Patent Publication Number: US-2013249371-A1

Title: Hinge assemblies for a domestic refrigerator

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/428,031 entitled “HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR A DOMESTIC REFIGERATOR,” by Daryl Reuter et al., which was filed on Mar. 23, 2012, and U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/428,067 entitled “ADJUSTABLE HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR A DOMESTIC REFIGERATOR,” which was filed by Julie Mann et al. which was filed on Mar. 23, 2012, both of which are assigned to the same assignee and which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a domestic refrigerator and more particularly to a hinge assembly for a door of a domestic refrigerator. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A domestic refrigerator is a device used to store food items in a home at preset temperatures. A domestic refrigerator typically includes one or more temperature-controlled compartments into which food items may be placed to preserve the food items for later consumption. A domestic refrigerator also typically includes a door that permits user access to the temperature-controlled compartment defined in the refrigerator cabinet. The door may be mounted to the cabinet via a hinge assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a domestic refrigerator is disclosed. The domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a door positioned at a front of the cabinet. The door is operable to pivot about an axis of rotation between a closed position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is prevented and an open position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is permitted. The domestic refrigerator also includes a cam plate coupled to the door, and the cam plate includes a first cam surface. The domestic refrigerator has a coupler body including a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface, a lower surface having an opening defined therein, and an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to define an aperture in the coupler body. A hinge pin defines the axis of rotation and includes a cylindrical shaft having an upper end positioned in the aperture of the coupler body and a plurality of longitudinal slots defined in the cylindrical shaft. A plurality of splines extend inwardly from the inner wall of the coupler body, and each spline is received in a corresponding longitudinal slot of the hinge pin to prevent rotation of the coupler body about the axis of rotation. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include an adjustment mechanism configured to move the door vertically relative to the cabinet between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the cylindrical shaft of the hinge pin may have a passageway defined therein, and the adjustment mechanism may include a threaded rod positioned in the passageway of the cylindrical shaft. The threaded rod may have an upper end engaged with the coupler body. 
     In some embodiments, the inner wall of the coupler body may extend upwardly from the opening to an inner surface, and the coupler body may include a central shaft that extends downwardly from the inner surface. The central shaft may have a lower end positioned in the passageway of the cylindrical shaft and engaged with the upper end of the threaded rod. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the threaded rod may have a plurality of outer threads, and the cylindrical shaft of the hinge pin may include an inner wall that defines the passageway therethrough. The inner wall of the cylindrical shaft may have a plurality of inner threads defined therein that are engaged with the outer threads of the threaded rod such that rotation of the threaded rod in a first direction may cause upward movement of the coupler body and the door, and rotation of the threaded rod in a second direction may cause downward movement of the coupler body and the door. 
     In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a stop configured to prevent upward movement of the threaded rod beyond a predetermined position corresponding to the second position of the door. In some embodiments, the stop may include a substantially smooth section of the inner wall of the cylindrical shaft. The substantially smooth section may be positioned above the plurality of inner threads. In some embodiments, a distance may be defined between the first position and the second position of the door. The distance may be approximately three millimeters. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include a bushing has the cam plate. The door may include a frame and a front panel secured to the frame, and the bushing may be coupled to the frame and positioned behind the front panel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bushing may include a bottom surface having an opening defined therein, an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to an inner surface including the first cam surface, and an aperture defined by the inner wall and the inner surface. The coupler body may have an upper end positioned in the aperture of the bushing. In some embodiments, the plurality of splines may include six splines extending from the inner wall of the coupler body. 
     According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation between a closed position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is prevented and an open position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is permitted. The domestic refrigerator also includes a hinge assembly including a hinge pin defining the axis of rotation and an adjustment mechanism configured to move the door vertically between a first position and a second position. The adjustment mechanism includes a threaded rod positioned in a passageway defined in the hinge pin, and a stop positioned in the passageway defined in the hinge pin. The threaded rod is configured to rotate in a first direction to cause upward movement of the door and a second direction to cause downward movement of the door. The stop is configured to prevent upward movement of the threaded rod beyond a predetermined position corresponding to the second position of the door. 
     In some embodiments, the hinge assembly may include a bushing secured to the door, and a coupler body coupled to the hinge pin. The bushing may include a first cam surface, and the coupler body may include a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface. In some embodiments, the coupler body may include a lower surface positioned opposite the second cam surface. The lower surface may have an opening defined therein and an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to an inner surface. The inner wall and the inner surface may define an aperture in the coupler body, and an upper end of the hinge pin may be positioned in the aperture defined in the coupler body. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the coupler body may include a central shaft that extends downwardly from the inner surface. The central shaft may have a lower end positioned in the passageway of the hinge pin and engaged with an upper end of the threaded rod. In some embodiments, the hinge pin may include a longitudinal slot defined in an outer surface thereof, and the coupler body may include a spline extending from the inner wall thereof. The spline may be received in the longitudinal slot of the hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments, the longitudinal slot may include at least six longitudinal slots, and the spline may include at least six splines extending from the inner wall of the coupler body. Each of the splines may be received in a corresponding longitudinal slot of the hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include a first bracket secured to the door, and the first bracket may include a first flange coupled to the door and a second flange extending downwardly from the first flange. The domestic refrigerator may also include a second bracket including a mounting plate having the hinge pin secured thereto, and a side wall extending upwardly from an upper surface of the mounting plate. The second flange may be engaged with the side wall of the second bracket when the door is in the open position. 
     According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a pair of doors positioned at a front of the cabinet, and a pair of cam plates. Each cam plate is secured to one of the pair of doors and includes a lower cam surface. The domestic refrigerator also includes a pair of coupler bodies, and each coupler body has an upper cam surface configured to engage with the lower cam surface of one of the pair of doors, and an aperture defined therein. The domestic refrigerator includes a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin. The first hinge pin has a plurality of longitudinal slots defined in an outer surface thereof, and an upper end positioned in a first coupler body of the pair of coupler bodies. The second hinge pin has a plurality of longitudinal slots defined in an outer surface thereof, and an upper end positioned in a second coupler body of the pair of coupler bodies. The first coupler body includes a plurality of splines that are received in the plurality of longitudinal slots of the first hinge pin, and the second coupler body includes a plurality of splines that are received in the plurality of longitudinal slots of the second hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include a threaded rod engaged with the first coupler body. The first hinge pin may have an inner wall extending between an upper opening and a lower opening to define a passageway therethrough. The inner wall may have a plurality of threads defined therein engaged with the threaded rod such that rotation of the threaded rod in a first direction may cause upward movement of the coupler body and a first door of the pair of doors, and rotation of the threaded rod in a second direction may cause downward movement of the coupler body and the first door. The second hinge pin may have a substantially smooth inner wall extending between an upper opening and a lower opening to define a passageway therethrough. 
     According to another aspect, the domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation between a closed position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is prevented and an open position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is permitted. The domestic refrigerator also includes a cam plate coupled to the door that includes a first cam surface, and a coupler body having a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface, a lower surface positioned opposite the second cam surface, the lower surface having an opening defined therein, and an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to define an aperture in the coupler body. A hinge pin defines the axis of rotation. The hinge pin has an upper end positioned in the aperture of the coupler body, and the upper end includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces and a pair of convex surfaces connecting the pair of substantially planar surfaces. The inner wall of the coupler body has a pair of substantially planar surfaces engaged with the pair of substantially planar surfaces of the hinge pin to prevent rotation of the coupler body about the axis of rotation. 
     In some embodiments, the hinge pin may have a passageway defined therein, the inner wall of the coupler body may extend upwardly from the opening to an inner surface, and the coupler body may include a central shaft that extends downwardly from the inner surface. The central shaft may have a lower end positioned in the passageway of the hinge pin. In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include an adjustment mechanism configured to move the door vertically between a first position and a second position relative to the cabinet. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a threaded rod positioned in the passageway of the hinge pin. The threaded rod may have an upper end engaged with the lower end of the central shaft of the coupler body. In some embodiments, the threaded rod may have a plurality of outer threads, and the hinge pin may include an inner wall that defines the passageway therethrough. The inner wall may have a plurality of inner threads defined therein that are engaged with the outer threads of the threaded rod such that rotation of the threaded rod in a first direction may cause upward movement of the coupler body and the door, and rotation of the threaded rod in a second direction may cause downward movement of the coupler body and the door. 
     According to another aspect, the domestic refrigerator includes a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation, a cam plate coupled to the door that includes a first cam surface, and a coupler body. The coupler body has a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface, a lower surface having an opening defined therein, and an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to define an aperture in the coupler body. The inner wall includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces. A hinge pin defines the axis of rotation. The hinge pin has an upper end positioned in the aperture of the coupler body. The upper end includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces engaged with the pair of substantially planar surfaces of the coupler body to prevent rotation of the coupler body about the axis of rotation. The domestic refrigerator also includes a threaded rod positioned in a passageway defined in the hinge pin and engaged with the coupler body. The threaded rod is configured to rotate in a first direction to cause upward movement of the door and a second direction to cause downward movement of the door. 
     In some embodiments, the inner wall of the coupler body may extend upwardly from the opening to an inner surface. The inner wall and the inner surface may define the aperture in the coupler body, and the coupler body may include a central shaft that extends downwardly from the inner surface. The central shaft may have a lower end positioned in the passageway of the hinge pin and engaged with an upper end of the threaded rod. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a stop positioned in the passageway defined in the hinge pin. The stop may be configured to prevent upward movement of the threaded rod beyond a predetermined position. 
     In some embodiments, the upper end of the hinge pin may include a pair of convex surfaces that connect the pair of substantially planar surfaces of the hinge pin, and the coupler body may include a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner wall. The plurality of ribs may bee engaged with the pair of convex surfaces of the hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a bushing secured to the door. The bushing may include a bottom surface having an opening defined therein, an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to an inner surface that includes the first cam surface, and the aperture may be defined by the inner wall and the inner surface. The coupler body may have an upper end positioned in the aperture of the bushing. The upper end of the coupler body may include the second cam surface. 
     According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation between a closed position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is prevented and an open position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is permitted. The domestic refrigerator also includes a bushing secured to the door and a coupler body. The bushing has an aperture defined therein, and a first cam surface positioned in the aperture. The coupler body has an upper end positioned in the aperture of the bushing, and the upper end includes a second cam surface engaged with the first cam surface. The coupler body also has a lower surface having an opening defined therein, and an inner wall extending upwardly from the opening to define an aperture in the coupler body. The inner wall includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces. A hinge pin defines the axis of rotation. The hinge pin has an upper end positioned in the aperture of the coupler body, the upper end including a pair of substantially planar surfaces engaged with the pair of substantially planar surfaces of the coupler body to prevent rotation of the coupler body about the axis of rotation. 
     In some embodiments, the inner wall of the coupler body may extend upwardly from the opening to an inner surface. The inner wall and the inner surface may define the aperture in the coupler body, and the coupler body may include a central shaft that extends downwardly from the inner surface. The central shaft may have a lower end positioned in a passageway defined in the hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include an adjustment mechanism configured to move the door vertically between a first position and a second position relative to the cabinet. Additionally, in some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a threaded rod positioned in the passageway defined in the hinge pin and engaged with the lower end of the coupler body. The threaded rod may be configured to rotate in a first direction to cause upward movement of the door and a second direction to cause downward movement of the door. 
     According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein and a door positioned at a front of the cabinet. The door is operable to pivot about an axis of rotation between a closed position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is limited and an open position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is permitted. The domestic refrigerator also includes a closer assembly including a base secured to the door and a downwardly-extending shaft moveably coupled to the base, a mounting bracket coupled to the front of the cabinet, a hinge pin defining the axis of rotation and extending upwardly from the mounting bracket, and a coupler body. The coupler body has a first inner sidewall that defines a lower aperture that receives an upper end of the hinge pin, and a second inner sidewall that defines an upper aperture that receives a lower end of the shaft. The shaft of the closer assembly has a first plurality of splines formed thereon, and the second inner sidewall of the coupler body has a second plurality of splines formed thereon. The second plurality of splines of the coupler body engages the first plurality of splines of the shaft to prevent relative axial rotation between the coupler body and the shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the coupler body may have a third plurality of splines that extend inwardly from the first inner sidewall. The hinge pin may include a shaft having an upper end positioned in the lower aperture of the coupler body, and a plurality of longitudinal slots defined in the shaft. Each spline of the third plurality of splines may be received in a corresponding longitudinal slot of the hinge pin to prevent rotation of the coupler body about the axis of rotation. 
     In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include an adjustment mechanism configured to move the door vertically relative to the cabinet between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the hinge pin may have a passageway defined therein, and the adjustment mechanism may include a threaded rod positioned in the passageway of the shaft. The threaded rod may have an upper end engaged with the coupler body. 
     In some embodiments, the coupler body may include a central shaft positioned in the lower aperture. The central shaft may have a lower end that is positioned in the passageway of the shaft and engaged with the upper end of the threaded rod. 
     In some embodiments, the threaded rod may have a plurality of outer threads, and the hinge pin may include an inner wall that defines the passageway therethrough. The inner wall of the hinge pin may have a plurality of inner threads defined therein that are engaged with the outer threads of the threaded rod such that rotation of the threaded rod in a first direction causes upward movement of the coupler body and the door, and rotation of the threaded rod in a second direction causes downward movement of the coupler body and the door. 
     In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a stop configured to prevent upward movement of the threaded rod beyond a predetermined position corresponding to the second position of the door. In some embodiments, the stop may include a substantially smooth section of the inner wall of the hinge pin. The substantially smooth section may be positioned above the plurality of inner threads. 
     In some embodiments, the closer assembly may include a biasing element having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end coupled to the base. The biasing element may be configured to inhibit movement of the door about the axis of rotation. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first plurality of splines may include six splines. 
     According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a door operable to pivot about an axis of rotation to an open position in which user access to the temperature-controlled compartment is permitted. The domestic refrigerator further includes a closer assembly, and the closer assembly includes a base secured to the door and a downwardly-extending shaft moveably coupled to the base. The domestic refrigerator also includes a hinge assembly, having a hinge pin defining the axis of rotation and an adjustment mechanism configured to move the door vertically between a first position and a second position. The adjustment mechanism of the hinge assembly includes a coupler body positioned over the hinge pin, a threaded rod positioned in a passageway defined in the hinge pin, and a stop positioned in the passageway defined in the hinge pin. The coupler body includes an inner side wall that defines an aperture receiving the shaft of the closer assembly. The threaded rod is configured to rotate in a first direction to cause upward movement of the door and a second direction to cause downward movement of the door. The stop is configured to prevent upward movement of the threaded rod beyond a predetermined position corresponding to the second position of the door. 
     In some embodiments, the coupler body may include a central shaft having a lower end that is positioned in the passageway of the hinge pin and is engaged with an upper end of the threaded rod. In some embodiments, the hinge pin may include a longitudinal slot defined in an outer surface thereof, and the coupler body may include a spline extending from an inner wall thereof. The spline may be received in the longitudinal slot of the hinge pin. 
     In some embodiments, the shaft of the closer assembly may have a spline formed thereon, and the coupler body may have a second spline formed thereon. The spline of the shaft may engage the second spline of the coupler body to prevent relative axial rotation between the coupler body and the shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the closer assembly may include a biasing element having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end coupled to the base. The biasing element may be configured to inhibit movement of the door about the axis of rotation. Additionally, in some embodiments, the biasing element may include a coil spring. 
     In some embodiments, the shaft of the closer assembly may include an upper surface having the spline formed thereon and a lower surface that is substantially smooth. In some embodiments, the longitudinal slot may include at least six longitudinal slots, and the spline may include at least six splines extending from the inner wall of the coupler body. Each of the splines may be received in a corresponding longitudinal slot of the hinge pin. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a domestic appliance includes a cabinet with a door positioned at a front of the cabinet, a closer assembly secured to the door, a mounting bracket coupled to the front of the cabinet, a hinge pin extending upwardly from the mounting bracket, and a coupler body. The closer assembly includes a downwardly-extending shaft. The coupler body has a first inner sidewall defining a lower aperture that receives an upper end of the hinge pin, and a second inner sidewall defining an upper aperture that receives a lower end of the shaft. The shaft of the closer assembly has a first plurality of splines formed thereon, and the second inner sidewall of the coupler body has a second plurality of splines formed thereon. The second plurality of splines of the coupler body engages the first plurality of splines of the shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the hinge pin may include a shaft having an upper end positioned in the lower aperture of the coupler body, and a plurality of longitudinal slots defined in the shaft. The coupler body may have a third plurality of splines that extend inwardly from an inner wall. Each spline of the third plurality of splines may be received in a corresponding longitudinal slot of the hinge pin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the following figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a domestic refrigerator; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a right-hand door and one embodiment of an adjustable hinge assembly of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a hinge pin of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a coupler body of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1  showing the right-hand door in one vertical position relative to the refrigerator cabinet; 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  showing the right-hand door in another vertical position relative to the refrigerator cabinet; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1  with adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the left-hand door and one embodiment of a fixed hinge assembly of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1  showing the left-hand door in one vertical position relative to the refrigerator cabinet; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a right-hand door and another embodiment of an adjustable hinge assembly of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a hinge pin of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of a coupler body of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1  with adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a right-hand door and one embodiment of an adjustable hinge assembly of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a spline shaft, a coupler body, and a hinge pin of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the coupler body of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 15  showing the right-hand door in one vertical position; 
         FIG. 19  is a view similar to  FIG. 18  showing the right-hand door in another vertical position; and 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the refrigerator of  FIG. 1  with adjustable hinge assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a home appliance is shown as a domestic refrigerator appliance  10  (hereinafter refrigerator  10 ). The refrigerator  10  includes a cabinet  12  and a lower frame  14  that supports the cabinet  12 . The refrigerator cabinet  12  defines a temperature-controlled, refrigerated compartment  16  into which a user may place and store food items such as milk, cheese, produce, etcetera. The refrigerated compartment  16  is operable to maintain stored food items at a predefined temperature. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the refrigerator cabinet  12  defines a temperature-controlled freezer compartment  18 , which is also operable to maintain food items stored therein at a certain temperature. The refrigerator  10  includes a drawer  20  that permits user access to the freezer compartment  18  such that food items may be placed in and retrieved from shelves and drawers positioned therein. When the drawer  20  is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 , user access to the freezer compartment  18  is prevented. A handle  22  is located on the drawer  20 , and the user may use the handle  22  to pull the drawer  20  open. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the freezer compartment may be positioned above or side-by-side with the refrigerated compartment  16 , either as a free standing refrigerator or a built-in refrigerator. It will be further appreciated that in other embodiments the refrigerator  10  may not have a freezer compartment. 
     The refrigerator  10  includes a right-hand door  24  and a left-hand door  26  that permit user access to the refrigerated compartment  16  such that food items may be placed in and retrieved from the refrigerator  10 . The right-hand door  24  is hinged to the front of the refrigerator cabinet  12  via an upper hinge assembly  28  and a lower hinge assembly  30 . A handle  32  is located on a front panel  34  of the door  24 , and the user may use the handle  32  to pull the right-hand door  24  open. The left-hand door  26  is hinged to the front of the refrigerator cabinet  12  via another upper hinge assembly  28  and a lower hinge assembly  36 . Another handle  32  is located on a front panel  38  of the door  26 , and the user may use that handle  32  to pull the left-hand door  26  open. As described in greater detail below, the lower hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24  is operable to adjust the closed vertical position of the door  24  relative to the refrigerator cabinet  12 . In the illustrative embodiment, the lower hinge assembly  36  of the left-hand door  26  is not adjustable and the closed vertical position of the door  26  is fixed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the lower hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24  is configured to be secured to a hinge bracket  40 . The hinge bracket  40  is formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, steel, and is sized to support the weight of the right-hand door  24 . The hinge bracket  40  includes a vertical flange  42  and a mounting plate  48  that extends horizontally from the flange  42 . The vertical flange  42  is configured to be attached to a front wall  44  of the cabinet  12  via a plurality of bolts (not shown), which extend through holes  46  formed in the flange  42  to engage the cabinet  12 . 
     The mounting plate  48  of the hinge bracket  40  extends outwardly from the cabinet  12  when the bracket  40  is secured to the cabinet  12 . The mounting plate  48  has an upper surface  50  and a lower surface  52  positioned opposite the upper surface  50 . An opening  54  is defined in the upper surface  50  of the mounting plate  48 , and an inner wall  56  extends downwardly from the opening  54  to define a bore  58  through the mounting plate  48 . In the illustrative embodiment, the opening  54  is circular, and the bore  58  is substantially cylindrical. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the opening may be oblong, square, or other geometric shapes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the mounting plate  48  includes a side wall  60  that extends between the surfaces  50 ,  52 . The side wall  60  defines a pocket  62  positioned adjacent to the lower hinge assembly  30 . The mounting plate  48  also includes a flange  64  that extends upwardly from the upper surface  50 . The flange  64  has a side wall  66  that is aligned with side wall  60 , and the walls  60 ,  66  cooperate to act as a stop for the right-hand door  24 , as described in greater detail below. 
     The lower hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24  includes a hinge pin  68  configured to be secured to the hinge bracket  40 , a bushing  70  configured to be secured to the right-hand door  24 , and a coupler body  72  positioned between the hinge pin  68  and the bushing  70 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the hinge pin  68  has a body  74  and a circular flange  76  that extends outwardly from the body  74 . The body  74  has a tail  78  that extends downwardly from the circular flange  76  to a lower end  80 . The tail  78  has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the bore  58  of the mounting plate  48 . In the illustrative embodiment, the tail  78  is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is sized such that the tail  78  may be received in the bore  58 . 
     The body  74  of the hinge pin  68  includes a cylindrical shaft  82 , which extends upwardly from the circular flange  76  to an upper end  84 . The shaft  82  defines a vertically-extending longitudinal axis  86  of the hinge pin  68 . As described in greater detail below, the right-hand door  24  is configured to pivot about the axis  86  to move between the closed position and the open position when the hinge assembly  30  and the door  24  are assembled. The shaft  82  of the pin body  74  has an outer surface  88  and a plurality of grooves or slots  90  defined in the outer surface  88 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , each slot  90  has an opening  92  defined in the upper end  84  of the body  74 . A concave surface  94  extends downwardly from each opening  92  and inwardly from the outer surface  88  to define each slot  90 . The slots  90  extend parallel to the axis  86  and are spaced apart equally from one another around the outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft  82 . In the illustrative embodiment, the hinge pin  68  includes six slots  90 , but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  68  may include additional or fewer slots. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , the body  74  of the hinge pin  68  has an opening  96  defined in the upper end  84  and another opening  98  defined in the lower end  80 . An inner wall  100  extends between the openings  96 ,  98  to define a cylindrical passageway  102  through the hinge pin  68 . The inner wall  100  of the body  74  includes a lower surface  104  having a number of internal threads  106  defined therein and an upper surface  108  positioned above the lower surface  104 . The upper surface  108  of the inner wall  100  is substantially smooth. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the hinge pin  68  is formed as a single monolithic component from a metallic material, such as, for example, cold-formed steel. In other embodiments, the body  74  and the circular flange  76  may be formed as separate components that are assembled. It should be appreciated that the configuration of one or more of those components of the hinge pin  68  may be modified in other embodiments. It should further be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the components may be made from a polymeric material, such as, for example, a rigid plastic. 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  30  also includes a coupler body  72  that is configured to be engaged with the hinge pin  68 . The coupler body  72  includes an outer shell  114  formed from a polymeric material, such as, for example, nylon. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the outer shell  114  may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, cold-rolled steel. The outer shell  114  has a flange  116  that extends outwardly from a lower end  118  and a cam plate  120  that is formed on an upper end  122 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower end  118  of the coupler body  72  has a circular bottom surface  124 . An opening  126  is defined in the bottom surface  124 , and an inner wall  128  extends upwardly from the opening  126  to an inner surface  130 . The inner wall  128  and the inner surface  130  cooperate to define an aperture  132  in the outer shell  114 . The aperture  132  is sized to receive the upper end  84  of the hinge pin  68 , as described in greater detail below. 
     The coupler body  72  of the hinge assembly  30  also includes an inner shaft  134  that extends downwardly from the inner surface  130  of the outer shell  114 . The shaft  134  is aligned with the center of the circular opening  126  and is sized to be received in the passageway  102  defined in the hinge pin  68 . In the illustrative embodiment, the shaft  134  has an outer surface  136  that is cylindrical. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the shaft  134  may be tapered or keyed to match the geometric shape of the passageway  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the coupler body  72  of the hinge assembly  30  has a plurality of ribs  138  that extend from the inner wall  128  into the aperture  132 . The ribs  138  are spaced apart equally around the circumference of the inner wall  128 . Each rib  138  has a surface  140  that engages the outer surface  88  of the cylindrical shaft  82  of the hinge pin  68  when the hinge assembly  30  is assembled. In the illustrative embodiment, the surface  140  is a convex surface. In other embodiments, the surface  140  may be substantially planar. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the ribs  138  may be omitted such that the inner wall  128  of the coupler body  72  may engage the outer surface  88  of the cylindrical shaft  82  of the hinge pin  68  when the hinge assembly  30  is assembled. 
     The coupler body  72  also includes a plurality of splines  142  that extend from the inner wall  128  into the aperture  132 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the splines  142  are positioned between the ribs  138  and spaced apart equally around the circumference of the inner wall  128 . Each spline  142  is sized to be received in a corresponding slot  90  of the hinge pin  68  and has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the geometry of the slot  90 . In the illustrative embodiment, each spline  142  has a convex surface  144  that matches the concave surface  94  of each slot  90 . The number of splines  142  also corresponds to the number of slots  90  defined in the hinge pin  68 . Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, the coupler body  72  has six splines  142 . Further, in the illustrative embodiment, two of the six splines are larger than the other splines such that the coupler body  72  and the hinge pin  68  are keyed and may be coupled together in one of two orientations. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , a cam plate  120  is formed on the upper end  122  of the coupler body  72 . The cam plate  120  includes a pair of angled cam surfaces  150 ,  152  that extend downwardly from a substantially-planar top surface  154  of the outer shell  114  to a base surface  156 . The surfaces  150 ,  152 ,  156  cooperate to define a groove  158  in the upper end  122  of the coupler body  72 . The cam plate  120  includes another pair of angled cam surfaces  160 ,  162  positioned on the opposite side of the outer shell  114  (see  FIG. 8 ). The cam surfaces  160 ,  162 , like the cam surfaces  150 ,  152 , extend downwardly from the substantially-planar top surface  154  to a base surface  166 . The surfaces  160 ,  162 ,  166  cooperate to define a groove  168  in the upper end  122  of the coupler body  72 . 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  30  also includes a bushing  70  configured to be secured to the right-hand door  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the bushing  70  has a body  180  and a flange  182  that extends outwardly from a lower end  184 . As described in greater detail below, the body  180  is keyed to match the passageway  238  defined in the door  24 , and includes a rib (not shown) to align the body  180  with the door  24 . An opening  186  is defined in a bottom surface  188  of the bushing  70 , and an inner wall  190  extends upwardly from the opening  186  to an inner surface  190 . The inner wall  190  of the body  180  is cylindrical, and the inner wall  190  cooperates with the inner surface  192  define a cylindrical aperture  194  in the body  180 . The aperture  194  is sized to receive the upper end  122  of the coupler body  72 , as described in greater detail below. 
     The bushing  70  also includes a cam plate  200  that is formed on the inner surface  190  of the body  180 . The cam plate  200  includes a pair of wedges  202  sized to be received in the grooves  158 ,  168  of the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  72 . Each wedge  202  includes a pair of angled cam surfaces  204 ,  206 . When the bushing  70  is assembled with the coupler body  72 , the cam surfaces  204 ,  206  of one wedge  202  engage the cam surfaces  150 ,  152  of the coupler body  72  and the cam surfaces  204 ,  206  of the other wedge  202  engage the cam surfaces  160 ,  162  of the coupler body  72 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the body  180  of the bushing  70  has a plurality of planar outer side walls  210 . In the illustrative embodiment, the body  180  has eight side walls  210  such that the outer geometry of the body  180  is octagonal. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the body  180  may have additional or fewer side walls. The bushing  70  is formed from a polymeric material, such as, for example, acetal. In other embodiments, the bushing  70  may be formed from a metallic material such as cold-formed steel. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the refrigerator  10  also includes a door stop bracket  214  for the right-hand door  24 . The door stop bracket  214  is formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, steel, but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the bracket  214  may be formed from a hard polymeric material. The door stop bracket  214  has a horizontally-extending flange  216  configured to be secured to the door  24  and a front flange  218  extending downwardly from the flange  216 . A through-hole  220  is defined in the flange  216  and is sized to receive the body  180  of the bushing  70 . In the illustrative embodiment, the through-hole  220  is defined a plurality of side walls (not shown) and has an octagonal shape to match the outer geometry of the body  180 . 
     The right-hand door  24  of the refrigerator  10  has a front panel  34  that is secured to a frame  222 . The frame  222  has a slot  224  defined in a lower end  226  thereof, and the slot  224  is sized to receive the flange  216  of the door stop bracket  214 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the frame  222  includes a plurality of side walls  230  and a lower wall  232  that define the slot  224 . The bracket  214  may be secured to the door  24  via one or more fasteners (not shown). 
     The lower wall  232  of the frame  222  has an opening  234  defined therein, and a plurality of inner walls  236  extend upwardly from the opening  234  to define a passageway  238  in the frame  222 . The passageway  238  is sized to receive the body  180  of the bushing  70 . When the door  24  is assembled with the hinge assembly  30 , the inner walls  236  of the frame  222  confront the outer side walls  210  of the bushing  70 . In that way, relative axial movement between the bushing  70  and the door  24  is prevented, and the bushing  70  pivots with the door  24  as the door  24  moves between the open position and the closed position. 
     The hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24  further includes an adjustment mechanism  250  configured to move the door  24  vertically relative to the cabinet  12 . In the illustrative embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  250  includes a rod  252  that is sized to be positioned in the passageway  102  of the hinge pin  68 . The rod  252  has a plurality of external threads  254  defined on an outer surface  256  thereof. The external threads  254  of the rod  252  correspond to the internal threads  106  of the hinge pin  68 . When the rod  252  is positioned in the passageway  102 , the external threads  254  of the rod  252  engage the internal threads  106  of the hinge pin  68 . The threaded engagement between the rod  252  and the hinge pin  68  permits the rod  252  to be rotated about the axis  86  extending through the hinge pin  68 . 
     The lower end  258  of the rod  252  has a socket  260  defined therein to receive a tool that may be used to rotate the rod  252  about the axis  86 . When the rod  252  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  262 , the rod  252  is moved upward, toward the upper opening  96 . When the rod  252  is rotated in the opposite direction, the rod  252  is moved downward, toward the lower opening  98  of the hinge pin  68 . Because the upper inner surface  108  of hinge pin  68  is smooth, the rod  252  is prevented from advancing beyond a predetermined position in the passageway  102 . In that way, the upper inner surface  108  is a travel stop  264  for the adjustment mechanism  250 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  68 , for example, may include one or more tabs, lips, or other structures to provide a mechanical stop for the adjustment mechanism  250 . 
     To assemble the hinge assembly  30 , the hinge pin  68  is attached to the mounting plate  48 . To do so, the tail  78  of the hinge pin  68  is aligned with the bore  58  of the mounting plate  48 . The hinge pin  68  is advanced downward so that the tail  78  is received in the bore  58 , and the flange  76  is moved into contact with the upper surface  50  of the mounting plate  48 . In the illustrative embodiment, the tail  78  is swaged to shape the lower end  80  of the tail  78  into a circular flange  270 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The circular flange  270  is engaged with the lower surface  52  of the mounting plate  48 , and the mounting plate  48  is clamped between the flanges  76 ,  270  of the hinge pin  68  to join the hinge pin  68  and the mounting plate  48  together. The engagement between the flanges  76 ,  270  and the mounting plate  48  fix the hinge pin  68  in position and prevent the hinge pin  68  from rotating about the axis  86 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  68  may be joined to the mounting plate  48  by welding, a mechanical fastener, or other means. 
     When the hinge pin  68  is secured to the mounting plate  48 , the coupler body  72  of the hinge assembly  30  is positioned above the hinge pin  68 . The cylindrical shaft  82  is aligned with the aperture  132  defined in the coupler body  72 , and the splines  142  of the coupler body  72  are aligned with the slots  90  defined in the hinge pin  68 . The coupler body  72  is moved downward, and the inner shaft  134  of the coupler body  72  is advanced into the passageway  102  of the hinge pin  68  as the shaft  82  is moved into the aperture  132 . Additionally, each spline  142  is advanced into one of the slots  90 . 
     To attach the bushing  70  to the coupler body  72 , the bushing  70  is positioned above the coupler body  72  such that the outer shell  114  is aligned with the aperture  194  defined in the bushing  70 . The bushing  70  is moved downward to position the outer shell  114  in the aperture  194  and to engage the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  72  with the cam plate  200  of the bushing  70 . The bushing  70  may be rotated about the longitudinal axis  86  to advance the wedges  202  of the cam plate  200  into the grooves  158 ,  168  of the cam plate  120 . 
     It should be appreciated that the bushing  70  may be secured to the frame  222  of the right-hand door  24  before or after the bushing  70  is attached to the coupler body  72 . To do so, the door  24  is positioned above the bushing  70 , and the body  180  of the bushing  70  is aligned with the passageway  238  defined the frame  222 . The door  24  may be moved downward (or the bushing  70  upward) to advance the bushing  70  into the passageway  238 . As described above, the inner walls  236  of the frame  222  engage the outer side walls  210  of the bushing  70  when the bushing  70  is attached to the door  24 , thereby preventing relative axial movement between the bushing  70  and the door  24 . When the door  24  is properly seated on the bushing  70 , the lower flange  182  of the bushing  70  engages the flange  216  of the door stop bracket  214 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     When the door  24  and the hinge assembly  30  are coupled together, the adjustment mechanism  250  may be used to change the vertical position of the door  24 . To do so, the rod  252  may be attached to the lower end  80  of the hinge pin  68  and a wrench or other tool may be attached to the socket  260  of the rod  252 . The wrench may be used to rotate the rod  252  about the axis  86  in the direction indicated by arrow  262  to move the rod  252  upward along the passageway  102  of the hinge pin  68 . As the rod  252  is moved upward, the upper end  280  of the rod  252  is advanced into contact with the lower end  282  of the inner shaft  134  of the coupler body  72 . When the rod  252  is engaged with the coupler body  72 , continued upward movement of the rod  252  causes the coupler body  72 , the bushing  70 , and the door  24  to move upward to the position shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the front panel  34  of the right-hand door  24  has a lower end  284  positioned in front of the flange  218  of the door stop bracket  214 . The front panel  34  also has a bottom surface  286  that faces a top surface  288  of the drawer  20  of the refrigerator  10 . A gap  290  is defined between the surfaces  286 ,  288  when the door  24  is attached to the hinge assembly  30 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the gap  290  has a magnitude  292  of approximately twelve millimeters. 
     The size of the gap  290  corresponds to the vertical position of the door  24  relative to the cabinet  12 . The adjustment mechanism  250  may be used to move the right-hand door  24  higher or lower from the position shown in  FIG. 6 , and thereby change the size of the gap  290 . To do so, the rod  252  may be rotated about the axis  86  in the direction indicated by arrow  262  to move the rod  252  upward along the passageway  102  of the hinge pin  68 . As described above, the upward movement of the rod  252  causes the coupler body  72 , the bushing  70 , and the door  24  to move upward. When the rod  252  reaches the travel stop  264 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , the travel stop  264  prevents further upward movement of the rod  252 . In that position, the gap  290  has a magnitude  292  of approximately sixteen millimeters. In that way, the door  24  may be lifted approximately three millimeters between the position shown in  FIG. 6  and the position shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     When the rod  252  is rotated about the axis  86  in the direction indicated by arrow  294 , the rod  252  may be moved downward along the passageway  102  of the hinge pin  68 . The movement of the rod  252  causes the coupler body  72 , the bushing  70 , and the door  24  to move downward until the inner surface  130  of the coupler body  72  is advanced into contact with the upper end  84  of the hinge pin  68 , thereby preventing further downward movement of the hinge assembly  30  and the door  24 . In that position, the gap  290  has a magnitude of approximately ten millimeters. Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, the vertical position of the door  24  relative to the drawer  20  (and hence the cabinet  12 ) may be adjusted by approximately six millimeters. 
     As described above, the right-hand door  24  may be pivoted about the axis  86  to move the door  24  between the open position and the closed position. When the door  24  is in the closed position, the cam surfaces  204 ,  206  of the wedges  202  of the cam plate  200  of the bushing  70  confront the corresponding cam surfaces  150 ,  152 ,  160 ,  162  of the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  72 . When the door  24  is opened, the door  24  is pivoted about the axis  86  as indicated by arrow  296  in  FIG. 8 . As the door  24  is pivoted, the wedges  202  of the cam plate  200  apply a load to the cam surfaces  150 ,  160  of the coupler body  72  in the direction indicated by arrows  298  in  FIG. 8 . 
     The load is transferred through the coupler body  72  to the hinge bracket  40  via the hinge pin  68 . The engagement between the splines  142  of the coupler body  72  and the slots  90  of the hinge pin  68  prevents the coupler body  72  from pivoting with the door  24  and the bushing  70 . As a result, the wedges  202  of the bushing  70  slide upwardly along the cam surfaces  150 ,  160  of the coupler body  72  as the door  24  is pivoted about the axis  86 , thereby lifting the door  24  as the door  24  is opened. When the door  24  is moved to the open position, the door stop bracket  214  is advanced into the pocket  62  defined in the mounting plate  48 . The door stop bracket  214  engages the side wall  62  and the flange  64  such that further movement of the door  24  about the axis  86  is prevented. 
     When the door  24  is moved from the open position to the closed position, the wedges  202  of the bushing  70  advance along the top surfaces  154  of the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  72  and then downward along the cam surfaces  150 ,  160  of the lower cam plate  120  such that the door  24  is lowered as the door  24  is moved to the closed position. 
     As described above, the refrigerator  10  also includes a left-hand door  26  that is hinged to the front of the cabinet  12  via an upper hinge assembly  28  and a lower hinge assembly  36 . Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the lower hinge assembly  36  is configured to be secured to a hinge bracket  340 . The hinge bracket  340  is formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, steel, and is sized to support the weight of the left-hand door  26 . The hinge bracket  340 , like the hinge bracket  40 , includes a vertical flange  342  configured to be attached to the front wall  44  of the cabinet  12  via a plurality of bolts (not shown), which extend through holes  46  formed in the flange  342  and engage the cabinet  12 . The hinge bracket  340  also includes a mounting plate  348  that extends horizontally from the flange  342 . 
     The mounting plate  348  of the hinge bracket  340  extends outwardly from the cabinet  12  when the bracket  340  is secured to the cabinet  12 . The mounting plate  348  has an upper surface  350  and a lower surface  352  positioned opposite the upper surface  350 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , an opening  354  is defined in the upper surface  350  of the mounting plate  348 , and an inner wall  356  extends downwardly from the opening  354  to define a bore  358  through the mounting plate  348 . In the illustrative embodiment, the opening  354  is circular, and the bore  358  is substantially cylindrical. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the opening may be oblong, square, or other geometric shapes. 
     The lower hinge assembly  36  of the left-hand door  26  includes a hinge pin  368  configured to be secured to the hinge bracket  340 , a bushing  70  configured to be secured to the left-hand door  26 , and a coupler body  72  positioned between the hinge pin  368  and the bushing  70 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the hinge pin  368  has a body  374  and a flange  376  that extends outwardly from the body  374 . The body  374  has a tail  378  that extends downwardly from the flange  376  to a lower end  380 . The tail  378  has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the bore  358  of the mounting plate  348 . In the illustrative embodiment, the tail  378  is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is sized such that the tail  378  may be received in the bore  358 . 
     The body  374  of the hinge pin  368  includes a cylindrical shaft  382 , which extends upwardly from the flange  376  to an upper end  384 . The shaft  382  defines a vertically-extending longitudinal axis  386  of the hinge pin  368 , and the left-hand door  26  is configured to pivot about the axis  86  between the open and closed positions when the hinge assembly  36  and the door  26  are assembled (see  FIG. 10 ). The shaft  382  of the pin body  374  has an outer surface  388  and a plurality of grooves or slots  390  defined in the outer surface  388 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , each slot  390  has an opening  392  defined in the upper end  384  of the body  374 . A concave surface  394  extends downwardly from each opening  392  and inwardly from the outer surface  388  to define each slot  390 . The slots  390  extend parallel to the axis  86  and are spaced equally apart from one another around the outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft  382 . In the illustrative embodiment, the hinge pin  368  includes six slots  390 , but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  368  may include additional or fewer slots. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the body  374  of the hinge pin  368  has an opening  396  defined in the upper end  384  and another opening  398  defined in the lower end  380 . An inner wall  400  extends between the openings  396 ,  398  to define a cylindrical passageway  402  through the hinge pin  368 . The surface  404  of the inner wall  400  is substantially smooth. 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  36  also includes a coupler body  72  that is configured to be engaged with the hinge pin  368 . In the illustrative embodiment, the coupler body  72  used in the lower hinge assembly  36  of the left-hand door  26  is identical to the coupler body  72  used in the lower hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24 . Similarly, the bushing  70  used in the lower hinge assembly  36  of the left-hand door  26  is identical to the bushing  70  used in the lower hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the refrigerator  10  also includes a door stop bracket  414  for the left-hand door  26 . The door stop bracket  414  has a horizontally-extending flange  416  configured to be secured to the door  24  and a front flange  418  extending downwardly from the flange  416 . A through-hole  420  is defined in the flange  416  and, like the through-hole  220  of the door stop bracket  214 , is sized to receive the body  180  of the bushing  70 . In the illustrative embodiment, the through-hole  420  is defined a plurality of side walls (not shown) and has an octagonal shape to match the outer geometry of the body  180 . 
     The left-hand door  26  of the refrigerator  10  has a front panel  38  that is secured to a frame  422 . The frame  422  has a slot  424  defined in a lower end  426  thereof that is sized to receive the flange  416  of the door stop bracket  414 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the frame  422  includes a plurality of side walls  430  and a lower wall  432  that define the slot  424 . The bracket  414  may be secured to the door  26  via one or more fasteners (not shown). 
     The lower wall  432  of the frame  422  has an opening  434  defined therein, and a plurality of inner walls  436  define a passageway  438  in the frame  422 . The passageway  438  is sized to receive the body  180  of the bushing  70 . When the door  26  is assembled with the hinge assembly  36 , the inner walls  436  of the frame  422  confront the outer side walls  410  of the bushing  70 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . In that way, relative axial movement between the bushing  70  and the door  26  is prevented such that the bushing  70  pivots with the door  26  as the door  26  moves between the open position and the closed position. 
     To assemble the hinge assembly  36 , the hinge pin  368  is attached to the mounting plate  348 . To do so, the tail  378  of the hinge pin  368  is aligned with the bore  358  of the mounting plate  348 . The hinge pin  368  is advanced downward so that the tail  378  is received in the bore  358 , and the flange  376  is moved into contact with the upper surface  350  of the mounting plate  348 . In the illustrative embodiment, the tail  378  is swaged to shape the lower end  380  of the tail  378  into a circular flange  470 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The circular flange  470  is engaged with the lower surface  352  of the mounting plate  348 . The mounting plate  348  is clamped between the flanges  376 ,  470  of the hinge pin  368 , thereby joining the hinge pin  368  and the mounting plate  348  together. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  368  may be joined to the mounting plate  348  by welding, a mechanical fastener, or other means. 
     When the hinge pin  368  is secured to the mounting plate  348 , the coupler body  72  of the hinge assembly  30  is positioned above the hinge pin  368 . The cylindrical shaft  382  of the hinge pin  368  is aligned with the aperture  132  defined in the coupler body  72 , and the splines  142  of the coupler body  72  are aligned with the slots  390  defined in the hinge pin  368 . The coupler body  72  is moved downward, and the inner shaft  134  of the coupler body  72  is advanced into the passageway  402  of the hinge pin  368  as the shaft  382  of the hinge pin  368  is received in the aperture  132 . Additionally, the each spline  142  of the coupler body  72  is advanced into one of the slots  390 . 
     The bushing  70  may be attached to the coupler body  72  as described above. It should be appreciated that the bushing  70  may be secured to the frame  422  of the left-hand door  26  before or after the bushing  70  is attached to the coupler body  72 . To do so, the door  26  is positioned above the bushing  70  such that the body  180  of the bushing  70  is aligned with the passageway  438  defined the frame  422 . The door  26  may be moved downward (or the bushing  70  upward) to advance the bushing  70  into the passageway  438 . As described above, the inner walls  436  of the frame  422  engage the outer side walls  210  of the bushing  70  when the bushing  70  is attached to the door  26 , thereby preventing relative axial movement between the bushing  70  and the door  26 . When the door  26  is properly seated on the bushing  70 , the lower flange  182  of the bushing  70  engages the flange  416  of the door stop bracket  414 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The front panel  38  of the left-hand door  26  has a lower end  484  positioned in front of the flange  418  of the door stop bracket  414 . The front panel  38  also has a bottom surface  486  that faces a top surface  288  of the drawer  20  of the refrigerator  10 . A gap  490  is defined between the surfaces  486 ,  288  when the door  26  is attached to the hinge assembly  36 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the gap  490  has a magnitude  492  of approximately thirteen millimeters. 
     As described above, the left-hand door  26  may be pivoted about the axis  386  to move the door  26  between the closed position and the open position. When the door  26  is opened, the door  26  is pivoted about the axis  386  and a load is applied to the coupler body  72  by the cam plate  200  of the bushing  70 . The engagement between the splines  142  of the coupler body  72  and the slots  390  of the hinge pin  368  prevents the coupler body  72  from pivoting with the door  26  and the bushing  70 . As with the lower hinge assembly  30  of the right-hand door  24 , the interaction between the coupler body  72  and the bushing  70  lifts the door  26  as the door  26  is moved between positions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , another embodiment of a lower hinge assembly (hereinafter lower hinge assembly  530 ) is illustrated. Some features of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14  are substantially similar to those discussed above in reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 . Such features are designated in  FIGS. 11-14  with the same reference numbers as those used in  FIGS. 1-9 . 
     The lower hinge assembly  530  is configured to be secured to a hinge bracket  40 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the hinge bracket  40  includes a vertical flange  42  and a mounting plate  48  that extends horizontally from the flange  42 . The mounting plate  48  has an upper surface  50  and a lower surface  52  positioned opposite the upper surface  50 . An opening  54  is defined in the upper surface  50  of the mounting plate  48 , and an inner wall  56  extends downwardly from the opening  54  to define a bore  58  through the mounting plate  48 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11-14 , the lower hinge assembly  530  includes a hinge pin  568  configured to be secured to the hinge bracket  40 , a bushing  70  configured to be secured to the right-hand door  24 , and a coupler body  572  positioned between the hinge pin  568  and the bushing  70 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the hinge pin  568  has a body  574  and a circular flange  76  that extends outwardly from the body  574 . The body  574  has a tail  78  that extends downwardly from the circular flange  76  to a lower end  80 . The tail  78  has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the bore  58  of the mounting plate  48 . In the illustrative embodiment, the tail  78  is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is sized such that the tail  78  may be received in the bore  58 . 
     The body  574  of the hinge pin  568  includes a cylindrical shaft  582 , which extends upwardly from the circular flange  76  to an upper end  584 . The shaft  582  defines a vertically-extending longitudinal axis  86  of the hinge pin  568 . As described in greater detail below, the right-hand door  24  is configured to pivot about the axis  86  to move between the closed position and the open position when the hinge assembly  30  and the door  24  are assembled. The shaft  582  of the pin body  574  has an outer surface  588  that includes a pair of substantially planar surfaces  590 ,  592  and a pair of convex surfaces  594 ,  596 . The surfaces  594 ,  596  extend between the surfaces  590 ,  592  and connect the surfaces  590 ,  592  to one another. 
     The body  574  of the hinge pin  568  has an opening  600  defined in the upper end  584  and another opening  602  defined in the lower end  80 . An inner wall  604  extends between the openings  600 ,  602  to define a cylindrical passageway  606  through the hinge pin  568 . The inner wall  604  of the body  574  includes a lower surface  104  having a number of internal threads  106  defined therein and an upper surface  610  positioned above the lower surface  104 . The upper surface  610  of the inner wall  604  is tapered and substantially smooth. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the hinge pin  568  is formed as a single monolithic component from a metallic material, such as, for example, cold-formed steel. In other embodiments, the body  574  and the circular flange  76  may be formed as separate components that are assembled. It should be appreciated that the configuration of one or more of those components of the hinge pin  568  may be modified in other embodiments. It should further be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the components may be made from a polymeric material, such as, for example, a rigid plastic. 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  530  also includes a coupler body  572  that is configured to be engaged with the hinge pin  568 . Returning to  FIG. 11 , the coupler body  572  includes an outer shell  614  formed from a polymeric material, such as, for example, nylon. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the outer shell  614  may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, cold-rolled steel. The outer shell  614  has a flange  116  that extends outwardly from a lower end  618  and a cam plate  120  that is formed on an upper end  122 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the lower end  618  of the coupler body  72  has a circular bottom surface  624 . An opening  626  is defined in the bottom surface  624 , and an inner wall  628  extends upwardly from the opening  626  to an inner surface  630 . The inner wall  628  and the inner surface  630  cooperate to define an aperture  632  in the outer shell  614 . The aperture  632  is sized to receive the upper end  584  of the hinge pin  568 , as described in greater detail below. 
     The coupler body  572  of the hinge assembly  530  also includes an inner shaft  634  that extends downwardly from the inner surface  630  of the outer shell  614 . The shaft  634  is aligned with the center of the circular opening  626  and is sized to be received in the passageway  606  defined in the hinge pin  568 . In the illustrative embodiment, the shaft  634  has an outer surface  636  that is tapered and has a plurality of longitudinal grooves  638  defined therein. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the shaft  634  may be cylindrical or keyed to match the geometric shape of the passageway  606 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the coupler body  72  of the hinge assembly  530  has a plurality of ribs  640  that extend from the inner wall  628  into the aperture  632 . The ribs  640  are spaced apart around the circumference of the inner wall  628 . Each rib  640  has a surface  642  that engages one of the pair of convex surfaces of  594 ,  596  of the hinge pin  568  when the hinge assembly  530  is assembled. In the illustrative embodiment, the surface  642  of the rib  640  is a convex surface. In other embodiments, the surface  642  may be substantially planar. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the ribs  640  may be omitted such that the inner wall  628  of the coupler body  572  may engage the convex surfaces of  594 ,  596  of the hinge pin  68  when the hinge assembly  530  is assembled. 
     The inner wall  628  of the coupler body  572  has a pair of substantially planar surfaces  650 ,  652 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the surfaces  650 ,  652  are positioned on opposite sides of the inner shaft  634 . The surfaces  650 ,  652  are configured to engage the surfaces  590 ,  592 , respectively, of the hinge pin  568 . The number of substantially planar surfaces formed on the coupler body  572  corresponds to the number of substantially planar surfaces formed on the hinge pin  568 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 11 , a cam plate  120  is formed on the upper end  122  of the coupler body  572 . The cam plate  120  includes a pair of angled cam surfaces  150 ,  152  that extend downwardly from a substantially-planar top surface  154  of the outer shell  114  to a base surface  156 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the surfaces  150 ,  152 ,  156  cooperate to define a groove  158  in the upper end  122  of the coupler body  72 . The cam plate  120  includes another pair of angled cam surfaces  160 ,  162  positioned on the opposite side of the outer shell  614 . The cam surfaces  160 ,  162 , like the cam surfaces  150 ,  152 , extend downwardly from the substantially-planar top surface  154  to a base surface  166 . The surfaces  160 ,  162 ,  166  cooperate to define a groove  168  in the upper end  122  of the coupler body  572 . 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  530  also includes a bushing  70  configured to be secured to the right-hand door  24 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the bushing  70  has a body  180  and a flange  182  that extends outwardly from a lower end  184 . The bushing  70  has a cylindrical aperture  194  defined therein that is sized to receive the upper end  122  of the coupler body  572 . 
     The bushing  70  also includes a cam plate  200  that is formed on the inner surface  190  of the body  180 . The cam plate  200  includes a pair of wedges  202  sized to be received in the grooves  158 ,  168  of the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  572 . Each wedge  202  includes a pair of angled cam surfaces  204 ,  206 . When the bushing  70  is assembled with the coupler body  572 , the cam surfaces  204 ,  206  of one wedge  202  engage the cam surfaces  150 ,  152  of the coupler body  572  and the cam surfaces  204 ,  206  of the other wedge  202  engage the cam surfaces  160 ,  162  of the coupler body  572 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the door  24  has a front panel  34  that is secured to a frame  222 . The refrigerator  10  also includes a door stop bracket  214  for the right-hand door  24  that is secured to the frame  222  via one or more fasteners (not shown). The frame  222  includes a passageway  238  that is sized to receive the body  180  of the bushing  70 . When the door  24  is assembled with the hinge assembly  530 , the inner walls  236  of the frame  222  confront the outer side walls  210  of the bushing  70 . In that way, relative axial movement between the bushing  70  and the door  24  is prevented, and the bushing  70  pivots with the door  24  as the door  24  moves between the open position and the closed position. 
     The hinge assembly  530  further includes an adjustment mechanism  680  configured to move the door  24  vertically relative to the cabinet  12 . In the illustrative embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  680  includes a rod  252  that is sized to be positioned in the passageway  606  of the hinge pin  568 . The rod  252  has a plurality of external threads  254  defined on an outer surface  256  thereof. The external threads  254  of the rod  252  correspond to the internal threads  106  of the hinge pin  568 . When the rod  252  is positioned in the passageway  606 , the external threads  254  of the rod  252  engage the internal threads  106  of the hinge pin  68 . The threaded engagement between the rod  252  and the hinge pin  68  permits the rod  252  to be rotated about the axis  86  extending through the hinge pin  68 . 
     The lower end  258  of the rod  252  has a socket  260  defined therein to receive a tool that may be used to rotate the rod  252  about the axis  86 . When the rod  252  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  262 , the rod  252  is moved upward, toward the upper opening  600 . When the rod  252  is rotated in the opposite direction, the rod  252  is moved downward, toward the lower opening  602  of the hinge pin  568 . Because the upper inner surface  610  of hinge pin  568  is smooth and tapered, the rod  252  is prevented from advancing beyond a predetermined position in the passageway  606 . In that way, the upper inner surface  610  is a travel stop  682  for the adjustment mechanism  680 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  568 , for example, may include one or more tabs, lips, or other structures to provide a mechanical stop for the adjustment mechanism  680 . 
     As described above, the right-hand door  24  may be pivoted about the axis  86  to move the door  24  between the open position and the closed position. When the door  24  is in the closed position, the cam surfaces  204 ,  206  of the wedges  202  of the cam plate  200  of the bushing  70  confront the corresponding cam surfaces  150 ,  152 ,  160 ,  162  of the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  572 . When the door  24  is opened, the door  24  is pivoted about the axis  86  as indicated by arrow  296  in  FIG. 14 . As the door  24  is pivoted, the wedges  202  of the cam plate  200  apply a load to the cam surfaces  150 ,  160  of the coupler body  572  in the direction indicated by arrows  298  in  FIG. 14 . 
     The load is transferred through the coupler body  572  to the hinge bracket  40  via the hinge pin  568 . The engagement between the surfaces  650 ,  652  of the coupler body  572  and the surfaces  590 ,  592 , respectively, of the hinge pin  568  prevents the coupler body  572  from pivoting with the door  24  and the bushing  70 . As a result, the wedges  202  of the bushing  70  slide upwardly along the cam surfaces  150 ,  160  of the coupler body  572  as the door  24  is pivoted about the axis  86 , thereby lifting the door  24  as the door  24  is opened. 
     When the door  24  is moved to from the open position to the closed position, the wedges  202  of the bushing  70  advance along the top surfaces  154  of the cam plate  120  of the coupler body  572  and then downward along the cam surfaces  150 ,  160  of the lower cam plate  120  such that the door  24  is lowered as the door  24  is moved to the closed position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-20 , another embodiment of a lower hinge assembly (hereinafter lower hinge assembly  700 ) is illustrated. Some features of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15-20  are substantially similar to those discussed above in reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 . Such features are designated in  FIGS. 15-20  with the same reference numbers as those used in  FIGS. 1-9 . 
     The lower hinge assembly  700  is configured to be secured to a hinge bracket  40 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the hinge bracket  40  includes a vertical flange  42  and a mounting plate  48  that extends horizontally from the flange  42 . The mounting plate  48  has an upper surface  50  and a lower surface  52  positioned opposite the upper surface  50 . An opening  54  is defined in the upper surface  50  of the mounting plate  48 , and an inner wall  56  extends downwardly from the opening  54  to define a bore  58  through the mounting plate  48 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the lower hinge assembly  700  includes a hinge pin  68  configured to be secured to the hinge bracket  40 , a closer assembly  702  configured to be coupled to the door  24 , a coupler body  704  configured to be coupled to the hinge bracket  40  and the closer assembly  702 , and a spacer  706 . The coupler body  704  configured to be positioned between the spacer  706  and the closer assembly  702 , as described in greater detail below. The spacer  706  is configured to be positioned above the flange  76  of the hinge pin  68  to vertically offset the coupler body  74  from the flange  76 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the hinge pin  68  has a body  74  and a circular flange  76  that extends outwardly from the body  74 . The body  74  has a tail  78  that extends downwardly from the circular flange  76  to a lower end  80 . The tail  78  has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the bore  58  of the mounting plate  48 . In the illustrative embodiment, the tail  78  is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is sized such that the tail  78  may be received in the bore  58 . 
     The body  74  of the hinge pin  68  includes a cylindrical shaft  82 , which extends upwardly from the circular flange  76  to an upper end  84 . The shaft  82  defines a vertically-extending longitudinal axis  86  of the hinge pin  68 . As described in greater detail below, the right-hand door  24  is configured to pivot about the axis  86  to move between the closed position and the open position when the hinge assembly  700  and the door  24  are assembled. The shaft  82  of the pin body  74  has an outer surface  88  and a plurality of grooves or slots  90  defined in the outer surface  88 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , each slot  90  has an opening  92  defined in the upper end  84  of the body  74 . A concave surface  94  extends downwardly from each opening  92  and inwardly from the outer surface  88  to define each slot  90 . The slots  90  extend parallel to the axis  86  and are spaced apart equally from one another around the outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft  82 . In the illustrative embodiment, the hinge pin  68  includes six slots  90 , but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the hinge pin  68  may include additional or fewer slots. 
     Returning to  FIG. 15 , the body  74  of the hinge pin  68  has an opening  96  defined in the upper end  84  and another opening  98  defined in the lower end  80 . An inner wall  100  extends between the openings  96 ,  98  to define a cylindrical passageway  102  through the hinge pin  68 . The inner wall  100  of the body  74  includes a lower surface  104  having a number of internal threads  106  defined therein and an upper surface  108  that is positioned above the lower surface  104 . The upper surface  108  of the inner wall  100  is substantially smooth. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the hinge pin  68  is formed as a single monolithic component from a metallic material, such as, for example, cold-formed steel. In other embodiments, the body  74  and the circular flange  76  may be formed as separate components that are assembled. It should be appreciated that the configuration of one or more of those components of the hinge pin  68  may be modified in other embodiments. It should further be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the components may be made from a polymeric material, such as, for example, a rigid plastic. 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  700  also includes a coupler body  704  that is configured to be engaged with the hinge pin  68 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the coupler body  704  includes an outer shell  114  formed from a polymeric material, such as, for example, nylon. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the outer shell  114  may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, cold-rolled steel. The outer shell  114  has a flange  116  that extends outwardly from a lower end  118  and an opening  708  defined in an upper end  710 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the lower end  118  of the coupler body  704  has a circular bottom surface  124 . An opening  126  is defined in the bottom surface  124 , and an inner wall  128  extends upwardly from the opening  126  to an inner surface  130 . The inner wall  128  and the inner surface  130  cooperate to define an aperture  132  in the outer shell  114 . The aperture  132  is sized to receive the upper end  84  of the hinge pin  68 , as described in greater detail below. 
     The coupler body  704  of the lower hinge assembly  700  also includes an inner shaft  134  that extends downwardly from the inner surface  130  of the outer shell  114 . The shaft  134  is aligned with the center of the circular opening  126  and is sized to be received in the passageway  102  defined in the hinge pin  68 . In the illustrative embodiment, the shaft  134  has an outer surface  136  that is cylindrical. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the shaft  134  may be tapered or keyed to match the geometric shape of the passageway  102 . 
     The coupler body  704  also includes a plurality of splines  142  that extend from the inner wall  128  into the aperture  132 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the splines  142  are positioned between ribs  138  and spaced apart equally around the circumference of the inner wall  128 . Each spline  142  is sized to be received in a corresponding slot  90  of the hinge pin  68  and has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the geometry of the slot  90 . In the illustrative embodiment, each spline  142  has a convex surface  144  that matches the concave surface  94  of each slot  90 . The number of splines  142  also corresponds to the number of slots  90  defined in the hinge pin  68 . Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, the coupler body  704  has six splines  142 . Further, in the illustrative embodiment, two of the six splines are larger than the other splines such that the coupler body  704  and the hinge pin  68  are keyed and may be coupled together in one of two orientations. 
     As described above, the coupler body  704  has the opening  708  is formed in the upper end  710  thereof, as shown in  FIG. 16 . The upper end  710  of the coupler body  704  has a circular top surface  714 . An inner wall  716  extends downwardly from the opening  708  to define an aperture  712  in the coupler body  704 . The aperture  712  includes an upper chamber  718  and a lower chamber  720  having a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the upper chamber  718 . As described in greater detail below, the aperture  712  is sized to receive a portion of a shaft  722  of the closer assembly  702 . 
     The coupler body  704  also includes a plurality of splines  724  that extend from the inner wall  716  into the upper chamber  718  of the aperture  712 . A slot  726  is defined between each pair of splines  724 . In the illustrative embodiment, the splines  724  are spaced apart equally around the circumference of the inner wall  716 , and each spline  724  has a convex surface  728 . Further, in the illustrative embodiment, the coupler body  704  has six splines  724  extending into the upper chamber  718 . 
     As described above, the lower hinge assembly  700  also includes a closer assembly  702  configured to be secured to the right-hand door  24 . As described above, the closer assembly  702  includes a shaft  722  that is configured to engage the coupler body  704 . The shaft  722  has a base  730  and an alignment pin  732  that extends downwardly from the base  730 . When the lower hinge assembly  700  is assembled, the base  730  of the shaft  722  is received in the upper chamber  718  of the coupler body  704  and the alignment pin  732  is received in the lower chamber  720  of the coupler body  704 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the base  730  has a plurality of slots  734  defined therein that correspond to the splines  724  of the coupler body  704 . A spline  736  is defined between each slot  734 , which corresponds to each slot  726  defined in the coupler body  704 . The slots  734  of the shaft  722  receive and confront the splines  724  of the coupler body  704  and the slots  726  of the coupler body  704  receive and confront the splines  736  of the shaft  722 . In that way, relative axial movement between the shaft  722  and the coupler body  704  is prevented. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the base  730  of the shaft  722  and the coupler body  704  may be keyed with a different geometrical shape. 
     The shaft  722  of the closer assembly  702  is secured to an adaptor  738  positioned in a housing  740 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the housing  740  includes a casing  742  that extends from a lower end  744  of the housing  740  to an upper end  746  thereof. The housing  740  also includes an arm  748  that extends outwardly from the casing  742  at the lower end  744  of the housing  740 . An opening  750  is defined in the lower end  744  of the housing  740 , and the casing  742  includes a number of inner walls  752  that extend upwardly from the opening  750  to define an aperture  754  in the casing  742 . 
     The adaptor  738  of the closer assembly  702  is positioned in the aperture  754  and is configured to pivot relative to the casing  742  about the axis  86  defined by the hinge pin  68 . The closer assembly  702  includes a biasing element, such as, for example, torsional spring  756 , that is configured to resist the rotation of the adaptor  738  (and hence shaft  722 ) about the axis  86 . The spring  756  has an upper end  758  that is fixed to the casing  742  and a lower end  760  secured to the adaptor  738 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the door  24  has a front panel  34  that is secured to a frame  762 . The refrigerator  10  also includes a door stop bracket  214  for the right-hand door  24  that is secured to the frame  762  via one or more fasteners (not shown). The frame  762  includes the passageway  238  that is sized to receive the casing  742  of the housing  740 . In the illustrative embodiment, the casing  742  has a plurality of ribs  766  formed thereon that are sized to be received in a corresponding plurality of slots  768  defined in the frame  762 . Each rib  766  has a cross-sectional geometry that is shaped to match the geometry of a corresponding slot  768 , and the number of ribs  766  also corresponds to the number of slots  768  defined in the frame  762 . In that way, relative axial movement between the casing  742  and the door  24  is prevented. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the casing  742  and the door  24  may be keyed with a different geometrical shape. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the hinge assembly  700  further includes an adjustment mechanism  250  configured to move the door  24  vertically relative to the cabinet  12 . In the illustrative embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  250  includes a rod  252  that is sized to be positioned in the passageway  102  of the hinge pin  68 . The rod  252  has a plurality of external threads  254  defined on an outer surface  256  thereof. The external threads  254  of the rod  252  correspond to the internal threads  106  of the hinge pin  68 . When the rod  252  is positioned in the passageway  102 , the external threads  254  of the rod  252  engage the internal threads  106  of the hinge pin  68 . The threaded engagement between the rod  252  and the hinge pin  68  permits the rod  252  to be rotated about the axis  86  extending through the hinge pin  68 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a lower end  258  of the rod  252  has a socket  260  defined therein to receive a tool that may be used to rotate the rod  252  about the axis  86 . When the rod  252  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  772 , the rod  252  is moved upward, toward the upper opening  96  as shown in  FIG. 18 . When the rod  252  is rotated in the opposite direction, the rod  252  is moved downward, toward the lower opening  98  of the hinge pin  68  as shown in  FIG. 19 . In the illustrative embodiment, the upper inner surface  108  of hinge pin  68  is smooth and tapered as shown in  FIG. 15 . As such, the rod  252  is prevented from advancing beyond a predetermined position in the passageway  102 . In that way, the upper inner surface  108  is a travel stop  774  for the adjustment mechanism  250 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the hinge pin  68 , for example, may include one or more tabs, lips, or other structures to provide a mechanical stop for the adjustment mechanism  250 . 
     As described above, the right-hand door  24  may be pivoted about the axis  86  to move the door  24  between the open position and the closed position. When the door  24  is in the closed position, the splines  142  of the coupler body  704  confront the corresponding slots  90  of the hinge pin  68 . Likewise, the splines  724  of the coupler body  704  are received in the corresponding slots  734  and confront the splines  736  of the shaft  722 . When the door  24  is opened, the door  24  is pivoted about the axis  86  as indicated by arrow  776  in  FIG. 20 . As the door  24  is pivoted, the splines  142  of the coupler body  704  apply a load to the slots  90  of the hinge pin  68  in the direction indicated by arrow  780  in  FIG. 20 . Likewise the splines  724  of the coupler body  704  apply a load to the slots  734  and the splines  736  of the shaft  722  in the direction indicated by arrow  782 . 
     The load is transferred through the coupler body  704  to the hinge bracket  40  via the hinge pin  68 . The engagement between the surfaces  128 ,  138  of the coupler body  704  and the surfaces  90 ,  92 , respectively, of the hinge pin  68  prevents the coupler body  572  from pivoting with the door  24 . Likewise, the engagement between the splines  724 ,  736  of the coupler body  572  and the shaft  722  prevents the shaft  722  from pivoting with the door. 
     When sufficient force is applied to the door  24 , the bias exerted by the spring  756  of the closer assembly  702  is overcome and the door  24  is pivoted about the axis  86 . When the door  24  is released at an open position, the spring  756  urges the door to return to the closed position. 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. 
     For example, in other embodiments, the left-hand door may have an adjustable hinge assembly operable to raise and lower the left-hand door relative to the cabinet. Similarly, the right-hand door may have a fixed hinge assembly that does not permit the right-hand door to be raised and lowered when the door is in the closed position. 
     There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the method, apparatus, and system described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the method, apparatus, and system of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the method, apparatus, and system that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.