fastener  120  therein. A second portion  116  of the encapsulation member  28  may extend rearwardly along the side portion of the wrapper  14  in a direction that is parallel to the second section  38  of the first hinge support  32 . The second portion  116  may be disposed a second distance d 2  from the wrapper  14 . A third portion  118  of the encapsulation member  28  may couple with the wrapper  14  at a position that is rearward of the first hinge support  32 . As provided herein, the encapsulation member  28  may define the encapsulation cavity  30  that is impervious to the insulation cavity  22  such that oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and/or other atmospheric gases are sealed out of the insulation cavity  22 . Thus, the first fastener  120  may be positioned within the encapsulation cavity  30  and the insulation structure, which is possibly a vacuum insulated structure, may maintain its integrity after insertion of the first fastener  120 . 
     The encapsulation member  28  may be made from a sheet metal material utilizing known steel-forming tools and processes. Additionally and/or alternatively, the encapsulation member  28  may otherwise be formed from a polymer and/or elastomer material in the form of a polymer sheet that is thermoformed. The polymer material may include one or more layers of material that are selected to provide impermeability to gases. The encapsulation member  28  may optionally include a plurality of reinforcing structures, such as vertically spaced ridges or other forms. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the encapsulation member  28  may be integrally formed within the trim breaker  24  and/or the wrapper  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the encapsulation member  28  may be coupled to the trim breaker  24 . Accordingly, the trim breaker  24 , the encapsulation member  28 , and the wrapper  14  may define the encapsulation cavity  30 . The trim breaker  24  may further define one or more trim breaker cavities  122 ,  124 . In some instances, a first trim breaker cavity  122  may be positioned laterally inward from the encapsulation member  28  and a second trim breaker cavity  124  may be positioned laterally inward of the first trim breaker cavity  122 . The cavities  122 ,  124  defined by the trim breaker  24  may be impervious to the insulation cavity  22  such that oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and/or other atmospheric gases are sealed out of the insulation cavity  22 . Thus, when fasteners  132 ,  134  are positioned within the one or more trim breaker cavities  122 ,  124 , the insulation cavity  22 , which is possibly a vacuum insulated structure, may maintain its integrity. 
     The trim breaker  24  may also define an opening  126  and the second hinge support  36  may be disposed within the opening  126 . However, in other examples, the second hinge support  36  may be positioned forwardly and/or rearwardly of the trim breaker  24  without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The second hinge support  36  may extend at least partially in front of the encapsulation cavity  30 , the first trim breaker cavity  122 , and/or the second trim breaker cavity  124 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the first hinge bracket  26  may have the first fastener  120  inserted therethrough that is further inserted through the cover assembly  95 , the second hinge support  36 , and/or the first hinge support  32 . Accordingly, in some instances, the first hinge support  32  may be coupled to an inner surface  128  of the second hinge support  36 . Additionally, the hinge bracket  26  is positioned proximately to an outer side  130  of the second hinge support  36 . A second fastener  132  may be inserted through the hinge bracket, the cover assembly  95 , the second hinge support  36  and into the first trim breaker cavity  122 . Likewise, a third fastener  134  may be positioned laterally inward of the second fastener  132  and inserted through the first hinge bracket  26 , the cover assembly  95 , the second hinge support  36  and into the second trim breaker cavity  124 . Accordingly, the first hinge support  32  may also support the second hinge support  36 . Through the use of multiple fasteners  120 ,  132 ,  134 , the hinge bracket may be substantially fixed to the cabinet structure  12  of the refrigerator  10  while the door  52 ,  54 ,  56  exerts downward forces, rotational forces, and/or torsion forces on the hinge bracket, the trim breaker  24 , and the cabinet structure  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  12 - 15   , the second hinge brackets  40  may each be mounted to respective braces  42  and positioned on an opposing side of the temperature-controlled compartment  48 ,  50  from the first hinge bracket  26 . Each brace  42  may be further mounted to a plate  44  that extends along a top and/or the bottom portion of the wrapper  14 . In some examples, the braces  42  and/or the plates  44  may each be formed from a metallic material, a polymeric material, a combination thereof, and/or any other practicable material. In examples in which the braces  42  and/or the plates  44  are formed from a metallic material, a stamping process may be used to form the respective component(s). In examples in which the braces  42  and/or the plates  44  are formed from a polymeric material, an injection molding process and/or a thermoforming process may be used to form the respective component(s). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the braces  42  may be coupled with the plate  44  that is positioned along a top portion of the wrapper  14 . The braces  42  may also be positioned at least partially rearward of the trim breaker  24 . A locating member  136  may be positioned upwardly of the brace  42  and/or hinge bracket. The locating member  136  may be configured to attach the cabinet structure  12  to proximate cabinetry in instances in which the refrigerator  10  is configured as a built-in type of refrigerator  10 . 
     The brace  42  that is mounted on the top portion of the cabinet structure  12  may have a base surface  138  having a stepped profile. A rearward step  140  may be positioned vertically lower than a front step  142 . The brace  42  may also include a pair of side surfaces  144  and a front surface  146  that extends upwardly from the base surface  138 . The front surface  146  defines one or more voids through which a fastener  148  may be positioned for coupling the hinge bracket thereto. 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the bracket may include one or more reinforcement ribs  150 . The reinforcement ribs  150  may be configured to provide additional support to the hinge bracket. The reinforcement ribs  150  may be integrally formed with the hinge bracket and/or later attached thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , a brace  42  may additionally and/or alternatively be coupled with the plate  44  extending laterally across a bottom portion of the wrapper  14 . In some examples, a pair of braces  42  may be positioned on opposing side portions of the plate  44 . However, the plates  44  along the top and bottom portions of the wrapper  14  may each contain any number of braces  42  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The brace  42  along the bottom portion of the wrapper  14  may include a base surface  152  that includes a stepped profile. A rearward step  154  may be positioned vertically above a forward step  156 . The bottom brace  42  may also include a pair of side surfaces  158  and a front surface  160 . The second hinge bracket  40  may be coupled to the front surface  160  and extend forwardly of the wrapper  14  and/or the trim breaker  24 . The second hinge bracket  40  may support a hinge  88  having a pin  104  ( FIG.  9   ) and/or an articulating hinge without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The plates  44  extending along the top and bottom portions of the wrapper  14  may be positioned externally from the insulation cavity  22  such that the insulation cavity  22  is unaffected by the coupling of the second hinge brackets  40  to the cabinet structure  12 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , one or more shims  162  may be positioned on a bottom portion of the braces  42  disposed along a bottom portion of the wrapper  14 . The shim  162  may be moved in a forward/rearward direction, as indicated by arrow  164 , to adjust a front height of the cabinet structure  12 . The shim  162  may have a chamfered profile to allow for the vertical adjustment of the cabinet structure  12 . 
     A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the present disclosure. For example, use of the first and/or second hinge supports provides assistance in transferring downward forces, rotational forces, and/or torsion forces provided by the door on the cabinet structure. Moreover, the encapsulation member may assist in maintaining a desired insulative efficiency within an insulation cavity after one or more fasteners are inserted thereinto. The encapsulation member may be manufactured at low costs when compared to various solutions for maintaining a vacuum within the insulation cavity. The trim breaker may also define one or more cavities that also assist in maintaining a desired insulative efficiency within an insulation cavity after one or more fasteners are inserted thereinto. The additional fasteners may also help in supporting the first hinge bracket on the cabinet structure. The refrigerator may also include an externally positioned second hinge, which may be a top and/or bottom hinge bracket, that is supported by a brace positioned proximate a top and/or bottom portion of the wrapper. The braces positioned along a top and/or bottom portion of the wrapper may be fixed to a plate that extends laterally across the wrapper of the refrigerator. The braces positioned along a top and/or bottom portion of the wrapper and the plate support the second brackets such that the second hinge brackets also may not compromise a desired insulative efficiency within an insulation cavity of the cabinet structure. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary examples of the invention 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. 
     Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Some examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. Furthermore, it will be understood that a component preceding the term “of the” may be positioned at any practicable location (e.g., on, within, and/or externally positioned from the appliance) such that the component may function in any manner described herein. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary examples is illustrative only. Although only a few examples 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 connectors 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 examples 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 invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.