Patent Publication Number: US-11661777-B2

Title: Appliance door hinge assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/117,442, filed on Dec. 10, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,236,536, entitled “APPLIANCE DOOR HINGE ASSEMBLY,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a hinge assembly for an appliance door, and more specifically, to a self-retaining hinge assembly for an appliance door. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hinge assemblies are used on appliances to rotatably couple doors with cabinets. In various situations, the door may include a mechanism for retaining the door in an open position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a door with a plurality of panels spaced apart by a vertical support. A lower hinge mount is coupled with an appliance body. A first pivot member is coupled with the lower hinge mount and includes a first protrusion. A lower hinge support is fixedly coupled with the vertical support and includes an elongate coupling plate and a hinge arm that extends orthogonal relative to a longitudinal extent of the elongate coupling plate. A stop extends from the hinge arm. A second pivot member has a receiving space that receives the stop. The second pivot member includes a second protrusion that is in abutting contact with the first protrusion. A lower hinge pin extends through the lower hinge support and the second pivot member. The lower hinge pin is vertically translated when the second pivot member moves from a first position to a second position. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance includes a lower hinge mount coupled with an appliance body and a door. A first pivot member is coupled with the lower hinge mount and defines a first pin receptacle. The first pivot member includes a first protrusion that has a first inclined surface. A second pivot member defines a second pin receptacle that is aligned with the first pin receptacle and includes a second protrusion that has a second inclined surface. The second pivot member is rotatable relative to the first pivot member between first and second positions. The second inclined surface contacts the first inclined surface in the second position. A lower hinge pin is coupled with the second pivot member to rotate with the second pivot member. The lower hinge pin is vertically translated through the first pin receptacle when the second pivot member moves from the first position to the second position. A lower hinge support is coupled with the door and defines a support pin receptacle that is aligned with the first and second pin receptacles. The lower hinge support further includes a stop that extends toward the second pivot member and the second pivot member defines a receiving space that receives the stop. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a lower hinge assembly for an appliance door includes a lower pivot member that is coupled with a hinge mount and defines a first pin receptacle. The lower pivot member includes a lower protrusion. An upper pivot member defines a second pin receptacle that is aligned with the first pin receptacle and includes an upper protrusion. A lower hinge pin extends through the first and second pin receptacles and is coupled to rotate in conjunction with the upper pivot member. The lower hinge pin is vertically translated within the first pin receptacle when the upper pivot member moves from a first position to a second position. A lower hinge support includes a stop monolithic with the lower hinge support. The stop extends toward the upper pivot member and the stop is received within a receiving space that is defined by the upper pivot member to non-rotatably couple the upper pivot member with the lower hinge support. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of an oven appliance including top and bottom doors, according to various examples; 
         FIG.  2    is a partial side perspective view of the oven appliance of  FIG.  1    with the top door removed; 
         FIG.  3    is a partial side profile view of the oven appliance of  FIG.  2    with an outer side panel removed; 
         FIG.  4    is a partial front perspective view of the oven appliance of  FIG.  1    illustrating an upper hinge assembly of the bottom door when the bottom door is in an open position; 
         FIG.  5    is a partial front perspective view of the oven appliance and upper hinge assembly of  FIG.  4    with the bottom door removed; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial front perspective view of the oven appliance of  FIG.  1    illustrating a lower hinge assembly of the bottom door with the bottom door removed; 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded view of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a partial front perspective view of a first portion of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  6    coupled with the appliance; 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom elevation view of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a first side perspective view of a second portion of the bottom hinge assembly of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a second side perspective view of the second portion of the bottom hinge assembly of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  11    is a side perspective view of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  6    removed from the appliance and in a first position; 
         FIG.  12    is a side perspective view of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  11    in an intermediate position; 
         FIG.  13    is a side perspective view of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  11    in an intermediate position; and; 
         FIG.  14    is a side perspective view of the lower hinge assembly of  FIG.  11    in a second position. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a hinge assembly for an appliance door. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 14   , reference numeral  10  generally designates door, referred to also as the bottom door  10  of the exemplary appliance  12  illustrated herein. The bottom door  10  includes a plurality of panels  14 ,  16  coupled with and spaced apart by one of first and second vertical supports  18 ,  20 . A lower hinge mount  22  is coupled with an appliance body  24 . A first pivot member  26  is coupled with the lower hinge mount  22  and includes a first protrusion  28   a ,  28   b . The first protrusion  28   a ,  28   b  includes an inclined surface  30   a - 30   d  and a horizontal surface  32   a ,  32   b  and extends at least partially about a circumference of a first pin receptacle  34  defined by the first pivot member  26 . A lower hinge support  36  is fixedly coupled with the vertical support  18 ,  20 . A second pivot member  38  is coupled with the lower hinge support  36 . The lower hinge support  36  is rotatable relative to the first pivot member  26  between a first position ( FIG.  11   ) and a second position ( FIG.  14   ). The second pivot member  38  includes a second protrusion  40   a ,  40   b  having an inclined surface  42   a - 42   d  and a horizontal surface  44   a ,  44   b . The second protrusion  40   a ,  40   b  extends at least partially about a circumference of a second pin receptacle  46  defined by the second pivot member  38 . The horizontal surface  44   a ,  44   b  of the second protrusion  40   a ,  40   b  contacts the horizontal surface  32   a ,  32   b  of the first protrusion  28   a ,  28   b  when the lower hinge support  36  is in the first position, and the inclined surface  42   a - 42   d  of the second protrusion  40   a ,  40   b  contacts the inclined surface  30   a - 30   d  of the first protrusion  28   a ,  28   b  in the second position. A lower hinge pin  48  extends through the first and second pin receptacles  34 ,  46 . The lower hinge pin  48  is fixedly coupled with the lower hinge support  36  and is vertically translated within the first and second pin receptacles  34 ,  46  as the second pivot member  38  moves from the first position to the second position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the appliance  12  is illustrated including the appliance body  24  defining a top cavity  74  and a bottom cavity  76 . The appliance body  24  includes first and second side panels  60 ,  62 , a top panel  64 , a bottom panel  66 , and a rear panel  68 , and a front panel  70 . In various examples, the top cavity  74  and the bottom cavity  76  may be defined by liners  86 ,  88  positioned within the appliance body  24 . It will be understood that the appliance body  24  encloses components typically found in a conventional cooking oven, such as electrical components, heating elements, gas lines, valves, control units, burner elements, broiled elements, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except where necessary for a complete understanding of the aspects of the present disclosure. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a top door  92  is positioned to selectively seal the top cavity  74 , and the bottom door  10  is positioned to selectively seal the bottom cavity  76 . Each of the doors  10 ,  92  is hingedly coupled with the appliance body  24  and movable between an open position and a closed position. Handles  94  may be coupled to each of the doors  10 ,  92  to facilitate rotation of the respective door  10 ,  92  between the open and closed positions. The top door  92  is rotatable about a horizontal axis X between the open and closed positions. 
     The bottom door  10  is positioned below the top door  92  and is hingedly coupled with the appliance by upper and lower hinge assemblies  98 ,  100 . The bottom door  10  is configured to be rotated about a vertical axis Y extending through the upper hinge assembly  98  and the lower hinge assembly  100  of the bottom door  10 . The remainder of the disclosure is directed to the bottom door  10 , the upper and lower hinge assemblies  98 ,  100  coupling the bottom door  10  with the appliance body  24 , and the features directly relevant to these components. It will be understood that, while the top door  92  is illustrated with a different configuration, the top door  92  may be modified such that the same features described with respect to the bottom cavity  76  and the bottom door  10  may be applied to both the top and bottom doors  10 ,  92  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the bottom door  10  includes a plurality of door panels  14 ,  16  including at least an outer door panel  14  and an inner door panel  16 . The door panels  14 ,  16  are coupled with a pair of vertical supports  18 ,  20  positioned on opposing sides of the door  10 . The pair of vertical supports  18 ,  20  are configured to space apart the outer and inner door panels  14 ,  16 . It will be understood that any number of panels, including intermediate panels, may be coupled with the vertical support(s)  18 ,  20 , depending on the configuration of the door  10 . It is also contemplated that one or all of the panels, including one or both of the outer and inner door panels  14 ,  16  may be configured as glass panels. The vertical support  18  positioned proximate the hinge axis Y of the door  10  is configured to be coupled with the upper and lower hinge assemblies  98 ,  100  of the bottom door  10  to hingedly couple the door  10  with the appliance  12 , as described in more detail elsewhere herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the upper hinge assembly  98  is illustrated coupled with the door  10  and the appliance body  24 . As best shown in  FIG.  4   , the upper hinge assembly  98  includes an upper hinge mount  110  having a first portion  112  and a second portion  114 . The second portion  114  extends substantially perpendicular from the first portion  112 . The first portion  112  is configured to be coupled with the front panel  70  of the appliance body  24  such that the second portion  114  extends forward of the front panel  70 . In various examples, the front panel  70  of the appliance body  24  may define a recess  118  configured to receive the first portion  112  of the upper hinge mount  110 . A plurality of fasteners  120  may be used to couple the first portion  112  with the front panel  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the second portion  114  extends forward from the front panel  70  and defines a receiving space  124  configured to receive an upper hinge pin  128 . The upper hinge pin  128  is fixedly coupled with the second portion  114  of the upper hinge mount  110  and extends downward from the second portion  114 . The upper hinge pin  128  is further configured to be received by a receiving well  132  of an upper hinge support  134 . The receiving well  132  may have a smaller diameter than the receiving space  124  to securely couple the upper hinge pin  128  with the second portion  114  such that the upper hinge support  134  is rotatable about the upper hinge pin  128 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  5   , the upper hinge support  134  includes an elongated coupling plate  138  extending from a hinge arm  140 . The coupling plate  138  may be substantially rectangular in shape or may have any other elongated shape. The coupling plate  138  of the upper hinge support  134  is configured to be aligned with and coupled to the vertical support  18  by a plurality of fasteners  142  such that the upper hinge support  134  rotates about the upper hinge pin  128  as the door  10  moves between the open and closed positions. The hinge arm  140  may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the coupling plate  138  and defines the receiving well  132  of the upper hinge support  134  to receive the upper hinge pin  128  to facilitate the rotation of the upper hinge support  134 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3  and  6   , the lower hinge assembly  100  is illustrated coupled with the door  10  ( FIG.  3   ) and with the door removed ( FIG.  6   ). As best shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the lower hinge assembly  100  includes the lower hinge mount  22  coupled with a first pivot member  26 , also referred to herein as a lower pivot member  26 . The lower hinge support  36  is rotatably coupled with the lower hinge mount  22 . A second pivot member  38 , also referred to herein as an upper pivot member  38 , is coupled with the lower hinge support  36  and is configured to engage the first pivot member  26 , as described in more detail elsewhere herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 - 9   , the lower hinge mount  22  includes a base plate  150  extending at least partially forward of the appliance body  24 . As best shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , at least one foot  154  is integrally formed with, and extends rearward from, the base plate  150 . It will be understood that the lower hinge mount  22  may include any number of feet  154  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each foot  154  is configured to be coupled with the bottom panel  66  of the appliance body  24  by a fastener  156 . As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , each foot  154  may include a step  158  to vertically offset the base plate  150  from the bottom panel  66 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , the lower hinge mount  22  further includes a side wall  162  integrally formed with, and extending upward from, the base plate  150 . A mounting flange  166  extends perpendicularly from the side wall  162 . When the at least one foot  154  is coupled with the bottom panel  66  of the appliance body  24 , the mounting flange  166  is aligned with the front panel  70  and a lower support  170  of the appliance body  24 . The mounting flange  166  defines a plurality of receiving spaces  168  configured to align with through-holes  174  of the lower support  170 . As best shown in  FIG.  6   , a plurality of fasteners  172  is configured to couple the mounting flange  166  with the lower support  170  and the front panel  70 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  7   , the base plate  150  defines a mount pin receptacle  176  configured to at least partially receive the lower hinge pin  48 , as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The mount pin receptacle  176  is defined proximate the side wall  162  and a forward edge of the base plate  150 . The base plate  150  further defines a mount aperture  180  proximate the mount pin receptacle  176  and the forward edge of the base plate  150 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the first pivot member  26  may be generally oblong and is configured to be coupled with the base plate  150 . The first pivot member  26  defines a member aperture  184  at a first end of the first pivot member  26 . The member aperture  184  is configured to align with the mount aperture  180  of the base plate  150 . A fastener  186  is positioned through the apertures  180 ,  184  to couple the first pivot member  26  with the base plate  150 . 
     The first pivot member  26  further defines the first pin receptacle  34  at a second end of the first pivot member  26 . The first pin receptacle  34  is aligned with the mount pin receptacle  176  when the fastener  186  is positioned through the apertures  180 ,  184 . The first pin receptacle  34  is also configured to at least partially receive the lower hinge pin  48 , as described in more detail elsewhere herein. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  8   , the first pivot member  26  includes upwardly extending protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  extending at least partially about a circumference of the first pin receptacle  34 . As illustrated, the upwardly extending protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  include a first protrusion  28   a  and a second protrusion  28   b . The first protrusion  28   a  includes a first inclined surface  30   a  and a second inclined surface  30   b , and the second protrusion  28   b  includes a third inclined surface  30   c  and a fourth inclined surface  30   d . The inclined surfaces  30   a - 30   d  extend downward and outward from a corresponding horizontal surface  32   a ,  32   b  of the respective first or second protrusion  28   a ,  28   b . The first and second protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  are spaced apart by at least one receiving well  190 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the lower hinge assembly  100  further includes the lower hinge support  36 . The lower hinge support  36  includes an elongated coupling plate  200  integrally formed with a hinge arm  202 . The coupling plate  200  may be substantially rectangular in shape or may have any other elongated shape. As shown in  FIG.  3   , the coupling plate  200  of the lower hinge support  36  is configured to be aligned with, and coupled with, the vertical support  18  by a plurality of fasteners  204  such that the lower hinge support  36  rotates about the lower hinge pin  48  as the door  10  moves between the open and closed positions. The upper hinge support  134  may be coupled at an upper end of the vertical support  18 , and the lower hinge support  36  may be coupled at a lower, opposite end of the vertical support  18 . The lower and upper hinge supports  36 ,  134  are rotatable simultaneously and in conjunction with the vertical support  18  to rotate the door  10  between open and closed positions. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the hinge arm  202  may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the coupling plate  200  and defines a support pin receptacle  208 . The support pin receptacle  208  is configured to be aligned with at least the mount pin receptacle  176  and the first pin receptacle  34  and is configured to at least partially received the lower hinge pin  48 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  7   , the hinge arm  202  includes an interior linear edge  210 . The interior linear edge  210  at least partially defines the support pin receptacle  208  and is configured to maintain the position of the lower hinge pin  48  within the support pin receptacle  208 , as discussed in more detail elsewhere herein. In other words, the interior linear edge  210  is configured such that the lower hinge pin  48  is rotationally fixed (i.e., not rotatable) within the support pin receptacle  208 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7  and  10 A , the lower hinge support  36  further includes a stop  214  extending outward and at least partially downward from the hinge arm  202 . The stop  214  includes at least one linear side  216 . In other words, the stop  214  may have a single linear side  216  or may have a pair of opposing linear sides  216 . Each linear side  216  is configured to be engaged with and contact a portion of the second pivot member  38  to retain the position of the second pivot member  38  relative to the lower hinge support  36 . 
     As previously introduced, the second pivot member  38  is coupled with the lower hinge support  36 . The second pivot member  38  includes one or more linear edges  230  extending radially along the second pivot member  38  and at least partially defining a receiving space  226 . The receiving space  226  is configured to receive the stop  214  of the lower hinge support  36 . When the stop  214  is received by the receiving space  226 , the linear edge  230  of the second pivot member  38  is in contact with the linear side  216  of the stop  214 . The contact between the linear side  216  and the linear edge  230  facilitates rotation of the second pivot member  38  in conjunction with the lower hinge support  36 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the second pivot member  38  includes downwardly extending protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  extending at least partially about a circumference of the second pin receptacle  46 . As illustrated, the downwardly extending protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  include a first protrusion  40   a  and a second protrusion  40   b . The first protrusion  40   a  includes a first inclined surface  42   a  and a second inclined surface  42   b , and the second protrusion  40   b  includes a third inclined surface  42   c  and a fourth inclined surface  42   d . The inclined surfaces  42   a - 42   d  extend downward and outward from a corresponding horizontal surface  44   a ,  44   b  of the respective first or second protrusion  40   a ,  40   b . The first and second protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  are spaced apart by at lea  220 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  7   , the lower hinge assembly  100  further includes the lower hinge pin  48  including a coupling end  240  integrally formed with and extending from a central portion  246 . The coupling end  240  is configured to extend past the support pin receptacle  208  of the hinge arm  202  of the lower hinge support  36  and engage with a nut  242 . The central portion  246  is configured to be received by the support pin receptacle  208  and includes at least one linear surface  248 . The linear surface  248  is configured to be engaged with the interior linear edge  210  of the hinge arm  202 . The engagement between the interior linear edge  210  and the linear surface  248  guides the insertion of the lower hinge pin  48  into the support pin receptacle  208 . The engagement further acts to fixedly couple the lower hinge pin  48  with the second pivot member  38  such that the lower hinge pin  48  and the second pivot member  38  rotate in conjunction with the lower hinge support  36 . 
     The lower hinge pin  48  further includes a body  252 . The body  252  is configured to extend through the first and second pin receptacles  34 ,  46  and the mount pin receptacle  176 . The body  252  includes a substantially cylindrical shape such that the body  252  is rotatable within the receptacles  34 ,  46 ,  176 . The body  252  is further configured to be vertically translated through the receptacles  34 ,  46 ,  176  as the lower hinge support  36  is moved from the first position to the second position, as discussed in more detail elsewhere below. In other words, the body  252  of the lower hinge pin  48  is vertically translatable within the first and second pin receptacles  34 ,  46  and the mount pin receptacle  176 . 
     In operation, the second pivot member  38 , and the lower hinge pin  48  are rotated with the lower hinge support  36  to rotate the door  10  from an open position to a closed position. The first position of the lower hinge support  36  ( FIG.  11   ) corresponds with the closed position of the door  10  and the second position of the lower hinge support  36  ( FIG.  14   ) corresponds with the open position of the door  10 . As illustrated, the lower hinge support  36  is also configured to be retained in an intermediate position ( FIG.  13   ) to place the door  10  in a partially open position (not shown). It is contemplated that the door  10  may be retained in any number of intermediate positions based on the configuration of the pivot members  26 ,  38  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 A- 11   , the first and second protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  of the first pivot member  26  include inclined surfaces  30   a - 30   d . The second and fourth inclined surfaces  30   b ,  30   d  may be oriented at a first angle α relative to an interior surface  258  of the first pivot member  26 . The first and third inclined surfaces  30   a ,  30   c  may be oriented at a second angle β relative to the interior surface  258  of the first pivot member  26 . The angle α may be configured to be larger than the angle β. Alternatively, the angle α may be configured to be the same or substantially the same as angle β. 
     The first and second protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  include inclined surfaces  42   a - 42   d . The first and third inclined surfaces  42   a ,  42   c  may be configured as engagement surfaces and may be oriented at a first angle α′ relative to an interior surface  260  of the second pivot member  38 . The second and fourth inclined surfaces  42   b ,  42   d  may be configured as retention surfaces and may be oriented at a second angle β′ relative to the interior surface  260  of the second pivot member  38 . The angle α′ may be configured to be larger than the angle β′. Alternatively, the angle α′ may be configured to be the same or substantially the same as angle β′. It is contemplated that the angles α and α′ may be substantially the same size or may be different sizes, and it is further contemplated that the angles β and β′ may be substantially the same size or may be different sizes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , the lower hinge support  36  is shown in the first position. The horizontal surface  32   a  of the first protrusion  28   a  of the first pivot member  26  is in contact with the horizontal surface  44   a  of the first protrusion  40   a  of the second pivot member  38 . In the first position, the horizontal surface  32   b  of the second protrusion  28   b  is also in contact with the horizontal surface  44   b  of the second protrusion  40   b.    
     As best shown in  FIG.  12   , the second pivot member  38  is rotated in a first direction (arrow A) from the first position ( FIG.  11   ) to an intermediate position ( FIG.  13   ). Each of the horizontal surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  of the first and second protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  is slidably engaged with the horizontal surface  32   a ,  32   b  of the corresponding protrusion of the first and second protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  of the first pivot member  26 . The horizontal surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  are configured to slide along the corresponding horizontal surfaces  32   a ,  32   b  as the lower hinge support  36  is rotated from the first position into the intermediate position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , each of the horizontal surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  is configured to slide along the corresponding horizontal surface  32   a ,  32   b  until one of the protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  is proximate the receiving well  190  of the first pivot member  26 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . As illustrated, when the first protrusion  40   a  overlaps the receiving well  190 , the second inclined surface  42   b  of the first protrusion  40   a  of the second pivot member  38  slides downward to along arrow B to be in contact with the first inclined surfaces  30   a  of the first protrusion  28   a  of the first pivot member  26 . It will be understood that the first pivot member  26  may further define a second receiving well  190 , as previously discussed, configured to receive the second protrusion  40   b  in the same or a similar manner such that the fourth inclined surface  42   d  of the second protrusion  40   b  slides into contact with the third inclined surface  30   c  of the second protrusion  28   b.    
     As shown in  FIG.  13   , in the intermediate position, at least one of the protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  is received by a receiving well  190  of the first pivot member  26 . Likewise, at least one of the protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  of the first pivot member  26  is received by a receiving well  220  of the second pivot member  38 . When the protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  and  40   a ,  40   b  are engaged with the respective receiving wells  190 ,  220 , the lower hinge pin  48  is vertically translated downward along arrow C. The receiving wells  190 ,  220  and protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  and  40   a ,  40   b  may be configured such that the first and third inclined surfaces  42   a ,  42   c  of the protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  are in contact with the second and fourth inclined surfaces  30   b ,  30   d  of the corresponding protrusion  28   a ,  28   b  of first pivot member  26 . Alternatively, the receiving wells  190 ,  220  and protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  and  40   a ,  40   b  may be configured such that the first and third inclined surfaces  42   a ,  42   c  of the protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  are spaced apart from the second and further inclined surfaces  30   b ,  30   d  of the protrusions  28   a ,  28   b  of the first pivot member  26 . 
     The lower hinge support  36  and the second pivot member  38  are further rotatable in the first direction (see arrow A of  FIG.  12   ) to move the lower hinge support  36  from the intermediate position to the second position, as shown in  FIG.  14   . In other words, the second pivot member  38 , in conjunction with the lower hinge support  36 , is rotatable another 180 degrees along in the first direction such that the second protrusion  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  is received within the receiving well  190 . When the second pivot member  38  is rotated from the intermediate position in the first direction, the first and third inclined surfaces  42   a ,  42   c  of the first and second protrusions  40   a ,  40   b  of the second pivot member  38  slide upward along the second and fourth inclined surfaces  30   b ,  30   d  of the first or second protrusion  28   a ,  28   b  of the first pivot member  26  until the horizontal surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  of the second pivot member  38  are in slidable contact corresponding horizontal surfaces  32   a ,  32   b  of the first pivot member  26 . 
     The lower hinge support  36  is further rotated in the first direction until the second protrusion  40   b  is received by the receiving well  190  of the first pivot member  26 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . The angles α and α′ are sized to create a lower slope along the engagement surfaces and facilitate rotation of the second pivot member  38  in the first direction, and the angles β and β′ are sized to allow the retention surfaces to act as stops and require a larger force to rotate the second pivot member  38  in a second direction opposite the first direction, as shown by arrow D of  FIG.  14   . When the second protrusion  40   b  is received by the receiving well  190  of the first pivot member  26 , the fourth inclined surface  42   d  is in contact with the first inclined surface  30   a  of the first protrusion  28   a  of the first pivot member  26  such that the lower hinge support  36  and the second pivot member  38  are substantially retained in the second position. To move the lower hinge support  36  and the second pivot member  38  back to the first position, and to move the door  10  into the closed position, a force F must be applied to overcome the contact between the fourth inclined surface  42   d  and the first inclined surface  30   a  and rotate the lower hinge support  36  and the second pivot member  38  in the second direction. 
     According to one aspect, an appliance includes a door having a plurality of panels spaced apart by a vertical support. A lower hinge mount is coupled with an appliance body. A first pivot member is coupled with the lower hinge mount and defines a first pin receptacle. The first pivot member includes a first protrusion having a first inclined surface and a first horizontal surface. A lower hinge support is fixedly coupled with the vertical support and is rotatable between first and second positions relative to the first pivot member. A second pivot member is coupled with the lower hinge support and defines a second pin receptacle. The second pivot member includes a second protrusion having a second inclined surface and a second horizontal surface. The second horizontal surface contacts the first horizontal surface in the first position. A lower hinge pin is coupled with the lower hinge support and is vertically translated within the first and second pin receptacles when the second pivot member moves from the first position to the second position. 
     According to another aspect, first and second positions of a lower hinge support correspond with closed and open positions of a door, respectively. 
     According to another aspect, a second inclined surface of a second protrusion contacts a first inclined surface of a first protrusion in a second position. 
     According to another aspect, an appliance includes an upper hinge mount coupled with an appliance body, an upper hinge support fixedly coupled with a vertical support, and an upper hinge pin extending downward from the upper hinge mount. The upper hinge support is rotatable about the upper hinge pin. 
     According to another aspect, a door is rotatable about a vertical axis extending between upper and lower hinge pins. 
     According to another aspect, a second pivot member includes a linear edge defining a receiving well, and a lower hinge support includes a stop configured to be received within the receiving well and abut the linear edge. 
     According to another aspect, a first protrusion of a first pivot member at least partially defines a receiving space, and a second protrusion is received by the receiving space when a second pivot member is in a second position. 
     According to another aspect, a lower hinge mount is coupled with a bottom panel of the appliance body. 
     According to another aspect, an appliance includes a door rotatable between open and closed positions. A lower hinge mount is coupled with an appliance body. A first pivot member is coupled with the lower hinge mount and defines a first pin receptacle. The first pivot member includes a first protrusion having a first inclined surface and a first horizontal surface. A second pivot member defines a second pin receptacle aligned with the first pin receptacle and includes a second protrusion having a second inclined surface and a second horizontal surface. The second pivot member is rotatable relative to the first pivot member between first and second positions. The second horizontal surface contacts the first horizontal surface in the first position, and the second inclined surface contacts the first inclined surface in the second position. A lower hinge pin is coupled with the second pivot member to rotate with the second pivot member. The lower hinge pin is vertically translated through the first and second pin receptacles when the second pivot member moves from the first position to the second position. 
     According to another aspect, an appliance includes a lower hinge support coupled with a door and defining a support pin receptacle aligned with first and second pin receptacles. The support pin receptacle is at least partially defined by an interior linear edge of the lower hinge support. 
     According to another aspect, a lower hinge pin includes a central portion having a linear side and extending from a body. The central portion is received by a support pin receptacle and the linear side is in contact with an interior linear edge of a lower hinge support to couple the lower hinge pin to rotate with the lower hinge support. 
     According to another aspect, a body of a lower hinge pin is received by and vertically translatable through first and second pin receptacles. 
     According to another aspect, a lower hinge support includes a stop, and a second pivot member defines a receiving space. The stop is received by the receiving space to fixedly couple the second pivot member with the lower hinge support. 
     According to another aspect, a lower hinge mount includes a foot coupled with a bottom panel of an appliance body. 
     According to another aspect, first and second positions of a second pivot member correspond with closed and open positions of a door, respectively. 
     According to another aspect, a lower hinge assembly for an appliance door includes a lower pivot member coupled with a hinge mount and defining a first pin receptacle. The lower pivot member includes a lower protrusion having first and second inclined surfaces extending from a first horizontal surface. An upper pivot member defines a second pin receptacle aligned with the first pin receptacle and includes an upper protrusion having third and fourth inclined surfaces and a second horizontal surface. The upper pivot member is rotatable between first and second positions relative to the lower pivot member. The second horizontal surface is in contact with the first horizontal surface in the first position, and the third inclined surface is in contact with the second inclined surface in the second position. A lower hinge pin extends through the first and second pin receptacles and is coupled to rotate in conjunction with the upper pivot member. The lower hinge pin is vertically translated within the first and second pin receptacles when the upper pivot member moves from the first position to the second position. 
     According to another aspect, an upper pivot member is rotatable into an intermediate position between first and second positions, and a fourth inclined surface is in contact with a first inclined surface in the intermediate position. 
     According to another aspect, a first inclined surface is oriented at a first angle relative to an interior surface of a lower pivot member, and a fourth inclined surface is oriented at a second angle relative to an interior surface of an upper pivot member. The first angle is substantially the same as the second angle. 
     According to another aspect, a lower pivot member defines a receiving well and a second protrusion of an upper pivot member is received by the receiving well in a second position. 
     According to another aspect, a lower hinge assembly includes a lower hinge support including a stop. An upper pivot member defines a receiving space, and the stop is received by the receiving space to fixedly couple the upper pivot member with the lower hinge support. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members, or connector, or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.