Patent Publication Number: US-10317127-B2

Title: Refrigerator appliances including a drawer assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances and more particularly to refrigerator appliances including one or more drawer assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain refrigerator appliances utilize sealed systems for cooling chilled chambers of the refrigerator appliances. A typical sealed system includes an evaporator and a fan, the fan generating a flow of air across the evaporator and cooling the flow of air. The cooled air is then provided through an opening into the chilled chamber to maintain the chilled chamber at a desired temperature. Air from the chilled chamber is circulated back through a return duct to be re-cooled by the sealed system during operation of the refrigerator appliance, maintaining the chilled chamber at the desired temperature. 
     Certain refrigerators appliances also include one or more fresh food and/or freezer chambers configured for maintaining different temperatures for storing different types of food and drink. For example, a conventional refrigerator appliance may be formed as a side-by-side configuration wherein a fresh food chamber is positioned beside a freezer chamber. Both the fresh food chamber and the freezer chamber will generally extend from the top of the refrigerator appliance to the bottom of the refrigerator appliance. As another example, a conventional refrigerator appliance may be formed as a bottom-mount refrigerator appliance wherein a freezer chamber is positioned below a fresh food chamber. 
     However, problems exist with conventional refrigerator appliances. In the case of side-by-side refrigerator appliances, usable space is generally limited by the width of the chambers. In other words, a user may be unable to place certain objects within the refrigerator since the width of both the fresh food chamber and the chilled chamber is necessarily limited by the width of the other chamber. In the case of a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, it may be difficult to organize and/or access certain items. Small items, as an example, may fall to the bottom of the freezer chamber, where they may become lost or inaccessible. Moreover, since the freezer chamber must be viewed from above, it may be difficult for a user to easily determine what articles are items are within the freezer chamber. If a drawer assembly is used within a conventional refrigerator appliance, usable space (e.g., the depth of a drawer from front to back) may be further limited by the need to create a seal between a door of the refrigerator and the refrigerator cabinet. 
     In turn, further improvements for refrigerator appliances would be beneficial. For instance, it would be beneficial to have a refrigerator appliance addressing one or more of the above issues. Moreover, it may be beneficial to have a refrigerator appliance with one or more features for readily storing and viewing a broad range of articles at various chilled temperatures within a cabinet of the refrigerator appliance. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a door, and a drawer assembly. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber extending along a lateral direction between a first side portion and a second side portion. The door attached to the cabinet movable between a closed position restricting access the chilled chamber and an open position permitting access to the chilled chamber. The drawer assembly may be disposed within the chilled chamber. The drawer assembly may include a drawer frame, a forward panel, a first sliding segment, and a second sliding segment. The drawer frame may be slidable along a transverse direction. The drawer frame may extend in the lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The drawer frame may extend along the transverse direction between a front side and a rear side. The forward panel may be attached to the drawer frame at the front side. The forward panel may extend along the lateral direction between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The first sliding segment may be attached to the drawer frame proximal to the first lateral side. The first sliding segment may be independently slidable relative to the drawer frame along the transverse direction. The second sliding segment may be attached to the drawer frame proximal to the second lateral side. The second sliding segment may be independently slidable relative to the drawer frame and the first sliding segment along the transverse direction. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a first door, a second door, and a drawer assembly. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber. The chilled chamber may extend along a lateral direction between a first side portion and a second side portion. The chilled chamber may extend along a vertical direction between an upper portion and a bottom portion. The first door may be rotatably attached to the cabinet at the first side portion and movable between a closed position restricting access to a first portion of the chilled chamber and an open position permitting access to the first portion of the chilled chamber. The first door may include a vertical gasket segment. The second door may be rotatably attached to the cabinet at the second side portion and movable between a closed position restricting access to a second portion of the chilled chamber and an open position permitting access to the second portion of the chilled chamber. The second door may include a vertical gasket segment. The drawer assembly may be disposed within the chilled chamber. The drawer assembly may include a drawer frame and a forward panel. The drawer frame may be slidable along the transverse direction and extend in the lateral direction between the first portion of the chilled chamber to the second portion of the chilled chamber. The drawer frame may further extend along the transverse direction between a front side and a rear side. The forward panel may be attached to the drawer frame at the front side and extend along the vertical direction between the upper portion and the bottom portion. The forward panel may be sealingly engaged with the vertical gasket segment of the first door at the closed position of the first door. The forward panel may be sealingly engaged with the vertical gasket segment of the second door at the closed position of the second door. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a front view of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1  with the refrigerator doors shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a front view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1  with the refrigerator doors shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  provides a perspective top view of an intermediate drawer of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  provides a perspective top view of the exemplary intermediate drawer of  FIG. 4  with a pair of partitions in an upright position. 
         FIG. 6  provides a perspective top view of the exemplary intermediate drawer of  FIG. 5  with a sliding segment in a forward position. 
         FIG. 7  provides a bottom plan view of the exemplary drawer assembly of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  provides a perspective view of an intermediate drawer of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  provides a perspective view of the exemplary intermediate drawer of  FIG. 8  with a multiple panels pivoted forward. 
         FIG. 10  provides a perspective view of an intermediate drawer of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  provides a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the exemplary intermediate drawer of  FIG. 10  with a handle pivoted rearward in a push position. 
         FIG. 12  provides a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the exemplary intermediate drawer of  FIG. 10  with a handle pivoted forward in a pull position. 
         FIG. 13  provides a cross-sectional side view of a drawer assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  provides a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary drawer assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  provides a cross-sectional side view of a drawer assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  provides a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary drawer assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 through 3  provide multiple views of a refrigerator appliance  100  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1  provides a front view of refrigerator appliance  100 .  FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance  100  with multiple doors  116 ,  118  shown in an open position.  FIG. 3  provides a front view of refrigerator appliance  100  with doors  116 ,  118  shown in the open position. 
     Refrigerator appliance  100  generally includes a housing or cabinet  102  that extends between an upper portion  104  and a lower portion  106  along a vertical direction V, between a first external side portion  108  and a second external side portion  110  along a lateral direction L, and between a front portion  112  and a rear portion  114  along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another. 
     Cabinet  102  defines a plurality of chilled chambers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  (e.g., fresh food chambers and/or freezer chambers) for receipt of food items for storage. In some embodiments, cabinet  102  defines multiple discrete upper chambers  120 ,  122  and lower chambers  124 ,  126 . For example, one or more upper chambers  120 ,  122  (e.g., a first and a second chilled chamber) may be positioned above one or more lower chambers  124 ,  126  (e.g., a third and a fourth chilled chamber). In certain embodiments, one upper chamber  120  is positioned at (e.g., proximal to) the first side portion  108  of the cabinet  102 , while another upper chamber  122  is positioned at (e.g., proximal to) the second side portion  110 . In further embodiments, one lower chamber  124  is positioned at (e.g., proximal to) the first side portion  108  beneath the upper chamber  120 , while another lower chamber  126  is positioned at (e.g., proximal to) the second side portion  110  beneath the upper chamber  122 . 
     In some embodiments, an intermediate chamber  128  (e.g., full width chamber) is positioned between the one or more upper chambers  120 ,  122  and the one or more lower chambers  124 ,  126 . In turn, each lower chamber  124 ,  126  may be positioned directly beneath intermediate chamber  128  while each upper chamber  120 ,  122  is positioned directly above intermediate chamber  128 . As shown, intermediate chamber  128  may extend between the first side portion  108  to the second side portion  110  to occupy the full internal width of cabinet  102  (e.g., such that intermediate chamber  128  has a lateral width equal to the combined lateral width of the upper chambers  120 ,  122  or lower chambers  124 ,  126 ). 
     Each chilled chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  is generally accessible (e.g., to add or remove items within refrigerator appliance  100  along the transverse direction T) through a separate opening  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  at the front portion  112  of cabinet  102 . Specifically, one upper opening  130  is in communication with (and permits access to) upper chamber  120 ; one upper opening  132  is in communication with (and permits access to) upper chamber  122 ; an intermediate opening  138  is in communication with (and permits access to) intermediate chamber  128 ; one lower opening  134  is in communication with (and permits access to) lower chamber  124 ; and one lower opening  136  is in communication with (and permits access to) lower chamber  126 . 
     It is understood that each chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  is generally separated by one or more mullions. For example, an upper vertical mullion  154  may separate upper chambers  120 ,  122  from each other. A lower vertical mullion  156  may separate lower chambers  124 ,  126  from each other. An upper horizontal mullion  158  may separate intermediate chamber  128  from the upper chambers  120 ,  122 . A lower horizontal mullion  160  may separate intermediate chamber  128  from the lower chambers  124 ,  126 . Each mullion  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160  may be formed from an insulating material, such as foam, and extend across an internal liner of the cabinet  102 . In addition, to provide structural support, a rigid injection molded liner or a metal frame may surround the insulating foam of each mullion  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160  and further separate the chambers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . In turn, each chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  may be maintained at a unique temperature (e.g., between around 0° F. and 57° F.) by one or more sealed refrigeration systems (not pictured). As an example, upper chamber  120  and lower chamber  124  may each be maintained at unique freezer temperatures (e.g., between 0° F. and 32° F.). As an additional or alternative example, upper chamber  122  and lower chamber  126  may each be maintained at unique fresh food temperatures (e.g., between 32° F. and 57° F.). 
     Advantageously, upper chambers  120 ,  122  are provided at a comfortable and readily accessible height (e.g., such that most users will be able to view the entire height of upper chambers  120 ,  122  without bending over). Moreover, intermediate chamber  128  may be positioned at a typical waist-level position such that at least a portion of intermediate chamber  128  may advantageously be accessed without bending over. 
     Various doors may be mounted to cabinet  102  to selectively open and close a portion of the one or more chilled chambers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . As an example, a pair of side-by-side French doors  116 ,  118  may, together, cover chilled chambers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . In some embodiments, a first door  116  is rotatably attached to cabinet  102  at the first side portion  108 . In other words, first door  116  is configured to rotate about a door axis proximal to first side portion  108 , as illustrated. When assembled, first door  116  may selectively move between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The closed position of first door  116  generally restricts access to upper chamber  120  and lower chamber  124 . Moreover, the closed position of first door  116  may restrict access to at least a portion (e.g., one half or less than one half) of intermediate chamber  128 . In further embodiments, a second door  118  is rotatably attached to cabinet  102  at the second side portion  110 . In other words, second door  118  is configured to rotate about a door axis proximal to second side portion  110 , as illustrated. When assembled, second door  118  may selectively move between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The closed position of second door  118  generally restricts access to upper chamber  122  and lower chamber  126 . Moreover, the closed position of second door  118  may restrict access to at least a portion (e.g., another half or more than one half) of intermediate chamber  128 . 
     In order to prevent or restrict leakage of cool air, doors  116 ,  118  and/or cabinet  102  may include one or more sealing mechanisms at the interface where the doors  116 ,  118  meet cabinet  102 . In some such embodiments, each door  116 ,  118  comprises a discrete perimeter gasket set (e.g., foam seal or rubber gasket) to sealingly engage the cabinet  102  in a closed position and isolate the corresponding chilled chamber(s) from the other chilled chambers. As an example, a first gasket set  182  may be mounted to an inner portion of first door  116  to isolate upper chamber  120 , lower chamber  124 , and/or a portion of intermediate chamber  128  in the closed position. Specifically, in the closed position, first gasket set  182  may form a continuous seal against a perimeter portion of cabinet  102  (e.g., at the first side portion  108 ), upper vertical mullion  154 , upper horizontal mullion  158 , lower horizontal mullion  160 , and lower vertical mullion  156 . Additionally or alternatively, a second gasket set  184  may be mounted to an inner portion of second door  118  to isolate upper chamber  122 , lower chamber  126 , and/or a portion of intermediate chamber  128  in the closed position. Specifically, in the closed position, second gasket set  184  may form a continuous seal against a perimeter portion of cabinet  102  (e.g., at the second side portion  110 ), upper vertical mullion  154 , upper horizontal mullion  158 , lower horizontal mullion  160 , and lower vertical mullion  156 . 
     In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance  100  also includes a dispensing assembly  140  for dispensing liquid water and/or ice (e.g., from an ice making assembly  162  mounted to door  116 ). Dispensing assembly  140  includes a dispenser  142  positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance  100 , e.g., on one of doors  116 ,  118 . Dispenser  142  includes a discharging outlet  144  for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism  146 , shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet  144  for operating dispenser  142 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser  142 . For example, dispenser  142  can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. A user interface panel  148  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel  148  includes a plurality of user inputs, such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. 
     Discharging outlet  144  and actuating mechanism  146  are an external part of dispenser  142  and are mounted in a dispenser recess  150 . Dispenser recess  150  is defined at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to open doors  116 ,  118 . In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess  150  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
     Refrigerator appliance  100  further includes a controller  152 . Operation of the refrigerator appliance  100  is generally regulated by controller  152 . Controller  152  may be provided in communication (e.g., electrically coupled) with a panel. In exemplary embodiments, a control panel is included as general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In other exemplary embodiments, a control panel is included with multiple input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, touch pads, and touch screens. The control panel may be in communication (e.g., electrically coupled) with controller  152  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     Moreover, controller  152  may be in communication with a sealed refrigeration system (not pictured) directing cooling operations of refrigerator appliance  100 . During use, controller  152  may initiate cooling operations (e.g., cooling airflows) within the various chilled chambers  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . Optionally, each chilled chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  may be operably independent such that a discrete operating temperature may be selected for each chilled chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . For instance, refrigerator appliance  100  is able to maintain one lower chamber  124 , at a separate temperature from another lower chamber  126 . Additionally or alternatively, upper chambers  120 ,  122  and intermediate chamber  128  may each be maintained at separate or unique temperatures from the other chilled chambers. 
     In some embodiments, controller  152  includes memory (e.g., non-transitive media) and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance  100 . The memory can represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  152  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     According to the illustrated embodiments, various storage components are mounted within upper chambers  120 ,  122  and lower chambers  124 ,  126  to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins  164 , drawers  166 , and shelves  168  that are mounted within upper chambers  120 ,  122  and/or lower chambers  124 ,  126 . Bins  164 , drawers  166 , and shelves  168  are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. A separate intermediate drawer assembly  170  may be mounted within intermediate chamber  128 . Additionally or alternatively, one or both of lower chambers  124 ,  126  may have a separate bottom drawer assembly  180  mounted therein. 
     In some embodiments, intermediate drawer assembly  170 , including an intermediate drawer  172 , is slidably disposed within intermediate chamber  128 . In other words, intermediate drawer assembly  170  may slide along the transverse direction T between a covered position ( FIG. 3 ) and an uncovered position ( FIG. 2 ). As illustrated, the covered position of intermediate drawer assembly  170  may generally provide intermediate drawer  172  within (e.g., enclosed by) intermediate chamber  128 . Access to items within intermediate drawer  172 , and intermediate chamber  128  generally, may be restricted in the covered position. By contrast, in the uncovered position, at least a portion of intermediate drawer  172  may extend from intermediate chamber  128 , such that a user may advantageously view and/or access any items within intermediate drawer  172  and/or intermediate chamber  128  without bending over. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in certain embodiments, intermediate drawer  172  includes a forward wall or panel  174  positioned proximal to the intermediate opening  138  in the covered position of intermediate drawer assembly  170 . In turn, when intermediate drawer  172  is in the covered position, forward panel  174  generally extends across intermediate opening  138 , thereby restricting access to intermediate chamber  128 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , an exemplary intermediate drawer  200  is illustrated for use within an intermediate drawer assembly  170  of refrigerator appliance  100  ( FIGS. 1 through 3 ). It is understood that intermediate drawer  200  may be generally embodied as intermediate drawer  172 , or as an alternative thereto. 
     As shown, intermediate drawer  200  includes a drawer frame  202  that extends in or along the lateral direction L between a first lateral side  232  and a second lateral side  234 , as well as between a front side  236  and a rear side  238  along the transverse direction T. In some embodiments, a plurality of side panels  204  extends from a base panel  206  to define a storage volume  208 . For instance, one side panel  204  may extend from the base panel  206  along the vertical direction V at the rear side  238 . A pair of oppositely-disposed side panels  204  may extend from the base panel  206  along the vertical direction V at the first lateral side  232  and second lateral side  234 , respectively. 
     In certain embodiments, a forward panel  210  is mounted to drawer frame  202  to further define storage volume  208 . As shown, forward panel  210  may extend along the vertical direction V at a transverse extreme (e.g., at front side  236 ) of intermediate drawer  200 . In some such embodiments, forward panel  210  may be formed as transparent member (e.g., from a transparent glass or plastic material). Generally, forward panel  210  may extend along the lateral direction L between first lateral side  232  and second lateral side  234 . Additionally or alternatively, forward panel  210  may be formed to complement intermediate opening  138  ( FIG. 2 ). In turn, forward panel  210  may extend across and/or in front of intermediate opening  138  in a covered position. 
     In optional embodiments, intermediate drawer  200  includes one or more sliding segments  212 ,  214 ,  216  that can slide independently of each other and/or another portion of drawer frame  202 . For instance, a first sliding segment  212  and a second sliding segment  214  may be slidably mounted on base panel  206 . As shown, first sliding segment  212  is attached to drawer frame  202  proximal to the first lateral side  232 . Second sliding segment  214  is attached to drawer frame  202  proximal to the second lateral side  234 . First sliding segment  212  and second sliding segment  214  may each include a secondary floor  218  fixed relative to a portion of forward panel  210  to slide in or along the transverse direction T relative to (e.g., on top of or below) base panel  206 . For instance, one or more mated guide slot-rail joints  242  may be formed between base panel  206  and each secondary floor  218 . Optionally, a secondary sidewall  220  may be further fixed relative to a portion of forward panel  210  to similarly slide in or along the transverse direction T relative to (e.g., on top of or below) a respective side panel  204 . 
     When assembled within refrigerator appliance  100  ( FIG. 3 ), it is understood that first sliding segment  212  may be positioned proximal to first side portion  108  (i.e., distal to second side portion  110 ) while second sliding segment  214  is positioned proximal to second side portion  110  (i.e., distal to first side portion  108 ). In some such embodiments, first sliding segment  212  is covered by first door  116  ( FIG. 2 ) in its closed position while second sliding segment  214  is covered by second door  118  ( FIG. 2 ) in its closed position. Advantageously, first and second sliding segment  212 ,  214  may be independently slidable relative to each other such that one sliding segment (e.g., first sliding segment  212 ) may selectively slide through (e.g., extend from) intermediate opening  138  ( FIG. 3 ) without moving or affecting the position of second sliding segment  214 . 
     As shown, first and second sliding segment  212 ,  214  may be spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. In some such embodiments, a middle sliding segment  216  is positioned between first sliding segment  212  and second sliding segment  214  along the lateral direction L. 
     Each of the sliding segments  212 ,  214 ,  216  may include a discrete portion of forward panel  210  attached thereto. In turn, forward panel  210  may be formed of multiple discrete and separable panel members  244 ,  246 ,  248 . As illustrated, the separable panel members  244 ,  246 ,  248  of forward panel  210  extend across and move with their corresponding sliding segments  212 ,  214 ,  216 . Thus, a first panel member  244  is attached to first sliding segment  212  to move therewith; a second panel member  246  is attached to second sliding segment  214  to move therewith; and a middle panel member  248  is attached to middle sliding segment  216  to move therewith. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , middle sliding segment  216  may include a lateral catch  222 . Lateral catch  222  may generally extend along the lateral direction L from middle sliding segment  216  behind forward panel  210  (e.g., relative to the transverse direction T). In certain embodiments, lateral catch  222  extends along the lateral direction L from middle panel member  248  toward the first lateral side  232  and/or the second lateral side  234  (e.g., from opposite lateral ends of middle panel member  248 ). In some such embodiments, middle panel member  248  and lateral catch  222  define a pair of pockets  223  to receive a portion of first panel member  244  and second panel member, respectively. Optionally, a forward extreme of forward panel  210  (e.g., along the transverse direction T) may be flush across the panel members  244 ,  246 ,  248  from the first lateral side  232  to the second lateral side  234  (e.g., when each of the panel members  244 ,  246  are received within respective pockets  223 ). 
     Although shown as extending from middle panel member  248 , alternative embodiments may provide lateral catch  222  at another suitable location on intermediate drawer  200  (e.g., mounted to a bottom surface of middle sliding segment  216 ). 
     During use, lateral catch  222  may selectively engage first and second sliding segments  212 ,  214  (e.g., at the forward panel  210  members  244  and  246 , respectively) as middle sliding segment  216  is moved forward along the transverse direction T. For example, moving lateral catch  222  forward away from cabinet  102  may pull the entire drawer frame  202  forward (e.g., along one or more lateral slide rails mounted to opposite side walls  204 ) along the transverse direction T out of intermediate chamber  128 . Additionally or alternatively, moving middle sliding segment  216  toward cabinet  102  may push the entire drawer frame  202  rearward along the transverse direction T into intermediate chamber  128 . Thus, lateral catch  222  may advantageously ensure synchronized movement of the sliding segments  212 ,  214  when middle sliding segment  216  is moved forward and/or rearward, while otherwise permitting independent transverse movement of the sliding segments  212 ,  214 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 4 through 7 , one or more partitions  224 ,  226  may be selectively positioned between one or more of the segments  212 ,  214 ,  216  (e.g., in the lateral direction L). For example, when positioned between two sliding segments (e.g., between middle sliding segment  216  and first sliding segment  212 ) a partition  224  may generally extend in the vertical direction V from base panel  206  and along the transverse direction T from a rearmost side panel  204  along the transverse direction T. Thus, each partition  224 ,  226  may serve to separate or isolate two portions of storage volume  208 . Moreover, a partition  224 ,  226  may advantageously hold items within one or more sliding segments (e.g., middle sliding segment  216  and/or first sliding segment  212 ) as another sliding segment (e.g., second sliding segment  214 ) is moved relative thereto. 
     In optional embodiments, each partition  224 ,  226  may be pivotally mounted to a sliding segment  212 ,  214 , or  216  (e.g., at base panel  206  or secondary floor  218 ). For instance a first partition  224  and a second partition  226  may be pivotally mounted to middle sliding segment  216  to selectively separate the first sliding segment  212  and the second sliding segment  214 , respectively. The first and second partitions  224 ,  226  may selectively pivot or fold (e.g., about a partition axis parallel to the transverse direction T) between a flat non-separating position ( FIG. 4 ) and an upright separating position ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , further exemplary embodiments of drawer  200  are illustrated. It is understood that, the embodiments of  FIGS. 8 and 9  may be generally similar to the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 7 . Specifically, the embodiments of  FIGS. 8 and 9  may include one or all of the above-described features of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 through 7 , except as otherwise indicated. 
     As illustrated, in some embodiments, one or more portions of forward panel  210  are pivotably mounted on drawer frame  202 . Specifically, one or more panel members (e.g., first panel member  244  and/or second panel member  246 ) of forward panel  210  may be pivotable about a pivot axis A. As shown, pivot axis A may be parallel to the lateral direction L such that pivotable panel members  244 ,  246  of forward panel  210  may be selectively and independently pivoted between an upright position ( FIG. 8 ) restricting transverse access to storage volume  208  and a lowered position ( FIG. 9 ) permitting greater access to storage volume  208 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 through 12 , yet further exemplary embodiments of drawer  200  are illustrated. It is understood that, the embodiments of  FIGS. 10 through 12  may be generally similar to the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 9 . Specifically, the embodiments of  FIGS. 10 through 12  may include one or all of the above-described features of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 through 9 , except as otherwise indicated. 
     As illustrated, some embodiments include a pivotable handle  250  attached to forward panel  210 . For example, a pivotable handle  250  may be rotatably mounted on middle panel member  248  as a portion of forward panel  210 . When assembled, pivotable handle  250  may be rotatable to pivot about a handle axis H defined on middle panel member  248  (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L). In turn, pivotable handle  250  may rotate between a presented position ( FIGS. 10 and 12 ) and a withdrawn position ( FIG. 11 ). As illustrated by the dashed outline of the pivotable handle  250 A in  FIG. 10 , the pivotable handle  250  may reach one or more intermediate positions as it rotates between the presented position and the withdrawn position. 
     In the withdrawn position of some embodiments, pivotable handle  250  is rotated rearward, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Moreover, pivotable handle  250  is held against middle panel member  248 . In particular a rear face  252  of pivotable handle  250  may be positioned against or on a forward face  255  of middle panel member  248  while an opposite front face  254  of pivotable handle  250  is directed away from storage volume  208 . In some such embodiments, the front face  254  may be flush with the adjacent portions of front panel  210  (e.g., panel members  244  and  246 ). Thus, in the withdrawn position a substantially continuous surface may be formed across front panel  210  from the first lateral side  232  to the second lateral side  234   
     When a door of the refrigerator appliance  100  (e.g., one or both of doors  116 ,  118 ) is provided at the closed position, a portion of the door  116  or  118  (e.g., a vertical gasket segment  285 ) may engage the front face  254 , advantageously holding pivotable handle  250  in the withdrawn position. A notched grip  256  may be defined on a lower end of pivotable handle  250  (e.g., opposite handle axis H along the vertical direction V). In the withdrawn position, notched grip  256  may generally face middle panel member  248  and/or storage volume  208 . In some such embodiments, notched grip  256  may be spaced apart from middle panel member  248  along the transverse direction T. 
     In the presented position, pivotable handle  250  may be generally rotated forward, as shown in  FIG. 12 . At least a portion of pivotable handle  250  may be positioned apart from middle panel member  248 . In particular, some or all of rear face  252  of pivotable handle  250  may be spaced apart from the forward face  255  of middle panel member  248  (e.g., along an angle greater than 0° and/or less than 90° about the handle axis H). Optionally, a spring  258  (e.g., a rotatable torsion spring, compression coil spring, leaf spring, etc.) may be attached to the forward panel  210  in biased engagement with pivotable handle  250 . Thus, spring  258  may urge pivotable handle  250  forward toward the presented position (e.g., at the open position of one or both of doors  116 ,  118 — FIG. 11 ). Advantageously, pivotable handle  250  may be rotated to the presented position as both doors  116  and  118  are opened, intuitively inviting a user&#39;s attention and indicating that the entire drawer frame  202  may be moved forward. 
     In some embodiments, a light assembly  260  may be positioned adjacent to drawer  200 . For example, light assembly  260  may be mounted below drawer  200  (e.g., in fixed attachment with mullion  160 — FIG. 3 ). Light assembly  260  generally includes one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes) for generating light emissions therefrom. Optionally, light assembly  260  may be vertically aligned with the forward panel  210  and/or pivotable handle  250  (e.g., in the covered position of drawer  200 ). Additionally, light assembly  260  may be directed toward pivotable handle  250  to transmit light emissions thereto (e.g., as directed by controller  152 — FIG. 1 —electrically coupled thereto). As illustrated, light assembly  260  may selectively illuminate, for example, pivotable handle  250  in the presented position. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , various cross-sectional views of an exemplary drawer assembly  272  in a covered position within intermediate chamber  128  are provided. It is understood that intermediate drawer assembly  270  may be generally embodied as intermediate drawer assembly  170  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ), or as an alternative thereto. It is further understood that, the embodiments of  FIGS. 13 and 14  may include an intermediate drawer  200  that has one or more of the features described above with respect to  FIGS. 4 through 12 , except as otherwise indicated. 
     As shown, at least a portion of drawer  200  may be positioned flush with a transverse extreme of the opening  138  when drawer  200  is in the covered position. For instance, a front surface of forward panel  210  may extend along a plane P parallel to an outermost forward portion of cabinet  102 . In some such embodiments, forward panel  210  extends fully across opening  138  along the vertical direction V. When drawer  200  is in the covered position forward panel  210  may form a continuous surface from upper mullion  158  to lower mullion  160 . In some such embodiments, a vertical gasket segment  285  (e.g., vertically-extending segment of gasket  182  or  184 — FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of door  116  or  118  sealingly engages with forward panel  210  in the closed position of one or both of doors  116 ,  118 . Thus, vertical gasket segment  285  may form an uninterrupted fluid seal across opening  138  from upper mullion  158  to lower mullion  160 . In particular, vertical gasket segment  285  may engage (e.g., directly or directly) middle panel member  248  and advantageously form a seal thereacross. In some such embodiments, vertical gasket segment  285  may contact the front face  254  of pivotable handle  250 , holding handle  250  in the withdrawn position as vertical gasket segment  285  is sealed against the front face  254 , as described above. 
     As shown, in particular in  FIG. 14 , embodiments with two discrete doors  116 ,  118  may each include a separate vertical gasket segment  285 . In turn, when both doors  116 ,  118  are in the closed position, two discrete vertical seals are formed across forward panel  210  (e.g., at middle panel member  248 ). Thus, forward panel  210  may be sealingly engaged with vertical gasket segment  285  of a first door  116  at the closed position of the first door  116 , as well as sealingly engaged with the vertical gasket segment  285  of a second door  118  at the closed position of the second door  118 . Advantageously, the sealed engagement between doors  116 ,  118  and forward panel  210  may thermally and/or fluidly isolate intermediate chamber  128  from the ambient environment, as well as adjacent chambers (e.g., chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 , and/or  126 — FIG. 3 ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , various cross-sectional views of an exemplary drawer assembly  270  in a covered position within intermediate chamber  128  are provided. It is understood that intermediate drawer assembly  272  may be generally embodied as intermediate drawer assembly  170  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ), or as an alternative thereto. It is further understood that, the embodiments of  FIGS. 15 and 16  may include an intermediate drawer  200 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 4 through 12 , except as otherwise indicated. 
     As shown, at least a portion of drawer  200  may be positioned flush with a transverse extreme of the opening  138  when drawer  200  is in the covered position. For instance, an extended handle  266  of forward panel  210  may be fixed thereto. A front surface  269  of handle  266  may extend along a plane P parallel to an outermost forward portion of cabinet  102 . In some such embodiments, extended handle  266  extends across opening  138  along the vertical direction V. A vertical gasket segment  285  (e.g., vertically-extending segment of gasket  182  or  184 — FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of a door  116  or  118  sealingly engages with forward panel  210  in the covered position of the door  116  or  118 . Thus, vertical gasket segment  285  may form an uninterrupted fluid seal across opening  138  from upper mullion  158  to lower mullion  160 . In particular, vertical gasket segment  285  may engage (e.g., directly or directly) extended handle  266  and advantageously form a seal thereacross. In some such embodiments, vertical gasket segment  285  may contact front surface  269  of extended handle  266 . In optional embodiments, one or more handle gaskets  271  may be positioned between extended handle  266  and the mullions  158  and/or  160  along the vertical direction V. Thus, vertical gasket segment  285  may further engage (e.g., directly or directly) gasket(s)  271  and form a seal thereacross with extended handle  266 . 
     As shown, in particular in  FIG. 16 , embodiments with two discrete doors  116 ,  118  may each include a separate vertical gasket segment  285 . In turn, when both doors  116 ,  118  are in the closed position, two discrete vertical seals are formed across forward panel  210  (e.g., at extended handle  266 ). Thus, forward panel  210  may be sealingly engaged with vertical gasket segment  285  of a first door  116  at the closed position of the first door  116 , as well as sealingly engaged with the vertical gasket segment  285  of a second door  118  at the closed position of the second door  118 . Advantageously, the sealed engagement between doors  116 ,  118  and forward panel  210  may thermally and/or fluidly isolate intermediate chamber  128  from the ambient environment, as well as adjacent chambers (e.g., chamber  120 ,  122 ,  124 , and/or  126 — FIG. 3 ). 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.