Hinge assembly for pivotally coupling a mullion assembly to a refrigerator door and a refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a vertical frame assembly to a refrigerator door and a refrigerator. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element having a first cam member, the first cam member having a cam upper surface, the cam upper surface having a first portion and a second portion, and an inclined middle portion being arranged therebetween. The first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is vertically separated from the second portion by a distance. The second hinge element is rotatably connected to the first hinge element between a first and a second position, and includes a second cam member, the second cam member having a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point engaged with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. When the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the second hinge element is driven upward by the engagement of the engagement point with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a mullion assembly and, more particularly, to a mullion assembly having a hinge assembly that biases the mullion assembly toward a stowed position on a refrigerator door to prevent the mullion assembly from interfering with proper closing of the refrigerator door. Background Art

[0002] Many known refrigerator assemblies include a pivoting mullion assembly to seal the refrigerator cabinet when the refrigerator door is closed. The mullion assembly is usually connected to the door and can move between an extended position and a stowed position. When the door connected to the mullion assembly is in an open position, the mullion assembly is usually in a stowed position. When the door is in an open position, the mullion assembly is accessible to the user and is easy to use the user to rotate from the stowed position to the extended position. When the door is in an open position, the mullion assembly may be problematic when it is rotated from the stowed position to the extended position, because when the mullion assembly in the extended position is not properly configured to engage with the door frame of the refrigerator cabinet, the user may try to close the door. During the closing movement of the door, when the mullion assembly extends outward from the door in the extended position, the mullion assembly may break or be damaged, and the door will not be completely closed. Therefore, the mullion hinge assembly of the present concept is configured to bias the mullion assembly from the extended position to the stowed position to offset the user's undesirable interference. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly for a vertical frame assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element including a first cam member and a hinge pin. The first cam member includes a cam upper surface spaced from the hinge pin to define an inner cavity therebetween. The cam upper surface includes a first portion disposed below a second portion, with an ascending middle portion disposed therebetween. A second hinge element includes a second cam member, a base, and a hollow interior. The second cam member includes a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point engaged with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. The base of the second hinge element is slidably received in the inner cavity of the first hinge element. The hinge pin of the first hinge element is slidably received through the hollow interior of the second hinge element. The second hinge element is capable of rotating around the hinge pin between a first and a second position. A spring member is operably coupled to the second hinge element and is capable of operating between a first position and a second position. When the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the spring member moves from the first position to the second position. The second position of the spring member defines a compressed state of the spring member.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a door rotatably coupled to a cabinet between an open position and a closed position. The mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the refrigerator door between a stowed position and an extended position. When the mullion assembly is in the extended position, the mullion assembly extends outward from the inner edge of the door. A hinge assembly interconnects the mullion assembly with the door. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element including a first cam member and a hinge pin. The first cam member includes a cam upper surface, the cam upper surface including an upper portion disposed above a lower portion, with an inclined middle portion disposed therebetween. A second hinge element is rotatably received on the hinge pin between a first position and a second position and has a second cam member. The second cam member includes a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point, and when the second hinge element is in the first position and the mullion assembly is in the stowed position, the engagement point engages with the lower portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. The engagement point engages the upper portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element when the second hinge element is in the second position and the mullion assembly is in the deployed position.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly for a vertical frame assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element having a first cam member, the first cam member having a cam upper surface, the cam upper surface having a first portion and a second portion, with an inclined middle portion disposed therebetween. The first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is vertically spaced a distance from the second portion. A second hinge element is rotatably coupled to the first hinge element between a first and a second position, and includes a second cam member, the second cam member having a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point that engages with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. When the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the second hinge element is driven upward by engagement of the engagement point with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0006] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the attached picture:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a top-down perspective view of the refrigerator;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator door is shown in an open position;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a refrigerator of , showing the refrigerator door in a partially open position, the mullion assembly in a stowed position, wherein the deployed position of the mullion assembly is shown in phantom;

[0011] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a hinge assembly having first and second hinge elements, wherein the second hinge element is shown in a first position;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a side view of a hinge assembly of , wherein the second hinge element is shown in a second position;

[0013] Figure 6 is a graphical representation of the angle of the mullion assembly relative to the applied spring force and Figure 4 a representation of a first hinge element of ; and

[0014] Figure 7 is a graphical representation of the angle of compression of the mullion assembly relative to the spring member and Figure 4 Representation of the first hinge element.

[0015] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The presently illustrated embodiments reside primarily in the combination of method steps and apparatus components associated with the hinge assembly of the mullion assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, so as not to obscure the present disclosure by those details that would be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Moreover, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0017] For the purpose of description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used as such. Figure 1 oriented herein to be associated with the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" refers to the surface of the element closer to the intended observer and the term "rear" refers to the surface of the element farther from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may take various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined by the present invention. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0018] The terms "include", "comprises", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include elements not explicitly listed or other elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of more constraints, an element preceded by "includes..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0019] Reference now Figure 1 , reference numeral 2 generally designates a bottom-loading refrigerator for use in the present invention. The refrigerator 2 includes a housing 4 having a top wall 6, a bottom wall 7, opposite side walls 8 and 9, and a rear wall 10, which together define a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the first compartment 12 is disposed above the second compartment 14 .

[0020] Reference now Figure 2 , the first compartment 12 includes an interior 15 having a top wall 16, a bottom wall 17, opposing side walls 18 and 19, and a rear wall 20. A first guide member 22 is shown disposed in front of the top wall 16 of the interior 15, and a second guide member 24 is shown disposed in front of the bottom wall 17 of the interior 15. The first guide member 22 and the second guide member 24 define upper and lower guide members for guiding the rotational movement of the mullion assembly, as further described below.

[0021] Although not specifically indicated, refrigerator 2 is contemplated to include a refrigeration system for providing temperatures above and below freezing in compartments 12 and 14, respectively. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that the first compartment 12 is a fresh food storage compartment and the second compartment 14 is a freezer compartment. It is also contemplated that the open space configuration of the first compartment 12 may include various shelves, drawers, and bins for dividing the open space and storing items to be refrigerated in a manner known in the art. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the second compartment 14 is selectively accessible through a door 32, which may be a sliding drawer-type door. Therefore, the refrigerator 2 is a bottom-mounted refrigerator, wherein the lower freezer door 32 is adapted to slide in and out of the cabinet 4 to provide access to the frozen items stored in the second compartment 14.

[0022] like Figure 1 and 2As further shown, the refrigerator 2 includes a French door configuration having a first door 26 and a second door 28. The first door 26 and the second door 28 are pivotally coupled to the cabinet 4 to selectively provide access to the first compartment 12. The first door 26 and the second door 28 are adapted to seal an open front portion 40 of the cabinet 4 in an airtight manner to prevent cold air from escaping from the first compartment 12. Specifically, the first door 26 and the second door 28 seal the open front portion 40 of the cabinet 4 by flexible gasket assemblies 42, 44, respectively, which may be elastic assemblies that may include a sealing magnetic member disposed therein.

[0023] like Figure 2 As particularly shown in FIG. 1 , the first door 26 includes a door interior 50 having an outwardly projecting top 52, and outwardly projecting first and second side portions 54, 56 disposed on opposite sides of the top 52. A rear portion 58 interconnects the top 52 with the first and second side portions 54, 56 to collectively define a storage cavity 60. Within the storage cavity 60, it is contemplated that various shelving members, i.e., adjustable shelves, bins, storage units, etc., may be positioned within the storage cavity 60, such as supported between the opposing side portions 54, 56.

[0024] Unless otherwise noted below, the structure of each of the first door 26 and the second door 28 is substantially identical, however, the configuration is reversed as is known in the art. Figure 1 As further shown, the first door 26 and the second door 28 include inner edges 62 and 64, respectively, when the first door 26 and the second door 28 are in the closed position ( Figure 1 ), the inner edge is configured to seal the vertical frame assembly 30. The vertical frame assembly 30 is a folding vertical frame. Figure 2 26 is shown in an inwardly rotated or stowed position. The movement of the mullion assembly 30 is considered to be a pivoting movement provided by one or more hinge assemblies interconnecting the mullion assembly 30 with the first side portion 54 of the inner shell 50 of the first door 26. Figure 1 ) to the open position ( Figure 2 ), the movement of the mullion assembly 30 between the stowed position and the deployed position is generally guided by the first guide member 22 and the second guide member 24 interacting with the upper and lower portions of the mullion assembly 30, respectively, and vice versa. Although the mullion assembly 30 is shown as being coupled to the liner 50 of the first door 26, it is also contemplated that the mullion assembly 30 may be pivotally mounted to components of the second door 28, such that the concepts of the present invention are not limited to a specific right or left door mounting configuration of the mullion assembly 30. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first door 26 and the second door 28 are shown in a fully open position relative to the cabinet 4 of the refrigerator 2 .

[0025] Reference now Figure 3 , shows a partial view of the underside 66 of the refrigerator 2, wherein the door 26 is in a partially open position. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door 26 is pivotally mounted to the cabinet 4 via an upper hinge assembly 71. Figure 3 As shown, the door 26 is further pivotally mounted to the cabinet 4 by a lower hinge assembly 72 coupled to the lower side 66 of the door 26. In this manner, the door 26 is configured to pivotally move between open and closed positions relative to the cabinet 4 along a swing path of the door 26, as shown by arrow 68 ( Figure 2 and 3 ) as shown.

[0026] like Figure 3 As further shown, the mullion assembly 30 includes a guide pin 31 disposed on the lower side of the mullion assembly 30. The guide pin 31 is configured to engage the lower guide member 24 of the storage compartment 12 to move the mullion assembly 30 from the storage compartment 12 along the rotation path 33. Figure 3 Rotate to the stowed position Figure 3 2. The door 26 is also conceivable to include an upper guide pin for engaging with the upper guide member 22 to further guide the movement of the mullion assembly 30. As the door 26 moves along the swing path 68 of the door 26 toward the closed position, the guide pin 31 disposed on the underside of the mullion assembly 30 will engage the lower guide member 24 of the storage chamber 12. Specifically, the guide pin 31 will engage the guide path of the lower guide member 24 at the first portion 24B of the guide path 24A. The guide path 24A of the lower guide member 24 defines a passage through the lower guide member 24 along which the guide pin 31 of the mullion assembly 30 moves the mullion assembly 30 from the stowed position to the deployed position when the door 26 is closed. The guide path 24A includes a first portion 24B and a second portion 24C. The guide pin 31 of the mullion assembly enters the guide path 24A at the first portion 24B of the guide path 24A when it initially contacts the lower guide member 24 during the door closing movement. Through this physical engagement, the mullion assembly 30 begins to rotate from the stowed position to the deployed position. Then, when the door 26 moves to the fully closed position, the mullion assembly 30 fully rotates to the deployed position. When the door 26 is in the fully closed position, the guide pin 31 is disposed in the second portion 24C of the guide path 24A of the guide member 24, so that the mullion assembly 30 is in the deployed position.

[0027] Movement of the mullion assembly 30 from the stowed position to the deployed position is provided by a mullion hinge assembly 80 that rotatably interconnects the mullion assembly 30 with the door 26. Specifically, the mullion assembly 30 is coupled to the door 26 at the outwardly extending side 54 of the interior 50 of the door 26. Thus, when the mullion assembly 30 is in the deployed position, the mullion assembly 30 extends outwardly from the inner edge 62 of the door 26 to cover the gap between the doors 26, 28 of the refrigerator 2 when the doors 26, 28 are closed. Other mounting positions for the mullion assembly 30 may also be used with the present invention. The mullion hinge assembly 80 may be one of a plurality of mullion hinge assemblies that pivotally couple the mullion assembly 30 to the door 26. As Figure 3 As shown, door 26 includes a clip member 78 , which may be a dovetail-shaped clip member, which is received in a channel 84 of a base 82 of a mullion hinge assembly 80 to fixedly couple the mullion hinge assembly to door 26 , thereby pivotally coupling mullion assembly 30 to door 26 .

[0028] Reference now Figure 4 , the hinge assembly 80 includes a first hinge element 86, which includes a first cam member 90. The first cam member 90 is spaced apart from the base 82 of the vertical frame hinge assembly 80 and includes a cam upper surface 92. In the illustrated embodiment, a hinge pin 94 projects upwardly from the first cam member 90 and is spaced apart from the cam member 90 to define an inner cavity 96 therebetween, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As best shown, a lower hinge pin 95 projects downwardly from the first cam member 90 and is operable to pivotally engage a portion of the mullion assembly 30 .

[0029] like Figure 4As further shown, the mullion hinge assembly 80 includes a second hinge element 88 including a second cam member 100 and a mounting flange 104 adapted to interconnect with the mullion assembly 30. The second cam member 100 includes a cam lower surface 102 configured to engage the cam upper surface 92 of the first cam member 90 when assembled. Specifically, the cam lower surface 102 includes an engagement point 102A that maintains contact with the cam upper surface 92 of the first cam member 90 when the second cam member 100 rotates relative to the first cam member 90. The engagement point 102A of the cam lower surface 102 of the second cam member 100 defines the lowest point of the cam lower surface 102 of the second cam member 100. The second hinge element 88 also includes a base 106 that is rotatably received in the inner cavity 96 of the first hinge element 86. The base 106 is also slidably received in the inner cavity 96 of the first hinge element 86 for vertical movement therein. This engagement allows the base 106 of the second hinge element 88 to nest within the inner cavity 96 of the first hinge element 86. The second hinge element 88 also includes a receiving channel 108 disposed therethrough. The receiving channel 108 of the second hinge element 88 defines a hollow interior of the second hinge element 88. In assembly, the hinge pin 94 of the first hinge element 86 extends through the receiving channel 108 to further interconnect the first hinge element 86 and the second hinge element 88. This interconnection about the hinge pin 94 enables the first cam member 90 and the second cam member 100 to pivot relative to each other, as further described below.

[0030] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the second hinge element 88 is located on the first hinge element 86 in a first position. As described above, the second hinge element 88 is rotatably received on the hinge pin 94 of the first hinge element 86. Therefore, the second hinge element 88 can be rotated from Figure 4 The first position shown is rotated to Figure 5 When the mullion assembly 30 is rotated along the door 26, the second hinge element 88 is provided with rotation relative to the first hinge element 86. When the second hinge element 88 is in the first position ( Figure 4 ), the vertical frame assembly 30 is considered to be in the stowed position. When the second hinge element 88 is in the second position ( Figure 5 ), the vertical frame assembly 30 is considered to be in the deployed position.

[0031] like Figure 4 As further shown, the mullion hinge assembly 80 includes a spring member 110 having a first end 112 that abuts the second hinge element 88 and a second end 114 that abuts a portion of the mullion assembly 30. The spring member 110 is Figure 41 and 10. The spring member 110 is shown in the form of a coil spring and is located above the second hinge element 88. In use, the spring member 110 provides a biasing force on the second hinge element 88 to keep the cam lower surface 102 of the second hinge element 88 against the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86. Thus, the second hinge element 88 is fixedly mounted to the vertical frame assembly 30 via the mounting flange 104, but is also slidably disposed on the first hinge element 86 for vertical movement along the hinge pin 94 of the first hinge element 86. Figure 4 , the first hinge element 86 and the second hinge element 88 are aligned because the corresponding cam surfaces 92, 102 are arranged at the same angle relative to each other. Figure 4 In the embodiment, it is assumed that the vertical frame assembly 30 is in the stowed position, such as Figure 3 The mullion assembly 30 is biased into this position by the interaction of the cam surfaces 92 , 102 held in contact via the spring member 110 .

[0032] As described above, the mullion assembly 30 is configured to rotate about the mullion hinge assembly 80 (and other such hinge assemblies) between the deployed position and the stowed position. When the door 26 is in the open position, the mullion assembly 30 is considered to be in the stowed position. In addition, when the door 26 is in the open position, the mullion assembly 30 is accessible to a user and is easily rotated by the user from the stowed position to the deployed position. When the door 26 is in the open position, rotation of the mullion assembly 30 from the stowed position to the deployed position may be problematic because a user may attempt to close the door 26 when the mullion assembly in the deployed position is not properly configured to engage the cabinet 4. During the closing movement of the door 26, as the mullion assembly 30 extends outwardly from the door 26 in the deployed position, the mullion assembly 30 may be damaged or broken when it contacts a closed door assembly (e.g., the second door 28), or, if both refrigerator doors 26, 28 are open, the guide pins of the mullion assembly 30 may be damaged by engaging with the broadside of the main body portion of one of the upper guide member 22 or the lower guide member 24. At a minimum, if a user closes the door 26 when the mullion assembly 30 is in the deployed position, the door 26 will not be fully closed. Therefore, the mullion hinge assembly 80 is configured to bias the mullion assembly 30 to the stowed position to counteract the user's undesired interference.

[0033] When the mullion assembly 30 is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position, the cam surfaces 92, 102 are disposed at the same angle relative to each other such that the first cam member 90 and the second cam member 100 are said to be aligned (eg, Figure 4). This alignment helps to maintain the mullion assembly 30 in the stowed position when the door 26 is open. When the mullion assembly 30 moves from the stowed position to the deployed position when the door 26 is in the open position, the cam lower surface 102 of the second cam member 100 rotates with the mullion assembly 30 so that the engagement point 102A of the cam lower surface 102 of the second cam member 100 travels on the cam upper surface 92 of the first cam member 90. This rotation of the second cam member 100 along Figure 5 The second cam member 100 is driven upward in the direction indicated by the middle arrow 120, so that the second hinge element 88 is vertically displaced from the first hinge element 86. When the vertical frame assembly 30 is in the deployed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, when the cam surfaces 92, 102 are not aligned with each other, the upward movement of the second cam member 100 compresses the spring member 110 to increase the force between the cam surfaces 92, 102. This force pushes the cam surfaces 92, 102 back to the original position. Figure 4 The rest position or aligned position is shown, wherein the cam surfaces 92, 102 are aligned with each other. Thus, the spring member 110 of the present concept is operable between a first and a second position, wherein the first position may be associated with a rest state of the spring member 110, and the second position of the spring member 110 may be associated with a compressed state of the spring member 110. The vertical displacement or compression of the spring member 110 between the rest state and the compressed state is considered to be related to the distance 122 ( Figure 7 ) as further described below.

[0034] Reference now Figure 6 , the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 includes a first portion 92A, which is defined at a lower position within the scallops 93 of the cam upper surface 92. The cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 also includes a second portion 92B, which is defined at a higher position along the cam upper surface 92. The second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 does not need to be the highest portion of the cam upper surface 92, but is disposed above the first portion 92A. Therefore, the first portion 92A and the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 respectively define a lower portion and an upper portion ( 122 ) vertically offset from each other. Figure 7). The cam upper surface 92 includes an intermediate portion 92C, which is an inclined portion arranged in a continuously descending configuration from the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 to the first portion 92A of the cam upper surface 92. Therefore, in the case where the second portion 92B is vertically arranged above the first portion 92A, the inclined intermediate portion 92C arranged therebetween provides a continuous and progressive translation between the first portion 92A and the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86. Therefore, when translating from the first portion 92A to the second portion 92B, the intermediate portion 92C can be referred to as an ascending intermediate portion. In addition, when translating from the second portion 92B to the first portion 92A, the intermediate portion 92C can be referred to as a descending intermediate portion.

[0035] In addition, there is no scallop at the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92, so that the engagement of the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 at the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 is considered to be a misaligned engagement of the first hinge element 86 and the second hinge element 88. Therefore, when the engagement point 102A contacts the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, the second hinge element 88 is biased toward a rotational position in which the engagement point 102A contacts the first portion 92A of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86. It is contemplated that the engagement point 102A may extend downwardly to nest within the scallop 93 to maintain the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 in contact with the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86. In this way, the scallop 93 of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 defines a detent position for receiving the engagement point 102A of the cam lower surface 102 of the second hinge element 88.

[0036] As described above, movement of the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 along the ascending cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 moves the second hinge element 88 upwardly along the hinge pin 94 and loads the spring member 110 to further bias the second hinge element 88 back toward the interconnection between the engagement point 102A and the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86. As further described above, when the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 contacts the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, the mullion assembly 30 rotates toward the deployed position, which is approximately 90° relative to the first side portion 54 of the door liner 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 When the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 contacts the first portion 92A of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, the vertical frame assembly 30 is in the stowed position and is substantially parallel to the first side portion 54 of the door liner 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 3. Thus, the hinge assembly 80 of the present concept biases the vertical frame assembly 30 toward the stowed position by the engagement of the cam surfaces 92, 102 and the urging bias provided by the spring member 110. Thus, in the unaligned position (i.e., when the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 contacts the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86), the second hinge element will be biased to rotate toward the aligned position (i.e., when the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 contacts the first portion 92A of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86). This rotational movement will occur under the action of gravity as the engagement point 102A moves downward along the descending middle portion 92C of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, which continuously translates from the second portion 92B to the first portion 92A, and is assisted by the downward force of the spring member 110.

[0037] Reference now Figure 6 , shows a graphical representation depicting a comparison of the spring forces of the spring member 110 when the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 is disposed in a first position 92A and a second position 92B along the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86. Figure 6 At the -5° position of the diagram, the vertical frame assembly 30 is assumed to be in the stowed position, such as Figure 3 As shown, the spring member 110 is contemplated to have little or no torque acting on the second hinge element 88. With the vertical frame assembly 30 and the stowed position, the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 is contemplated to be disposed at the first portion 92A within the scallop 93 of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As the vertical frame assembly 30 rotates from the stowed position to the deployed position, the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 is envisioned to move from the first portion 92A within the scallop 93 of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 to the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As specifically identified in the right side view of the first hinge element 86 of FIG. 8 . As the engagement point 102A of the second hinge element 88 engages the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86, the torque on the spring member 110 has risen significantly to about 200 N*mm. This amount of torque provided by the spring member 110 is associated with the mullion assembly 30 being arranged at an angle of about 90° or more to the door 26 (e.g., Figure 3). Thus, during rotation of the second hinge element 88 relative to the first hinge element 86, the spring member 110 compresses as the second hinge element 88 moves upward along the hinge pin 94 of the first hinge element 86. As described above, during rotation of the second hinge element 88, the second hinge element 88 moves upward along the hinge pin 94 of the first hinge element 86 because the engagement point 102A travels along the rising middle portion 92C of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 between the first portion 92A and the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92. This vertically displaces the second hinge element 88 relative to the first hinge element 86 by simultaneously rotating and lifting the second hinge element 88. Lifting the second hinge element 88 vertically compresses the spring member 110. In the compressed state, the spring member 110 provides a considerable downward force on the second hinge element 88 to urge the second hinge element 88 to align with the first hinge element 86. The aligned position is the position where the engagement point 102A of the second hinge member 88 is aligned with the first portion 92A of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86 and is also the position where the vertical frame assembly 30 is in alignment. Figure 3 The position shown is relative to the stowed position.

[0038] Reference now Figure 7 , the vertical displacement between the first portion 92A and the second portion 92B is believed to exceed 5 mm and may be anywhere in the range from about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. Thus, during rotation of the second hinge element 88 relative to the first hinge element 86, as the second hinge element 88 moves upward along the hinge pin 94 of the first hinge element 86, the spring member 110 may be compressed a distance of about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. Thus, during rotation of the second hinge element 88 relative to the first hinge element 86, the spring member 110 may be compressed a distance of about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. Figure 7 , the vertical frame assembly 30 is rotated from -5° (stowed position) to 90° (deployed position) relative to the door 26, which is associated with the displacement or compression of the spring member 110, and the distance of the displacement or compression is corresponding to the vertical distance 122 between the first portion 92A and the second portion 92B of the cam upper surface 92 of the first hinge element 86.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly for a vertical frame assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element including a first cam member and a hinge pin. The first cam member includes a cam upper surface spaced from the hinge pin to define an inner cavity therebetween. The cam upper surface includes a first portion disposed below a second portion, with an ascending middle portion disposed therebetween. A second hinge element includes a second cam member, a base, and a hollow interior. The second cam member includes a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point engaged with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. The base of the second hinge element is slidably received in the inner cavity of the first hinge element. The hinge pin of the first hinge element is slidably received through the hollow interior of the second hinge element. The second hinge element is capable of rotating around the hinge pin between a first and a second position. A spring member is operably coupled to the second hinge element and is capable of operating between a first position and a second position. When the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the spring member moves from the first position to the second position. The second position of the spring member defines a compressed state of the spring member.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement point of the second hinge element defines the lowest point of the lower surface of the cam.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the second hinge element is in the first position, the engagement point of the second hinge element engages with a first portion of an upper cam surface of the first hinge element.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the second hinge element is in the second position, the engagement point of the second hinge element engages with a second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the second hinge element moves upward along the hinge pin of the first hinge element.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring member biases the second hinge element downwardly along a hinge pin of the first hinge element to urge the second hinge element to rotate from the second position toward the first position.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rising middle portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element rises continuously from the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element to the second portion.

[0046] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is disposed within a scallop defined on the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a door rotatably coupled to a cabinet between an open position and a closed position. A mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the refrigerator door between a stowed position and an extended position. When the mullion assembly is in the extended position, the mullion assembly extends outward from the inner edge of the door. A hinge assembly interconnects the mullion assembly with the door. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element including a first cam member and a hinge pin. The first cam member includes a cam upper surface, the cam upper surface including an upper portion disposed above a lower portion, with an inclined middle portion disposed therebetween. A second hinge element is rotatably received on the hinge pin between a first position and a second position and has a second cam member. The second cam member includes a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point, and when the second hinge element is in the first position and the mullion assembly is in the stowed position, the engagement point engages with a lower portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. The engagement point engages an upper portion of an upper cam surface of the first hinge element when the second hinge element is in the second position and the mullion assembly is in the deployed position.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a spring member is operably coupled between the second hinge element and the mullion assembly, wherein the spring member biases the mullion assembly from the deployed position toward the stowed position.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a spring member is operably coupled between the second hinge element and the mullion assembly, wherein the spring member biases the second hinge element from the second position toward the first position.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement point of the second hinge element defines the lowest point of the lower surface of the cam.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the second hinge element moves upward along the hinge pin of the first hinge element.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inclined middle portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is continuously inclined in an upward direction from a lower portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element to an upper portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is disposed within a scallop defined on the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second hinge element includes a mounting flange to fixedly couple the second hinge element to the mullion assembly for rotation therewith.

[0055] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first hinge element includes a base fixedly coupling the first hinge element to the door, and further wherein the base is spaced apart from the first cam member.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly for a vertical frame assembly includes a first hinge element, the first hinge element having a first cam member, the first cam member having a cam upper surface, the cam upper surface having a first portion and a second portion, and an inclined middle portion disposed therebetween. The first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is vertically spaced a distance from the second portion. A second hinge element is rotatably coupled to the first hinge element between a first and a second position, and includes a second cam member, the second cam member having a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point that engages with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. When the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the second hinge element is driven upward by engagement of the engagement point with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is disposed below the second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

[0058] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a distance between a first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element and a second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is in a range of about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm.

[0059] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the construction of the disclosure and other components is not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0060] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupling, coupled, coupled, etc.) generally refers to the attachment of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such attachment may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such attachment may be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members that may be integrally formed as a single entity with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such attachment may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0061] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, material use, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject. For example, the element shown as being formed integrally can be composed of the multiple parts or elements shown, and multiple parts can be formed integrally, the operation of the interface can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or quantity of the adjustment position set between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system can be composed of any of a variety of materials, which provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications should be included within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0062] It will be understood that any described process or steps in a described process can 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 should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for pivotally coupling a mullion assembly to a refrigerator door between a stowed position and a deployed position, the hinge assembly comprising: a first hinge element having a first cam member and a hinge pin, wherein the first cam member includes a cam upper surface spaced from the hinge pin to define an inner cavity therebetween, and further wherein the cam upper surface includes a first portion disposed below a second portion with a raised intermediate portion disposed therebetween; a second hinge element having a second cam member, a base, and a hollow interior, wherein the second cam member includes a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point that engages the cam upper surface of the first hinge element, and further, wherein the base of the second hinge element is slidably received in the inner cavity of the first hinge element, and further, wherein the hinge pin of the first hinge element is slidably received through the hollow interior of the second hinge element, wherein the second hinge element is rotatable about the hinge pin between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a stowed position of the mullion assembly and the second position corresponding to a deployed position of the mullion assembly, wherein when the second hinge element is in the first position and the mullion assembly is in the stowed position, the engagement point engages the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element, and further, wherein when the second hinge element is in the second position and the mullion assembly is in the deployed position, the engagement point engages the second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element; as well as a spring member operably coupled to the second hinge element, wherein the spring member is operable between a first position and a second position, and further wherein the spring member moves from the first position to the second position when the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, and further wherein the second position of the spring member defines a compressed state of the spring member, and further wherein the spring member biases the second hinge element downwardly along the hinge pin of the first hinge element to urge the second hinge element to rotate from the second position toward the first position.

2. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement point of the second hinge element defines a lowest point of the cam lower surface.

3. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein the second hinge element moves upward along the hinge pin of the first hinge element when the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rising middle portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element rises continuously from the first portion to the second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

5. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is disposed within a scallop defined on the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

6. A refrigerator, comprising: a door rotatably coupled to the housing between an open position and a closed position; a mullion assembly pivotally coupled to the refrigerator door between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the mullion assembly extends outwardly from an inner side edge of the door when the mullion assembly is in the deployed position; a hinge assembly interconnecting the mullion assembly with the door, wherein the hinge assembly comprises: a first hinge element having a first cam member and a hinge pin, wherein the first cam member includes a cam upper surface having an upper portion disposed above a lower portion with an inclined middle portion disposed therebetween; a second hinge element rotatably received on the hinge pin between a first position and a second position and having a second cam member, wherein the second cam member includes a cam lower surface, the cam lower surface including an engagement point that engages the lower portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element when the second hinge element is in the first position and the mullion assembly is in the stowed position, and further wherein the engagement point engages the upper portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element when the second hinge element is in the second position and the mullion assembly is in the deployed position; and A spring member is operably coupled to the second hinge element and the mullion assembly, wherein the spring member biases the mullion assembly from the deployed position toward the stowed position. 7 . The refrigerator of claim 6 , wherein the spring member biases the second hinge element from the second position toward the first position.

8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the engagement point of the second hinge element defines a lowest point of the cam lower surface. 9 . The refrigerator according to claim 6 , wherein when the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position, the second hinge element moves upward along the hinge pin of the first hinge element.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the inclined middle portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is continuously inclined in an upward direction from the lower portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element to the upper portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element. 11 . The refrigerator according to claim 10 , wherein the lower portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is disposed within a scallop defined on the cam upper surface of the first hinge element.

12. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the second hinge element includes a mounting flange to fixedly couple the second hinge element to the mullion assembly for rotation therewith.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein the first hinge element includes a base fixedly coupling the first hinge element to the door, and further wherein the base is spaced apart from the first cam member.

14. A hinge assembly for pivotally coupling a mullion assembly to a refrigerator door between a stowed position and a deployed position, the hinge assembly comprising: a first hinge element, the first hinge element having a first cam member, the first cam member having a cam upper surface, the cam upper surface having a first portion and a second portion with an inclined middle portion disposed therebetween, wherein the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is disposed below and vertically spaced a distance from the second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element; a second hinge element rotatably coupled to the first hinge element between a first position corresponding to a stowed position of the mullion assembly and a second position corresponding to a deployed position of the mullion assembly, the second hinge element having a second cam member including a cam lower surface including an engagement point for engagement with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element, and further wherein the second hinge element is driven upwardly by engagement of the engagement point with the cam upper surface of the first hinge element when the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position; as well as a spring member operably coupled to the second hinge element, wherein the spring member is operable between a first position and a second position, and further wherein when the second hinge element is rotated from the first position to the second position, the spring member is compressed a distance comparable to a distance between the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element and the second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element, and further wherein the spring member biases the second hinge element toward the first position of the second hinge element.

15. The hinge assembly of claim 14, wherein the distance between the first portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element and the second portion of the cam upper surface of the first hinge element is in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

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