Patent Description:
The present invention is defined by the features of independent claim <NUM>. A vacuum insulated door for an appliance includes a first panel, a second panel that is operably coupled to the first panel to define an insulating cavity, and a trim breaker that is operably coupled to each of the first panel and the second panel. The trim breaker includes a frame and an engagement feature. The engagement feature includes an angular side and a base portion. The vacuum insulated door further includes a bin that is operably coupled to the trim breaker proximate to the second panel. The bin includes a locking feature that is selectively coupled to the engagement feature. The locking feature includes a body and a projection that extends from an end of the body.

Alternatively, a vacuum insulated structure includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is coupled to the second panel to define an insulating cavity. A trim breaker is operably coupled to each of the first panel and a second panel. The trim breaker includes a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature. A space is defined proximate each of the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature. The first engagement feature and the second engagement feature each include an angular side and a base portion. A first locking feature is at least partially disposed within the space defined by the first engagement feature and is operably coupled to the first engagement feature. A second locking feature is at least partially disposed within the space defined by the second engagement feature and is operably coupled to the second engagement feature. The first locking feature and the second locking feature are configured to couple a bin to the trim breaker.

Alternatively, a bin attachment assembly for a vacuum insulated door includes a trim breaker that includes a frame and at least one engagement feature. The frame defines an aperture in which the at least one engagement feature is disposed. The bin attachment assembly further includes at least one locking feature that is selectively coupled to the trim breaker via the at least one engagement feature. The at least one locking feature includes a tapered body and a projection that extends from an end of the tapered body. The bin attachment assembly further includes a bin that is coupled to the trim breaker via the at least one locking feature.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a bin attachment assembly for a trim breaker. 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.

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 <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> generally designates a vacuum insulated door <NUM> for an appliance <NUM> that includes a first panel <NUM> and a second panel <NUM>. The second panel <NUM> is operably coupled to the first panel <NUM> to define an insulating cavity <NUM>. A trim breaker <NUM> is operably coupled to each of the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, and the trim breaker <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and an engagement feature <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> includes an angular side <NUM> and a base portion <NUM>. A bin <NUM> is operably coupled to the trim breaker <NUM> proximate to the second panel <NUM> and includes a locking feature <NUM> selectively coupled to the engagement feature <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a projection <NUM> extending from an end <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the appliance <NUM> is illustrated as a refrigerator. It is also contemplated that the vacuum insulated door <NUM> described herein can be used with a variety of appliances. In addition to the vacuum insulated door <NUM>, the appliance <NUM> may be formed from a vacuum insulated structure <NUM>, which is generally formed using a similar process as the formation of the vacuum insulated door <NUM>. For example, the vacuum insulated structure <NUM> may include a wrapper <NUM> and a liner <NUM> operably coupled via a structural trim breaker <NUM> similar to the trim breaker <NUM>, described below. The wrapper <NUM> and the liner <NUM> also define an insulating cavity <NUM> similar to the insulating cavity <NUM> defined between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, mentioned above. It is generally contemplated that the wrapper <NUM>, the liner <NUM>, and the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> are formed from a metallic material, which minimizes potential exposure of the insulating cavities <NUM>, <NUM> to air molecules. Stated differently, the wrapper <NUM>, the liner <NUM>, and the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> can minimize the potential outgassing of each insulating cavity <NUM>, <NUM> as a result of the metallic material.

The vacuum insulated door <NUM> is illustrated with the first panel <NUM> coupled to the second panel <NUM> via the trim breaker <NUM>. The first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> each have an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the interior surface <NUM> of each of the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> at least partially defines the insulating cavity <NUM> in which insulation materials <NUM> are disposed. The insulating cavity <NUM> may be filled with insulation materials <NUM> that may be a glass type material, a carbon-based powder, silicone oxide-based materials, insulating gases, and other standard insulation materials known in the art. The insulation materials <NUM> substantially fill the insulating cavity <NUM> forming a substantially continuous layer between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>. It is contemplated that the insulating cavity <NUM> defined by the vacuum insulated structure <NUM> may be similarly configured. The insulating cavity <NUM> is sealed and further defined by the trim breaker <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the trim breaker <NUM> is formed from a polymeric material, such as plastic. The trim breaker <NUM> is configured to assist in the maintenance of an at least partial vacuum that is defined within the insulating cavity <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM> may also define a first groove <NUM> and a second groove <NUM> in which the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed, respectively. It is generally contemplated that the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> are retained within the first and second grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively via an adhesive or other binding material. The trim breaker <NUM> is configured to assist in maintaining the overall configuration of the vacuum insulated door <NUM> and to assist in maintaining the vacuum defined within the vacuum insulated door <NUM>. By way of example, not limitation, the trim breaker <NUM> may assist in minimizing the overall outgassing of the insulating cavity <NUM> to extend the useful life of the vacuum insulated door <NUM>.

As described in more detail below, the frame <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM> is configured with a plurality of apertures <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a bin attachment assembly <NUM>, described below. Additionally or alternatively, the frame <NUM> and the trim breaker <NUM> may be part of the bin attachment assembly <NUM>, such that the bin <NUM> is coupled with at least the first panel <NUM> via the frame <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM>. The bin attachment assembly <NUM> is described in more detail below.

Referring now to <FIG>, the bin <NUM> is illustrated as being coupled to the trim breaker <NUM> of the vacuum insulated door <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that a plurality of bins <NUM> may be coupled to the trim breaker <NUM>, such that the trim breaker <NUM> can define a plurality of engagement features <NUM> to accommodate the locking features <NUM> defined by each respective bin <NUM>. The coupling configuration of the bins <NUM> and the trim breaker <NUM> is described in more detail below. As mentioned above, the trim breaker <NUM> defines the plurality of apertures <NUM> in which the engagement feature <NUM> is defined. It is generally contemplated that the trim breaker <NUM> defines at least a first aperture <NUM> and a second aperture <NUM> in which a first engagement feature <NUM> and a second engagement feature <NUM> are respectively defined. In at least one configuration, the first apertures <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM> can be defined along a first side <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM>, and the second apertures <NUM> can be defined along a second side <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM>.

Stated differently, the first and second apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are defined along the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is formed by the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM> as well as a top side <NUM> and a bottom side <NUM>. As mentioned above, the engagement features <NUM> are defined by the frame <NUM>, such that the engagement feature <NUM> can be integrally formed with the trim breaker <NUM>. The engagement features <NUM> may generally be described as being defined on the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement features <NUM> may be defined on the top side <NUM> and/or the bottom side <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the bin attachment assembly <NUM> is illustrated in an enlarged cross-sectional view to at least partially illustrate the engagement features <NUM> and the locking feature <NUM> within one of the plurality of apertures <NUM>. For purposes of simplicity, a single side of each of the trim breaker <NUM> and the bin attachment assembly <NUM> is described, such that the features and configuration described herein may apply regardless of the location of the bin <NUM> along the trim breaker <NUM>. For example, the bin <NUM> is described herein with emphasis on a single locking feature <NUM> that couples to a single engagement feature <NUM>. Stated differently, the engagement and locking features <NUM>, <NUM> are configured in a similar manner regardless of the location along the trim breaker <NUM> and the bin <NUM>. The descriptions of the engagement and locking features <NUM>, <NUM> generally describes the overall configuration and function of the bin attachment assembly <NUM> and/or bin attachment assemblies <NUM> of the present disclosure. The bin attachment assembly <NUM> includes, at least, the engagement feature <NUM> within the frame <NUM> and the locking features <NUM> of the bin <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> defined by the frame <NUM> is accessible via an opening <NUM>, such that the engagement features <NUM> are positioned proximate the opening <NUM> within the apertures <NUM>.

The apertures <NUM> are defined by perimeter walls <NUM>, as illustrated in the cross-section of the trim breaker <NUM> in <FIG>. The enlarged view of the aperture <NUM> and the engagement feature <NUM> in <FIG> illustrates a top perimeter wall <NUM> and a bottom perimeter wall <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is defined proximate to the top perimeter wall <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>, and the engagement feature <NUM> defines a space <NUM> proximate to the bottom perimeter wall <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. Stated differently, the engagement feature <NUM> defines the space <NUM> beneath the base portion <NUM> and proximate the bottom perimeter wall <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. As mentioned above, the engagement feature <NUM> includes the angular side <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the engagement feature <NUM> also includes a top portion <NUM> on an opposing end from the base portion <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> at least partially defines the opening <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM> to provide access to the aperture <NUM> and engagement feature <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the engagement feature <NUM> is integrally formed with the frame <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM>, such that the engagement feature <NUM> may be molded or otherwise formed during the formation process of the trim breaker <NUM>. The angular side <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> is generally configured such that the engagement feature <NUM> tapers from the base portion <NUM> toward the top portion <NUM>. Stated differently, the top portion <NUM> may have a width W<NUM> that is less than a width W<NUM> of the base portion <NUM>, such that the base portion <NUM> may generally extend past the top portion <NUM> in a cross-sectional view.

With further reference to <FIG>, the locking feature <NUM> of the bin <NUM> is illustrated as being coupled with the engagement feature <NUM>, described further below. As mentioned above with respect to the first and second engagement features <NUM>, <NUM>, it is also contemplated that the locking feature <NUM> may have corresponding first and second locking features <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) disposed on a first side panel <NUM> and a second side panel <NUM> of the bin <NUM>, respectively. The construction described herein with respect to the locking feature <NUM> may apply to both the first and second locking features <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> includes the body <NUM> and the projection <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> also includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, such that the body <NUM> is defined by the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> has a width W<NUM> that is greater than a width W<NUM> of the second end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM>. Stated differently, the body <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> has a generally tapered configuration between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The tapered configuration of the body <NUM> generally cooperates with the tapered configuration of the engagement feature <NUM>.

For example, the first end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> is wider than the second end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM>, whereas the top portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> is narrower than the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. The tapered body <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> may have an angled face <NUM> configured to engage the angular side <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> generally extends above the top portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> extends beneath the base portion <NUM>. It is contemplated that the projection <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> can be defined on the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the projection <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> is selectively coupled to the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. As mentioned above, the projection <NUM> extends beneath the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> to generally retain the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM>.

By way of example, not limitation, the projection <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> may overlap the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> by approximately <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the projection <NUM> may extend or overlap with the base portion <NUM> less than <NUM> millimeters and/or greater than <NUM> millimeters. The coupling of the projection <NUM> with the engagement feature <NUM> secures and generally retains the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM>. The bin <NUM> is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, such that the locked position is defined by the projection <NUM> being coupled with the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. When the bin <NUM> is being coupled with the trim breaker <NUM>, a downward force F<NUM> is applied to the bin <NUM> and defined between each of the locking feature <NUM> and the engagement feature <NUM>. Similarly, to remove the bin <NUM> from the trim breaker <NUM>, an upward force F<NUM> is operably applied to the bin <NUM> and is at least partially defined between the locking feature <NUM> and the engagement feature <NUM>.

It is contemplated that the projection <NUM> can engage the base portion <NUM> when a force less than the upward force F<NUM> is applied to the bin <NUM>, such that the projection <NUM> retains the bin <NUM> relative the trim breaker <NUM>. Stated differently, the projection <NUM> is configured to prevent upward movement of the bin <NUM> until the predetermined upward force F<NUM> is applied. The upward force F<NUM> is a predetermined force sufficient to release the engagement between the projection <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. Similarly, the downward force F<NUM> is a predetermined force configured to overcome the frictional resistance between the locking and engagement features <NUM>, <NUM> during assembly of the bin <NUM> with the trim breaker <NUM>. By way of example, not limitation, the downward force F<NUM> may be approximately <NUM> Newtons. It is contemplated that, once assembled, the locking feature <NUM> and the engagement feature <NUM> may define a frictional engagement between the angled face <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> and the angular side <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. This frictional engagement further assists in the retention of the bin <NUM> with the trim breaker <NUM>, along with the engagement of the projection <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, the space <NUM>, mentioned above, defined by the engagement feature <NUM> is configured to receive the projection <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM>. The space <NUM>, being defined beneath the base portion <NUM>, can be at least partially obstructed with the projection <NUM>. The projection <NUM> may be lodged with the base portion <NUM> within the space <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the projection <NUM> may be coupled with the base portion <NUM> and free of other engagement within the aperture <NUM>. The positioning of the projection <NUM> within the space <NUM> is configured to retain the bin <NUM> in the locked position. As the force F<NUM> is applied to the bin <NUM> in a downward direction, the projection <NUM> may engage the angular side <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> and translate beneath the base portion <NUM> into the space <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the projection <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> may define a notch <NUM> proximate to the second end <NUM> of the tapered body <NUM>. The angular side <NUM> and an end <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> may be selectively received within the notch <NUM> defined by the projection <NUM> and the tapered body <NUM>. The notch <NUM> assists in retaining the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM> by engaging the engagement feature <NUM> while the projection <NUM> is positioned beneath the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>.

Referring now to an alternate configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> can define a slot <NUM> along a length L of the body <NUM>. The engagement feature <NUM> of the trim breaker <NUM> may correspondingly include a flange <NUM> that may be selectively disposed within the slot <NUM> defined by the locking feature <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the flange <NUM> outwardly extends from the angular side <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. The projection <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> is defined on the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The projection <NUM> may also define the notch <NUM>, mentioned above, which generally extends around the top portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. The slot <NUM> defined along the length L of the body <NUM> may also extend along the projection <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> may be disposed in the slot <NUM>, such that the flange <NUM> is engaged with the projection <NUM> in the locked position of the bin <NUM>. The configuration illustrated in <FIG>, assists in laterally retaining the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM>, such that the flange <NUM> is retained by the slot <NUM> defined by the locking feature <NUM> and the engagement with the projection <NUM>.

The bin <NUM> is coupled to the trim breaker <NUM> via the alignment of the flange <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> with the slot <NUM> defined by the locking feature <NUM>. The notch <NUM> can be disposed around the top portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. The notch <NUM> assists in retaining the bin <NUM> with the trim breaker <NUM>. In this alternate configuration, the projection <NUM> extends along the top portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM>. The flange <NUM> extends along the body <NUM> and into the projection <NUM> within the slot <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the bin attachment assembly <NUM>, as described herein generally retains the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM>, such that lateral and/or vertical movement of the bin <NUM> is minimized. For example, the engagement of the projection <NUM> with the base portion <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> minimizes the potential for accidental adjustment of the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM>, such that the force F<NUM> is applied to the bin <NUM> in order to translate the bin <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position. In addition, the angular configuration of each of the locking features <NUM> and the engagement features <NUM> maximizes the engagement between the bin <NUM> and the trim breaker <NUM> to retain the bin <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the slot <NUM> defined by the body <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM> assists in maintaining the lateral retention of the bin <NUM>. The engagement of the locking feature <NUM> with the flange <NUM> of the engagement feature <NUM> minimizes forward and backward movement of the bin <NUM> relative to the trim breaker <NUM>.

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.

Claim 1:
A vacuum insulated door (<NUM>) for an appliance (<NUM>), comprising:
a first panel (<NUM>);
a second panel (<NUM>) operably coupled to the first panel (<NUM>) to define an insulating cavity (<NUM>);
a trim breaker (<NUM>) operably coupled to each of the first panel (<NUM>) and the second panel (<NUM>), the trim breaker (<NUM>) including a frame (<NUM>) and an engagement feature (<NUM>), wherein the trim breaker (<NUM>) defines the plurality of apertures (<NUM>) in which the engagement feature (<NUM>) is defined, and wherein the engagement feature (<NUM>) includes an angular side (<NUM>) and a base portion (<NUM>); and
a bin (<NUM>) operably coupled to the trim breaker (<NUM>) proximate to the second panel (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the bin (<NUM>) includes a locking feature (<NUM>) selectively coupled to the engagement feature (<NUM>),
the locking feature (<NUM>) includes a body (<NUM>) and a projection (<NUM>) extending from an end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>),
the projection (<NUM>) of the locking feature (<NUM>) is selectively coupled to the base portion (<NUM>) of the engagement feature (<NUM>),
the bin (<NUM>) is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and
the locked position is defined by the projection (<NUM>) of the locking feature (<NUM>) being coupled with the base portion (<NUM>) of the engagement feature (<NUM>).