Refrigerator and accessory beverage holder thereof

Abstract

A beverage holder includes a housing including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion and a bottom portion. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 778,898, filed Mar. 27, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of food storage appliances and accessories thereof. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a beverage accessory for storing beverage containers.SUMMARY

[0003] One embodiment relates to a beverage holder including a housing, where the housing includes a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, where the second container retained within the top portion of the storage compartment, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

[0004] In some embodiments, the retention feature is a rubberized bumper. In some embodiments, the retention feature includes a thickness greater than a thickness of the undulating divider to at least partially retain the first container within the storage compartment. In some embodiments, a volume of the top portion of the storage compartment is substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion of the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the storage compartment is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the first container in the bottom portion of the storage compartment via gravity. In some embodiments, the undulating divider is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the second container in the top portion of the storage compartment via gravity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the housing includes a mounting portion configured to mount the beverage holder within a refrigerator. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a container attachment feature extending from a bottom of the housing configured to mount a storage container below the beverage holder for storage within a refrigerator.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a refrigerator including a beverage holder. The beverage holder includes a housing, where the housing includes a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, where the second container retained within the top portion of the storage compartment, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing of the beverage holder includes a mounting portion configured to mount the beverage holder within a refrigerator. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the beverage holder is a cutout into a side wall of the housing, where the cutout receives a refrigerator shelf support to mount the beverage holder. In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes refrigerator door including the refrigerator shelf support protruding from an inner surface of the refrigerator door for mounting the beverage holder in the refrigerator door.

[0008] In some embodiments, the retention feature is a rubberized bumper. In some embodiments, the retention feature includes a thickness greater than a thickness of the undulating divider to at least partially retain the first container within the storage compartment. In some embodiments, a volume of the top portion of the storage compartment is substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion of the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the storage compartment is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the first container in the bottom portion of the storage compartment via gravity. In some embodiments, the undulating divider is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the second container in the top portion of the storage compartment via gravity. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a container attachment feature extending from a bottom of the housing configured to mount a storage container below the beverage holder for storage within a refrigerator.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator including a beverage holder in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage holder in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are section views of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5A is a front view of an undulating divider in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5B is a front view of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7A is a front view of one embodiment of a refrigerator door.

[0017] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of a refrigerator door including a beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of a refrigerator door including a beverage holder and a container assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a front view of a refrigerator including a beverage holder and multiple container assemblies, in accordance with an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022] In an embodiment, a beverage holder includes a housing including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, where the second container is retained within the top portion of the storage compartment, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container. In some embodiments, the beverage holder may be mounted within a refrigerator and / or within a refrigerator door.

[0023] One or more beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, jars, pouches, etc.) may be placed into the beverage holder for convenient storage (e.g., by a user stocking the beverage holder). The undulating divider may define (e.g., via a radius of curvature of the undulating divider) multiple storage positions for said containers, where some containers are stored on the bottom surface of the housing in the bottom portion of the storage compartment, and other containers are stored on the undulating divider in the top portion of the storage compartment. The containers may be inserted into the storage compartment into one of the storage positions. For example, the beverage holder may be configured to store eight standard 12-oz cans, where the radius of curvature corresponds to a radius of curvature of the 12-oz can. The radius of curvature of the undulated divider is repeated across a length of the undulating divider, so the curvature defines a given number (e.g., four) storage positions above the undulating divider (e.g., defined by the valleys of the curvature) and another given number (e.g., four) storage positions below the undulating divider (e.g., defined by the peaks of the curvature) for the cans. The beverage holder is configured for the containers to fit snuggly into the storage compartment, where the containers are at least partially retained in the storage positions by the undulating divider (e.g., the containers are at least partially in contact with the undulating divider).

[0024] When the beverage holder is mounted in a refrigerator door, the refrigerator door swings open and / or closed, which may shift the containers. The bottom surface of the housing and / or the undulating divider may be angled upwards (i.e., sloped upwards from back to front) to retain the containers within the storage compartment using gravity. The housing includes the lip to retain containers positioned on the bottom surface of the housing. The undulating divider includes the retention feature to retain containers positioned on the undulating divider. The lip and / or the retention feature retain the containers by contacting at least part of a container, if said container begins to move out of the storage compartment. The user may remove a container from the beverage holder by lifting the container upwards (e.g., over the lip and / or the retention feature) and pulling the container out of the beverage holder.

[0025] Furthermore, the beverage holder may be configured to store various amounts of containers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 or more) and / or various sizes of containers (i.e., since beverage containers come in various sizes). Furthermore, the beverage holder may be configured to be mounted in differently sized and / or styled refrigerators and / or refrigerator doors, which may configure the beverage holder to store varied amounts of containers. When storing beverage containers within a refrigerator, the containers may fit awkwardly into the space, and / or be pushed to the back of the refrigerator, making the containers difficult to access. The beverage holder provides for convenient storage of beverage containers within a refrigerator door, maximizing storage space and providing easy access to the containers. Additionally, the design of the beverage holder disclosed herein provides the additional benefit of improved retention of the individual beverage container both in a lateral position (i.e., side-to-side position) due to the shape of the undulating divider as well as retaining the container in a consistent depth position (i.e., front-to-back position) due to the upward angling of the divider. Such improved retention has additional significance when the beverage holder is positioned within a door that is subject to routine movement due to opening and closing of the door.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 100 is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The refrigerator 100 may be configured for a residential kitchen. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a refrigerator door 110 (i.e., a refrigerator door assembly). The refrigerator door 110 may be hingedly coupled to a body of the refrigerator 100, so the refrigerator door 110 may be opened and / or closed. The refrigerator 100 may be a single-door refrigerator. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes multiple refrigerator doors (e.g., double-door refrigerator). In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 may include a freezer. The freezer may be a lower-door freezer. In other words, the removable refrigerator shelf assembly 20 may be included in refrigerators of different sizes, models, styles, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, various accessory devices and / or items (e.g., food, condiments, beverages, etc.) may be stored within the refrigerator door 110 and / or in an accessory device mounted therein.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 100 includes a beverage holder 200. The beverage holder 200 is configured to conveniently store one or more beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, jars, pouches, etc.) within the refrigerator 100. The beverage holder 200 includes a housing 202 including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment 204. The housing 202 includes a rear end 208 and a front end 210, where the rear end 208 may include a rear wall (e.g., be closed) and the front end 210 may be open for accessing the storage compartment 204.

[0028] The housing 202 further includes a lip 206 extending upward from a bottom surface 207 of the housing 202 (e.g., of an interior thereof) at the front end 210 of the housing 202. The lip 206 partially covers a volume of the storage compartment 204 to retain a first container 301 within the storage compartment 204. The first container 301 is supported by the bottom surface 207 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., the first container 301 rests at a bottom of the storage compartment 204). The bottom surface 207 of the storage compartment 204 may be angled upward from a rear position (e.g., at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 toward a forward position (e.g., at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 to at least partially retain the first container 301 in the storage compartment 204 (e.g., or in a bottom portion 214 thereof) via gravity.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5B, the beverage holder 200 includes an undulating divider 220 positioned within the housing 202 dividing the storage compartment 204 into a top portion 212 above the undulating divider 220 and a bottom portion 214 below the undulating divider 220. A volume of the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 may be substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204. In some embodiments, the volumes of the top portion 212 and the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 may differ. For example, one portion (e.g., one of the top portion 212 or the bottom portion 214) may be configured to store a first sized container, with the other portion configured to store a second sized container.

[0030] The undulating divider 220 may be connected to one or more of the plurality of walls of the housing 202. The undulating divider 220 may be connected to a first side wall (e.g., a left wall) and / or to a second side wall (e.g., a right wall). In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may be mounted onto the first side wall and / or the second side wall to position the undulating divider 220 within the storage compartment 204. The undulating divider 220 may extend from the first side wall to the second side wall (e.g., extend across the housing 202).

[0031] The undulating divider 220 may extend from the rear end 208 of the housing 202 to the front end 210 of the housing. For example, a rear end 228 of the undulating divider 220 may be positioned at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202, with a front end 230 of the undulating divider 220 positioned at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202. In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may be mounted within the storage compartment 204 with the rear end 228 of the undulating divider 220 mounted to the rear end 208 (e.g., to a rear wall) of the housing 202.

[0032] The undulating divider 220 supports a second container 302 on a top surface 221 of the undulating divider 220 to retain the second container 302 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204. The undulating divider 220 may be angled upward from a rear position (e.g., the rear end 228, at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 toward a forward position (e.g., the front end 230, at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 to at least partially retain the second container 302 in the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 via gravity. For example, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted in the refrigerator door 110, when the refrigerator door 110 swings open or closed, the container may begin to move longitudinally (e.g., slide forward). The undulating divider 220 being angled upward restricts said longitudinal movement of the container (e.g., using gravitational, normal, and / or friction forces against the container or a bottom thereof) so the container is generally maintained in position of the undulating divider 220 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., so the container does not slide out of the beverage holder 200).

[0033] The undulating divider 220 includes a radius of curvature for retaining the second container 302 within the radius of curvature. The radius of curvature may correspond to a curvature of the first container 301 and / or the second container 302 for supporting the container on the undulating divider 220. The radius of curvature restricts movement of the container supported by the undulating divider 220 (e.g., using normal and / or friction forces). For example, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted within the refrigerator door 110, when the refrigerator door 110 swings open and / or closed, the container may begin to move laterally. The radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 restricts said lateral movement of the container (e.g., using normal or friction force against the container and / or a side thereof) so the container is generally maintained in position on the undulating divider 220 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., so the container does not roll or slide laterally).

[0034] The radius of curvature may restrict movement of the container positioned within the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., using normal and / or friction forces against the container and / or a top portion thereof). For example, when the refrigerator door 110 swings open and / or closed, the container in the bottom portion may begin to move laterally. But the radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 restricts said lateral movement of the container (e.g., using normal or friction force against the container and / or a top portion thereof) so the container is generally maintained within the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., so the container does not roll or slide laterally).

[0035] The radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 may be repeated across a length of the undulating divider 220 (e.g., from side to side of the housing 202). The radius of curvature may be repeated 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more times across the length of the undulating divider 220. As shown in FIG. 5A, the radius of curvature may include a nadir 240 (e.g., a low point) and an apex 245 (e.g., a high point). The radius of curvature may be defined as repeating between apexes and nadirs.

[0036] The undulating divider 220 may define a storage position 250 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 for retaining a container (e.g., second container 302). As depicted in FIG. 5B, the radius of curvature may define the storage position 250 for storing a container (e.g., the second container 302) on the top surface 221 of the undulating divider 220, where the storage position 250 is defined substantially between a first apex 245a and a second apex 245b of the radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the storage position 250 in the top portion 212 may be defined as a volume generally above a nadir 240 (e.g., a low point of the radius of curvature). The container may be at least partially supported by the undulating divider 220 within the storage position 250 by the radius of curvature extending upwards from the nadir 240 on both sides of the nadir 240 (e.g., the container and / or a bottom thereof is cradled within the valley of the radius of curvature).

[0037] The undulating divider 220 may define a storage position 255 within the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 for retaining a container (e.g., the first container 301). As depicted in FIG. 5B, the radius of curvature may define the storage position 255 for storing a container (e.g., the second container 302) on the bottom surface 207 of the housing 202, where the storage position 255 is defined substantially between a first nadir 240a and a second nadir 240b of the radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the storage position 255 in the bottom portion 214 may be defined as a volume generally below an apex 245. The container may be at least partially maintained in the storage position 255 by the undulating divider 220 with the radius of curvature extending downward from the apex 245 on both side of the apex 245 (e.g., the container and / or a top thereof is retained in the storage position 255 by the peak of the radius of curvature).

[0038] In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may define 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more storage positions in the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204. In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may define 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more storage positions in the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204. For example, the undulating divider 220 may define 8 storage positions within the storage compartment 204, with four storage portions in the top portion 212 and four storage portions in the bottom portion 214. A number of storage portions may differ depending on the radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 and / or the size of the container being stored. In some embodiments, the storage portions in the top portion 212 may be laterally offset from the storage portions in the bottom portion 214 (e.g., due to the radius of curvature).

[0039] The undulating divider 220 includes a retention feature 222 at the front end 230 of the undulating divider 220 to at least partially retain the second container 302 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204. The retention feature 222 is configured to stop the second container 302 from falling off the front end 230 of the undulating divider 220 (e.g., when the refrigerator door swings open or closed and the container may move within the storage compartment 204). For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the retention feature 222 include a thickness 223 greater than a thickness 224 of the undulating divider 220. If the second container 302 moves along the top surface 221 of the undulating divider 220 toward the front end 230, at least a portion of the second container 302 contacts the retention feature 222 and is retained on the undulating divider 220 (e.g., using normal and / or friction force). In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 includes a radius of curvature similar to the undulating divider 220 (e.g., the radius of curvature is maintained with the retention feature 222).

[0040] In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 may be a bumper (e.g., a lip), a stop, a flap, and / or another retention feature configured to stop a container from falling off the undulating divider 220. In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 may be a rubberized bumper. The retention feature 222 may be made of various materials. For example, when the retention feature 222 is the rubberized bumper, the rubber surface of the retention feature 222 provides friction to retain the container on the undulating divider 220. Rubber grabs the container to use friction force if said container hits the rubberized bumper, and because rubber is a relatively soft material, the rubberized bumper may prevent the container from bouncing over the rubberized bumper (e.g., limiting the bounce of the container during and / or after contact with the rubberized bumper).

[0041] In some embodiments, a second retention feature may be connected to the retention feature 222 (e.g., a first retention feature 222) of the undulating divider 220. The second retention feature may fit over the first retention feature 222 (e.g., snap on, slide on from a first end of the undulating divider 220, etc.). For example, the undulating divider 220 may include the first retention feature 222 configured as a lip, where the second retention feature may be positioned over and / or on the first retention feature 222 to at least partially retain (e.g., increase retainment of) the second container 302 on the undulating divider 220. In some embodiments, the second retention feature may correspond in shape (e.g., have a similar radius of curvature to the undulating divider 220) to the first retention feature 222. The second retention feature may be made of a different material to the first retention feature 222. For example, the first retention feature 222 may be made from plastic (e.g., where the undulating divider 220 is made from plastic), and the second retention feature may be made from rubber to increase retainment of the second container 302 on the undulating divider 220.

[0042] In some embodiments, the lip 206 of the housing 202 may extend around a perimeter of the storage compartment 204, where the lip 206 may extend downward from a top surface of the housing 202 (e.g., of an interior thereof) at the front end 210 of the housing 202. In some embodiments, a lip extending downward from the top surface of the housing 202 may be separate from the lip 206 at extending upward from the bottom surface 207. The lip 206 may be configured to at least partially retain the second container 302 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204, where the second container 302 may bounce upward (e.g., after hitting the retention feature 222, after the refrigerator door 110 moves) and contact the lip 206, thereby causing the second container 302 to be retained in the storage compartment 204 (e.g., not fall out). In some embodiments, where the lip 206 extends around the perimeter of the storage compartment 204, the lip 206 may cover at least part of the volume of the storage compartment at or near a side of the housing 202 (e.g., the lip 206 extends from a side wall). The lip 206 may partially retain a container within the storage compartment 204, where the lip 206 contacts the container on a side thereof (e.g., retain a container positioned at or near a side wall of the beverage holder 200). In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 of the undulating divider 220 may also extend downward, forming a lip at or near a top of the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204. The lip formed by the retention feature 222 may at least partially retain the first container 301 within the bottom portion 214, where the first container 301 may bounce upward (e.g., after hitting the lip 206, after the refrigerator door 110 moves) and contact the lip formed downward by the retention feature 222, thereby causing the first container 301 to be retained in the storage compartment 204 (e.g., not fall out).

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6A through 7B, the beverage holder 200 may be mounted in the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110 thereof. The housing 202 of the beverage holder 200 includes a mounting portion 260 configured to mount the beverage holder 200 within the refrigerator 100. The mounting portion 260 may be a cutout into an exterior surface of a side wall 264 of the housing 202. For example, the cutout may be formed from the rear end 208 of the housing 202 extending toward the front end 210. The cutout may receive a refrigerator shelf support 160 to mount the beverage holder 200 thereon (e.g., via gravity, via friction, etc.). The refrigerator door 110 may include the refrigerator shelf support 160. For example, the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be a protrusion on an inner surface of the refrigerator door 110 (e.g., the refrigerator shelf support 160 may protrude from the inner surface).

[0044] The refrigerator shelf support 160 at least partially corresponds in shape to the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the mounting portion 260 may include an opening 261 (e.g., an opening portion) for receiving the refrigerator shelf support 160. The opening 261 may be formed at the rear end 208 of the housing 202. The refrigerator shelf support 160 may include a height 171, where the height 171 of the refrigerator shelf support 160 corresponds to a height 271 of the opening 261 of the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200. For example, the height 171 of the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be less than or equal to the height 271 of the opening 261 of the mounting portion 260. The refrigerator shelf support 160 may slide into the mounting portion 260 to mount the beverage holder 200 within the refrigerator door 110. The mounting portion 260 may be generally L-shaped, where a locking portion 262 of the mounting portion 260 may secure the beverage holder 200 when mounted within the refrigerator 100. The locking portion 262 may extend vertically (e.g., above, upward) from the opening 261. A width 272 of the locking portion 262 may correspond to a width 172 of the refrigerator shelf support 160. For example, the width 172 of the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be less than or equal to the width 272 of the locking portion 262. The refrigerator shelf support 160 may be received by the opening 261 of the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200, where the beverage holder 200 is slid onto the refrigerator shelf support 160 until the refrigerator shelf support 160 is positioned underneath the locking portion 262 of the mounting portion 260, so the beverage holder 200 may be lowered (e.g., dropped down) onto the refrigerator shelf support 160. The refrigerator shelf support 160 is at least partially positioned within the locking portion 262 of the mounting portion 260 to secure the beverage holder 200 onto the refrigerator shelf support 160 (e.g., via gravity).

[0045] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a second refrigerator shelf support 166. The refrigerator door 110 may include the second refrigerator shelf support 166. The second refrigerator shelf support 166 may be positioned opposite the refrigerator shelf support 160 (e.g., on an opposite inner surface to the refrigerator shelf support 160). The second refrigerator shelf support 166 may be configured similarly to the refrigerator shelf support 160. For example, the refrigerator shelf support 160 and the second refrigerator shelf support 166 may form a first set of refrigerator shelf supports, where the refrigerator shelf support 160 and the second refrigerator shelf support 166 together are substantially parallel to a floor and / or the ground. The refrigerator shelf support 160 and the second refrigerator shelf support 166 are configured for the beverage holder 200 to be level when mounted thereon. The beverage holder 200 may include a second mounting portion 266, where the housing 202 includes the second mounting portion 266 on an exterior surface of a side wall 268 of the housing 202 positioned opposite the mounting portion 260 (e.g., the mounting portion 260 and the second mounting portion 266 are on opposite sides on the beverage holder 200). The second mounting portion 266 may be configured similarly to the mounting portion 260 (e.g., similar shape, similar dimensions, with a locking portion, etc.). In some embodiments, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted within the refrigerator door 110, the front end 210 of the housing 202 may be flush with an inner surface of the refrigerator door 110, and the rear end 208 of the housing 202 may be flush with another inner surface of the refrigerator door 110, so there are not gaps between the beverage holder 200 and the surfaces of the refrigerator door 110.

[0046] In some embodiments, the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be configured differently. For example, the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be a rail and / or a track (e.g., drawer style mounting), where the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200 is a corresponding rail and / or track for mounting the beverage holder 200 onto the refrigerator shelf support 160. In some embodiments, the beverage holder 200 may be fastened into the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110 thereof.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, the beverage holder 200 may include a container attachment feature 280. The container attachment feature 280 may be positioned on a bottom 285 of the housing 202. The container attachment feature 280 may extend from the rear end 208 of the housing 202 to the front end 210. In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may extend from at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202 toward the front end 210, without substantially reaching the front end 210. In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may extent from at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202 toward the rear end 208, without substantially reaching the rear end 208. In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may be positioned between the front end 210 and the rear end 208, without substantially reaching either end.

[0048] The container attachment feature 280 may extend downward (e.g., outward) from the bottom 285 of the housing 202, where the container attachment feature 280 bends to form a shelf portion 281. For example, the container attachment feature 280 may be a slide (e.g., a container attachment slide). In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may be a hook, a latch, an opening, a hole, a track or rail, and / or other attachment configuration.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shelf portion 281 of the container attachment feature 280 may support a lip (e.g., an extended portion) of a storage container 290 for connecting the storage container 290 to the beverage holder 200 (see FIG. 9). The storage container 290 may be mounted below the beverage holder 200 using the container attachment feature 280. The storage container 290 may be removable from the beverage holder 200. For example, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted within the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110, the storage container 290 may be mounted onto the container attachment feature 280 of the beverage holder 200 to mount the storage container 290 within the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110 thereof. The storage container 290 may then be removed from the refrigerator 100 to access items stored within the storage container 290.

[0050] The container attachment feature 280 may include a retention feature 289, where the retention feature 289 is configured to provide friction force to secure the storage container 290 on the container attachment feature 280 (e.g., by pressing downward on the lip of the storage container 290). For example, the storage container 290 (e.g., the lip thereof) may be slid onto the shelf portion 281 of the container attachment feature 280, where the lip of the storage container 290 is retained between a surface of the shelf portion 281 and the retention feature 289. In some embodiments, the retention feature 289 may be a latch, a notch, a pin, and / or another retention configuration.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 8 through 10, the beverage holder 200 may include a second container attachment feature 287. The second container attachment feature 287 may be configured similarly to the container attachment feature 280. The second container attachment feature 287 may extend from the bottom 285 of the housing 202 of the beverage holder 200 and be positioned substantially parallel to the container attachment feature 280. For example, a front end of the container attachment feature 280 (e.g., an end near the front end 210 of the housing 202) may be aligned with a front end of the second container attachment feature 287 (e.g., an end near the front end 210 of the housing 202). A rear end of the container attachment feature 280 (e.g., an end near the rear end 208 of the housing 202) may be aligned with a rear end of the second container attachment feature 287 (e.g., an end near the rear end 208 of the housing 202). The second container attachment feature 287 may extend downward from the bottom 285 of the housing a distance substantially equal to a distance the container attachment feature 280 extends downward from the bottom 285 of the housing 202. The second container attachment feature 287 is laterally offset from the container attachment feature 280. For example, the second container attachment feature 287 and the container attachment feature 280 are spaced apart a distance corresponding approximately to a width of the storage container 290 and / or lips of the storage container 290 for mounting on the container attachment feature 280 and the second container attachment feature 287. The second container attachment feature 287 may include a shelf portion 288 bent toward the container attachment feature 280 for mounting the storage container 290 onto the shelf portion 281 and the shelf portion 288. For example, the container attachment feature 280 and the second container attachment feature 287 may form a first set of container attachment features for mounting the storage container 290 thereon.

[0052] In some embodiments, the beverage holder 200 may include a third container attachment feature 297. The third container attachment feature 297 may be configured similarly to the container attachment feature 280 and / or the second container attachment feature 287. The third container attachment feature 297 may extend downward from the bottom 285 of the housing 202 and be positioned laterally offset from the second container attachment feature 287. For example, the second container attachment feature 287 and the third container attachment feature 297 may form a second set of container attachment features for mounting a second storage container 291 thereon. The third container attachment feature 297 may include a shelf portion bent toward the second container attachment feature 287. In some embodiments, the second container attachment feature 287 may include a second shelf portion 298 bent in an opposite direction to the shelf portion 288, so the second storage container 291 may be mounted on the second shelf portion 298 and a shelf portion of the third container attachment feature 297, where the storage container 290 may be mounted on the shelf portion 288 and the second shelf portion 298. The second storage container 291 may be mounted adjacent to the storage container 290 (e.g., a first storage container). In some embodiments, the second container attachment feature 287 and the third container attachment feature 297 may each include a retention feature configured similarly to the retention feature 289 of the container attachment feature 280 for mounting the storage container 290.

[0053] The refrigerator 100 may include a third storage container 193 and / or a fourth storage container 194 positioned on a refrigerator shelf 195 of the refrigerator door 110. The refrigerator shelf 195 may be positioned below the beverage holder 200 to provide additional storage space. For example, when positioned on the refrigerator shelf 195, the third storage container 193 and / or the fourth storage container 194 may be positioned below the storage container 290 and / or the second storage container 291. The beverage holder 200 including the container attachment feature 280 and / or multiple container attachment features provides for additional storage space (e.g., within the storage containers) in the refrigerator door 110, which optimizes said storage space. And the beverage holder 200 provides for efficient and convenient storage of beverage containers within the storage compartment 204 thereof.

[0054] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential.

[0055] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,”“about,”“substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0056] Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (e.g., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0058] The terms “coupled,”“connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0059] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,”“bottom,”“above,”“below,”“between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0060] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all language such as “up to,”“at least,”“greater than,”“less than,” and the like, include the number recited and may refer to ranges which may be subsequently broken down into subranges. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0061] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments 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, various parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

[0062] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0063] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022]In an embodiment, a beverage holder includes a housing including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 778,898, filed Mar. 27, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of food storage appliances and accessories thereof. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a beverage accessory for storing beverage containers.SUMMARY

[0003] One embodiment relates to a beverage holder including a housing, where the housing includes a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, where the second container retained within the top portion of the storage compartment, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

[0004] In some embodiments, the retention feature is a rubberized bumper. In some embodiments, the retention feature includes a thickness greater than a thickness of the undulating divider to at least partially retain the first container within the storage compartment. In some embodiments, a volume of the top portion of the storage compartment is substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion of the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the storage compartment is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the first container in the bottom portion of the storage compartment via gravity. In some embodiments, the undulating divider is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the second container in the top portion of the storage compartment via gravity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the housing includes a mounting portion configured to mount the beverage holder within a refrigerator. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a container attachment feature extending from a bottom of the housing configured to mount a storage container below the beverage holder for storage within a refrigerator.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a refrigerator including a beverage holder. The beverage holder includes a housing, where the housing includes a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, where the second container retained within the top portion of the storage compartment, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing of the beverage holder includes a mounting portion configured to mount the beverage holder within a refrigerator. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the beverage holder is a cutout into a side wall of the housing, where the cutout receives a refrigerator shelf support to mount the beverage holder. In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes refrigerator door including the refrigerator shelf support protruding from an inner surface of the refrigerator door for mounting the beverage holder in the refrigerator door.

[0008] In some embodiments, the retention feature is a rubberized bumper. In some embodiments, the retention feature includes a thickness greater than a thickness of the undulating divider to at least partially retain the first container within the storage compartment. In some embodiments, a volume of the top portion of the storage compartment is substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion of the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the storage compartment is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the first container in the bottom portion of the storage compartment via gravity. In some embodiments, the undulating divider is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the second container in the top portion of the storage compartment via gravity. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a container attachment feature extending from a bottom of the housing configured to mount a storage container below the beverage holder for storage within a refrigerator.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator including a beverage holder in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage holder in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are section views of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5A is a front view of an undulating divider in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5B is a front view of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7A is a front view of one embodiment of a refrigerator door.

[0017] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of a refrigerator door including a beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the beverage holder, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of a refrigerator door including a beverage holder and a container assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a front view of a refrigerator including a beverage holder and multiple container assemblies, in accordance with an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022] In an embodiment, a beverage holder includes a housing including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider. The undulating divider includes a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider to retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment. The undulating divider is configured to support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, where the second container is retained within the top portion of the storage compartment, and define a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container. In some embodiments, the beverage holder may be mounted within a refrigerator and / or within a refrigerator door.

[0023] One or more beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, jars, pouches, etc.) may be placed into the beverage holder for convenient storage (e.g., by a user stocking the beverage holder). The undulating divider may define (e.g., via a radius of curvature of the undulating divider) multiple storage positions for said containers, where some containers are stored on the bottom surface of the housing in the bottom portion of the storage compartment, and other containers are stored on the undulating divider in the top portion of the storage compartment. The containers may be inserted into the storage compartment into one of the storage positions. For example, the beverage holder may be configured to store eight standard 12-oz cans, where the radius of curvature corresponds to a radius of curvature of the 12-oz can. The radius of curvature of the undulated divider is repeated across a length of the undulating divider, so the curvature defines a given number (e.g., four) storage positions above the undulating divider (e.g., defined by the valleys of the curvature) and another given number (e.g., four) storage positions below the undulating divider (e.g., defined by the peaks of the curvature) for the cans. The beverage holder is configured for the containers to fit snuggly into the storage compartment, where the containers are at least partially retained in the storage positions by the undulating divider (e.g., the containers are at least partially in contact with the undulating divider).

[0024] When the beverage holder is mounted in a refrigerator door, the refrigerator door swings open and / or closed, which may shift the containers. The bottom surface of the housing and / or the undulating divider may be angled upwards (i.e., sloped upwards from back to front) to retain the containers within the storage compartment using gravity. The housing includes the lip to retain containers positioned on the bottom surface of the housing. The undulating divider includes the retention feature to retain containers positioned on the undulating divider. The lip and / or the retention feature retain the containers by contacting at least part of a container, if said container begins to move out of the storage compartment. The user may remove a container from the beverage holder by lifting the container upwards (e.g., over the lip and / or the retention feature) and pulling the container out of the beverage holder.

[0025] Furthermore, the beverage holder may be configured to store various amounts of containers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 or more) and / or various sizes of containers (i.e., since beverage containers come in various sizes). Furthermore, the beverage holder may be configured to be mounted in differently sized and / or styled refrigerators and / or refrigerator doors, which may configure the beverage holder to store varied amounts of containers. When storing beverage containers within a refrigerator, the containers may fit awkwardly into the space, and / or be pushed to the back of the refrigerator, making the containers difficult to access. The beverage holder provides for convenient storage of beverage containers within a refrigerator door, maximizing storage space and providing easy access to the containers. Additionally, the design of the beverage holder disclosed herein provides the additional benefit of improved retention of the individual beverage container both in a lateral position (i.e., side-to-side position) due to the shape of the undulating divider as well as retaining the container in a consistent depth position (i.e., front-to-back position) due to the upward angling of the divider. Such improved retention has additional significance when the beverage holder is positioned within a door that is subject to routine movement due to opening and closing of the door.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 100 is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The refrigerator 100 may be configured for a residential kitchen. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a refrigerator door 110 (i.e., a refrigerator door assembly). The refrigerator door 110 may be hingedly coupled to a body of the refrigerator 100, so the refrigerator door 110 may be opened and / or closed. The refrigerator 100 may be a single-door refrigerator. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes multiple refrigerator doors (e.g., double-door refrigerator). In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 may include a freezer. The freezer may be a lower-door freezer. In other words, the removable refrigerator shelf assembly 20 may be included in refrigerators of different sizes, models, styles, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, various accessory devices and / or items (e.g., food, condiments, beverages, etc.) may be stored within the refrigerator door 110 and / or in an accessory device mounted therein.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 100 includes a beverage holder 200. The beverage holder 200 is configured to conveniently store one or more beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, jars, pouches, etc.) within the refrigerator 100. The beverage holder 200 includes a housing 202 including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment 204. The housing 202 includes a rear end 208 and a front end 210, where the rear end 208 may include a rear wall (e.g., be closed) and the front end 210 may be open for accessing the storage compartment 204.

[0028] The housing 202 further includes a lip 206 extending upward from a bottom surface 207 of the housing 202 (e.g., of an interior thereof) at the front end 210 of the housing 202. The lip 206 partially covers a volume of the storage compartment 204 to retain a first container 301 within the storage compartment 204. The first container 301 is supported by the bottom surface 207 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., the first container 301 rests at a bottom of the storage compartment 204). The bottom surface 207 of the storage compartment 204 may be angled upward from a rear position (e.g., at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 toward a forward position (e.g., at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 to at least partially retain the first container 301 in the storage compartment 204 (e.g., or in a bottom portion 214 thereof) via gravity.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5B, the beverage holder 200 includes an undulating divider 220 positioned within the housing 202 dividing the storage compartment 204 into a top portion 212 above the undulating divider 220 and a bottom portion 214 below the undulating divider 220. A volume of the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 may be substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204. In some embodiments, the volumes of the top portion 212 and the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 may differ. For example, one portion (e.g., one of the top portion 212 or the bottom portion 214) may be configured to store a first sized container, with the other portion configured to store a second sized container.

[0030] The undulating divider 220 may be connected to one or more of the plurality of walls of the housing 202. The undulating divider 220 may be connected to a first side wall (e.g., a left wall) and / or to a second side wall (e.g., a right wall). In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may be mounted onto the first side wall and / or the second side wall to position the undulating divider 220 within the storage compartment 204. The undulating divider 220 may extend from the first side wall to the second side wall (e.g., extend across the housing 202).

[0031] The undulating divider 220 may extend from the rear end 208 of the housing 202 to the front end 210 of the housing. For example, a rear end 228 of the undulating divider 220 may be positioned at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202, with a front end 230 of the undulating divider 220 positioned at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202. In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may be mounted within the storage compartment 204 with the rear end 228 of the undulating divider 220 mounted to the rear end 208 (e.g., to a rear wall) of the housing 202.

[0032] The undulating divider 220 supports a second container 302 on a top surface 221 of the undulating divider 220 to retain the second container 302 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204. The undulating divider 220 may be angled upward from a rear position (e.g., the rear end 228, at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 toward a forward position (e.g., the front end 230, at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202) within the storage compartment 204 to at least partially retain the second container 302 in the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 via gravity. For example, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted in the refrigerator door 110, when the refrigerator door 110 swings open or closed, the container may begin to move longitudinally (e.g., slide forward). The undulating divider 220 being angled upward restricts said longitudinal movement of the container (e.g., using gravitational, normal, and / or friction forces against the container or a bottom thereof) so the container is generally maintained in position of the undulating divider 220 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., so the container does not slide out of the beverage holder 200).

[0033] The undulating divider 220 includes a radius of curvature for retaining the second container 302 within the radius of curvature. The radius of curvature may correspond to a curvature of the first container 301 and / or the second container 302 for supporting the container on the undulating divider 220. The radius of curvature restricts movement of the container supported by the undulating divider 220 (e.g., using normal and / or friction forces). For example, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted within the refrigerator door 110, when the refrigerator door 110 swings open and / or closed, the container may begin to move laterally. The radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 restricts said lateral movement of the container (e.g., using normal or friction force against the container and / or a side thereof) so the container is generally maintained in position on the undulating divider 220 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., so the container does not roll or slide laterally).

[0034] The radius of curvature may restrict movement of the container positioned within the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., using normal and / or friction forces against the container and / or a top portion thereof). For example, when the refrigerator door 110 swings open and / or closed, the container in the bottom portion may begin to move laterally. But the radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 restricts said lateral movement of the container (e.g., using normal or friction force against the container and / or a top portion thereof) so the container is generally maintained within the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 (e.g., so the container does not roll or slide laterally).

[0035] The radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 may be repeated across a length of the undulating divider 220 (e.g., from side to side of the housing 202). The radius of curvature may be repeated 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more times across the length of the undulating divider 220. As shown in FIG. 5A, the radius of curvature may include a nadir 240 (e.g., a low point) and an apex 245 (e.g., a high point). The radius of curvature may be defined as repeating between apexes and nadirs.

[0036] The undulating divider 220 may define a storage position 250 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204 for retaining a container (e.g., second container 302). As depicted in FIG. 5B, the radius of curvature may define the storage position 250 for storing a container (e.g., the second container 302) on the top surface 221 of the undulating divider 220, where the storage position 250 is defined substantially between a first apex 245a and a second apex 245b of the radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the storage position 250 in the top portion 212 may be defined as a volume generally above a nadir 240 (e.g., a low point of the radius of curvature). The container may be at least partially supported by the undulating divider 220 within the storage position 250 by the radius of curvature extending upwards from the nadir 240 on both sides of the nadir 240 (e.g., the container and / or a bottom thereof is cradled within the valley of the radius of curvature).

[0037] The undulating divider 220 may define a storage position 255 within the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204 for retaining a container (e.g., the first container 301). As depicted in FIG. 5B, the radius of curvature may define the storage position 255 for storing a container (e.g., the second container 302) on the bottom surface 207 of the housing 202, where the storage position 255 is defined substantially between a first nadir 240a and a second nadir 240b of the radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the storage position 255 in the bottom portion 214 may be defined as a volume generally below an apex 245. The container may be at least partially maintained in the storage position 255 by the undulating divider 220 with the radius of curvature extending downward from the apex 245 on both side of the apex 245 (e.g., the container and / or a top thereof is retained in the storage position 255 by the peak of the radius of curvature).

[0038] In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may define 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more storage positions in the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204. In some embodiments, the undulating divider 220 may define 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more storage positions in the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204. For example, the undulating divider 220 may define 8 storage positions within the storage compartment 204, with four storage portions in the top portion 212 and four storage portions in the bottom portion 214. A number of storage portions may differ depending on the radius of curvature of the undulating divider 220 and / or the size of the container being stored. In some embodiments, the storage portions in the top portion 212 may be laterally offset from the storage portions in the bottom portion 214 (e.g., due to the radius of curvature).

[0039] The undulating divider 220 includes a retention feature 222 at the front end 230 of the undulating divider 220 to at least partially retain the second container 302 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204. The retention feature 222 is configured to stop the second container 302 from falling off the front end 230 of the undulating divider 220 (e.g., when the refrigerator door swings open or closed and the container may move within the storage compartment 204). For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the retention feature 222 include a thickness 223 greater than a thickness 224 of the undulating divider 220. If the second container 302 moves along the top surface 221 of the undulating divider 220 toward the front end 230, at least a portion of the second container 302 contacts the retention feature 222 and is retained on the undulating divider 220 (e.g., using normal and / or friction force). In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 includes a radius of curvature similar to the undulating divider 220 (e.g., the radius of curvature is maintained with the retention feature 222).

[0040] In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 may be a bumper (e.g., a lip), a stop, a flap, and / or another retention feature configured to stop a container from falling off the undulating divider 220. In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 may be a rubberized bumper. The retention feature 222 may be made of various materials. For example, when the retention feature 222 is the rubberized bumper, the rubber surface of the retention feature 222 provides friction to retain the container on the undulating divider 220. Rubber grabs the container to use friction force if said container hits the rubberized bumper, and because rubber is a relatively soft material, the rubberized bumper may prevent the container from bouncing over the rubberized bumper (e.g., limiting the bounce of the container during and / or after contact with the rubberized bumper).

[0041] In some embodiments, a second retention feature may be connected to the retention feature 222 (e.g., a first retention feature 222) of the undulating divider 220. The second retention feature may fit over the first retention feature 222 (e.g., snap on, slide on from a first end of the undulating divider 220, etc.). For example, the undulating divider 220 may include the first retention feature 222 configured as a lip, where the second retention feature may be positioned over and / or on the first retention feature 222 to at least partially retain (e.g., increase retainment of) the second container 302 on the undulating divider 220. In some embodiments, the second retention feature may correspond in shape (e.g., have a similar radius of curvature to the undulating divider 220) to the first retention feature 222. The second retention feature may be made of a different material to the first retention feature 222. For example, the first retention feature 222 may be made from plastic (e.g., where the undulating divider 220 is made from plastic), and the second retention feature may be made from rubber to increase retainment of the second container 302 on the undulating divider 220.

[0042] In some embodiments, the lip 206 of the housing 202 may extend around a perimeter of the storage compartment 204, where the lip 206 may extend downward from a top surface of the housing 202 (e.g., of an interior thereof) at the front end 210 of the housing 202. In some embodiments, a lip extending downward from the top surface of the housing 202 may be separate from the lip 206 at extending upward from the bottom surface 207. The lip 206 may be configured to at least partially retain the second container 302 within the top portion 212 of the storage compartment 204, where the second container 302 may bounce upward (e.g., after hitting the retention feature 222, after the refrigerator door 110 moves) and contact the lip 206, thereby causing the second container 302 to be retained in the storage compartment 204 (e.g., not fall out). In some embodiments, where the lip 206 extends around the perimeter of the storage compartment 204, the lip 206 may cover at least part of the volume of the storage compartment at or near a side of the housing 202 (e.g., the lip 206 extends from a side wall). The lip 206 may partially retain a container within the storage compartment 204, where the lip 206 contacts the container on a side thereof (e.g., retain a container positioned at or near a side wall of the beverage holder 200). In some embodiments, the retention feature 222 of the undulating divider 220 may also extend downward, forming a lip at or near a top of the bottom portion 214 of the storage compartment 204. The lip formed by the retention feature 222 may at least partially retain the first container 301 within the bottom portion 214, where the first container 301 may bounce upward (e.g., after hitting the lip 206, after the refrigerator door 110 moves) and contact the lip formed downward by the retention feature 222, thereby causing the first container 301 to be retained in the storage compartment 204 (e.g., not fall out).

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6A through 7B, the beverage holder 200 may be mounted in the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110 thereof. The housing 202 of the beverage holder 200 includes a mounting portion 260 configured to mount the beverage holder 200 within the refrigerator 100. The mounting portion 260 may be a cutout into an exterior surface of a side wall 264 of the housing 202. For example, the cutout may be formed from the rear end 208 of the housing 202 extending toward the front end 210. The cutout may receive a refrigerator shelf support 160 to mount the beverage holder 200 thereon (e.g., via gravity, via friction, etc.). The refrigerator door 110 may include the refrigerator shelf support 160. For example, the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be a protrusion on an inner surface of the refrigerator door 110 (e.g., the refrigerator shelf support 160 may protrude from the inner surface).

[0044] The refrigerator shelf support 160 at least partially corresponds in shape to the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the mounting portion 260 may include an opening 261 (e.g., an opening portion) for receiving the refrigerator shelf support 160. The opening 261 may be formed at the rear end 208 of the housing 202. The refrigerator shelf support 160 may include a height 171, where the height 171 of the refrigerator shelf support 160 corresponds to a height 271 of the opening 261 of the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200. For example, the height 171 of the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be less than or equal to the height 271 of the opening 261 of the mounting portion 260. The refrigerator shelf support 160 may slide into the mounting portion 260 to mount the beverage holder 200 within the refrigerator door 110. The mounting portion 260 may be generally L-shaped, where a locking portion 262 of the mounting portion 260 may secure the beverage holder 200 when mounted within the refrigerator 100. The locking portion 262 may extend vertically (e.g., above, upward) from the opening 261. A width 272 of the locking portion 262 may correspond to a width 172 of the refrigerator shelf support 160. For example, the width 172 of the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be less than or equal to the width 272 of the locking portion 262. The refrigerator shelf support 160 may be received by the opening 261 of the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200, where the beverage holder 200 is slid onto the refrigerator shelf support 160 until the refrigerator shelf support 160 is positioned underneath the locking portion 262 of the mounting portion 260, so the beverage holder 200 may be lowered (e.g., dropped down) onto the refrigerator shelf support 160. The refrigerator shelf support 160 is at least partially positioned within the locking portion 262 of the mounting portion 260 to secure the beverage holder 200 onto the refrigerator shelf support 160 (e.g., via gravity).

[0045] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a second refrigerator shelf support 166. The refrigerator door 110 may include the second refrigerator shelf support 166. The second refrigerator shelf support 166 may be positioned opposite the refrigerator shelf support 160 (e.g., on an opposite inner surface to the refrigerator shelf support 160). The second refrigerator shelf support 166 may be configured similarly to the refrigerator shelf support 160. For example, the refrigerator shelf support 160 and the second refrigerator shelf support 166 may form a first set of refrigerator shelf supports, where the refrigerator shelf support 160 and the second refrigerator shelf support 166 together are substantially parallel to a floor and / or the ground. The refrigerator shelf support 160 and the second refrigerator shelf support 166 are configured for the beverage holder 200 to be level when mounted thereon. The beverage holder 200 may include a second mounting portion 266, where the housing 202 includes the second mounting portion 266 on an exterior surface of a side wall 268 of the housing 202 positioned opposite the mounting portion 260 (e.g., the mounting portion 260 and the second mounting portion 266 are on opposite sides on the beverage holder 200). The second mounting portion 266 may be configured similarly to the mounting portion 260 (e.g., similar shape, similar dimensions, with a locking portion, etc.). In some embodiments, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted within the refrigerator door 110, the front end 210 of the housing 202 may be flush with an inner surface of the refrigerator door 110, and the rear end 208 of the housing 202 may be flush with another inner surface of the refrigerator door 110, so there are not gaps between the beverage holder 200 and the surfaces of the refrigerator door 110.

[0046] In some embodiments, the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be configured differently. For example, the refrigerator shelf support 160 may be a rail and / or a track (e.g., drawer style mounting), where the mounting portion 260 of the beverage holder 200 is a corresponding rail and / or track for mounting the beverage holder 200 onto the refrigerator shelf support 160. In some embodiments, the beverage holder 200 may be fastened into the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110 thereof.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, the beverage holder 200 may include a container attachment feature 280. The container attachment feature 280 may be positioned on a bottom 285 of the housing 202. The container attachment feature 280 may extend from the rear end 208 of the housing 202 to the front end 210. In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may extend from at or near the rear end 208 of the housing 202 toward the front end 210, without substantially reaching the front end 210. In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may extent from at or near the front end 210 of the housing 202 toward the rear end 208, without substantially reaching the rear end 208. In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may be positioned between the front end 210 and the rear end 208, without substantially reaching either end.

[0048] The container attachment feature 280 may extend downward (e.g., outward) from the bottom 285 of the housing 202, where the container attachment feature 280 bends to form a shelf portion 281. For example, the container attachment feature 280 may be a slide (e.g., a container attachment slide). In some embodiments, the container attachment feature 280 may be a hook, a latch, an opening, a hole, a track or rail, and / or other attachment configuration.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shelf portion 281 of the container attachment feature 280 may support a lip (e.g., an extended portion) of a storage container 290 for connecting the storage container 290 to the beverage holder 200 (see FIG. 9). The storage container 290 may be mounted below the beverage holder 200 using the container attachment feature 280. The storage container 290 may be removable from the beverage holder 200. For example, when the beverage holder 200 is mounted within the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110, the storage container 290 may be mounted onto the container attachment feature 280 of the beverage holder 200 to mount the storage container 290 within the refrigerator 100 and / or the refrigerator door 110 thereof. The storage container 290 may then be removed from the refrigerator 100 to access items stored within the storage container 290.

[0050] The container attachment feature 280 may include a retention feature 289, where the retention feature 289 is configured to provide friction force to secure the storage container 290 on the container attachment feature 280 (e.g., by pressing downward on the lip of the storage container 290). For example, the storage container 290 (e.g., the lip thereof) may be slid onto the shelf portion 281 of the container attachment feature 280, where the lip of the storage container 290 is retained between a surface of the shelf portion 281 and the retention feature 289. In some embodiments, the retention feature 289 may be a latch, a notch, a pin, and / or another retention configuration.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 8 through 10, the beverage holder 200 may include a second container attachment feature 287. The second container attachment feature 287 may be configured similarly to the container attachment feature 280. The second container attachment feature 287 may extend from the bottom 285 of the housing 202 of the beverage holder 200 and be positioned substantially parallel to the container attachment feature 280. For example, a front end of the container attachment feature 280 (e.g., an end near the front end 210 of the housing 202) may be aligned with a front end of the second container attachment feature 287 (e.g., an end near the front end 210 of the housing 202). A rear end of the container attachment feature 280 (e.g., an end near the rear end 208 of the housing 202) may be aligned with a rear end of the second container attachment feature 287 (e.g., an end near the rear end 208 of the housing 202). The second container attachment feature 287 may extend downward from the bottom 285 of the housing a distance substantially equal to a distance the container attachment feature 280 extends downward from the bottom 285 of the housing 202. The second container attachment feature 287 is laterally offset from the container attachment feature 280. For example, the second container attachment feature 287 and the container attachment feature 280 are spaced apart a distance corresponding approximately to a width of the storage container 290 and / or lips of the storage container 290 for mounting on the container attachment feature 280 and the second container attachment feature 287. The second container attachment feature 287 may include a shelf portion 288 bent toward the container attachment feature 280 for mounting the storage container 290 onto the shelf portion 281 and the shelf portion 288. For example, the container attachment feature 280 and the second container attachment feature 287 may form a first set of container attachment features for mounting the storage container 290 thereon.

[0052] In some embodiments, the beverage holder 200 may include a third container attachment feature 297. The third container attachment feature 297 may be configured similarly to the container attachment feature 280 and / or the second container attachment feature 287. The third container attachment feature 297 may extend downward from the bottom 285 of the housing 202 and be positioned laterally offset from the second container attachment feature 287. For example, the second container attachment feature 287 and the third container attachment feature 297 may form a second set of container attachment features for mounting a second storage container 291 thereon. The third container attachment feature 297 may include a shelf portion bent toward the second container attachment feature 287. In some embodiments, the second container attachment feature 287 may include a second shelf portion 298 bent in an opposite direction to the shelf portion 288, so the second storage container 291 may be mounted on the second shelf portion 298 and a shelf portion of the third container attachment feature 297, where the storage container 290 may be mounted on the shelf portion 288 and the second shelf portion 298. The second storage container 291 may be mounted adjacent to the storage container 290 (e.g., a first storage container). In some embodiments, the second container attachment feature 287 and the third container attachment feature 297 may each include a retention feature configured similarly to the retention feature 289 of the container attachment feature 280 for mounting the storage container 290.

[0053] The refrigerator 100 may include a third storage container 193 and / or a fourth storage container 194 positioned on a refrigerator shelf 195 of the refrigerator door 110. The refrigerator shelf 195 may be positioned below the beverage holder 200 to provide additional storage space. For example, when positioned on the refrigerator shelf 195, the third storage container 193 and / or the fourth storage container 194 may be positioned below the storage container 290 and / or the second storage container 291. The beverage holder 200 including the container attachment feature 280 and / or multiple container attachment features provides for additional storage space (e.g., within the storage containers) in the refrigerator door 110, which optimizes said storage space. And the beverage holder 200 provides for efficient and convenient storage of beverage containers within the storage compartment 204 thereof.

[0054] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential.

[0055] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,”“about,”“substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0056] Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (e.g., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0058] The terms “coupled,”“connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0059] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,”“bottom,”“above,”“below,”“between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0060] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all language such as “up to,”“at least,”“greater than,”“less than,” and the like, include the number recited and may refer to ranges which may be subsequently broken down into subranges. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0061] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments 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, various parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

[0062] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0063] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022]In an embodiment, a beverage holder includes a housing including a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment and a lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, where the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a container within the storage compartment. The first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The beverage holder further includes an undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the ...

Claims

1. A beverage holder comprising:a housing comprising:a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment; anda lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, wherein the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a first container within the storage compartment, wherein the first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment; andan undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider, the undulating divider comprising:a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider, where the retention feature may retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment; andthe undulating divider configured to:support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, the second container retained within the top portion of the storage compartment; anddefine a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

2. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the retention feature is a rubberized bumper.

3. The beverage holder of claim 2, wherein the retention feature comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the undulating divider to at least partially retain the first container within the storage compartment.

4. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a mounting portion configured to mount the beverage holder within a refrigerator.

5. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a container attachment feature extending from a bottom of the housing configured to mount a storage container below the beverage holder for storage within a refrigerator.

6. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein a volume of the top portion of the storage compartment is substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion of the storage compartment.

7. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the storage compartment is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the first container in the bottom portion of the storage compartment via gravity.

8. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the undulating divider is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the second container in the top portion of the storage compartment via gravity.

9. A refrigerator comprising:a beverage holder comprising:a housing comprising:a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment; anda lip extending upward from a bottom surface of the housing at a front of the housing, wherein the lip partially covers a volume of the storage compartment to retain a first container within the storage compartment, wherein the first container is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment; andan undulating divider positioned within the housing dividing the storage compartment into a top portion above the undulating divider and a bottom portion below the undulating divider, the undulating divider comprising:a retention feature at a front end of the undulating divider, where the retention feature may retain a second container within the top portion of the storage compartment; andthe undulating divider configured to:support the second container on a top surface of the undulating divider, the second container retained within the top portion of the storage compartment; anddefine a storage position within the bottom portion of the storage compartment for retaining the first container.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the housing of the beverage holder comprises a mounting portion configured to mount the beverage holder within a refrigerator.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the mounting portion of the beverage holder is a cutout into a side wall of the housing, wherein the cutout receives a refrigerator shelf support to mount the beverage holder.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the refrigerator further comprises refrigerator door comprising the refrigerator shelf support protruding from an inner surface of the refrigerator door for mounting the beverage holder in the refrigerator door.

13. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the undulating divider comprises a radius of curvature corresponding to a curvature of the first container, the radius of curvature repeating across a length of the undulating divider.

14. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the retention feature is a rubberized bumper.

15. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the retention feature comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the undulating divider to at least partially retain the first container within the storage compartment.

16. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the housing of the beverage holder further comprises a container attachment feature extending from a bottom of the housing, the container attachment feature configured to mount a storage container below the beverage holder for storage within a refrigerator.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein a removable container is connected to the container attachment feature of the beverage holder to mount the removable container within the refrigerator.

18. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein a volume of the top portion of the storage compartment is substantially equal to a volume of the bottom portion of the storage compartment.

19. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the bottom surface of the storage compartment is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the first container in the bottom portion of the storage compartment via gravity.

20. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the undulating divider is angled upward from a rear position within the storage compartment toward a forward position within the storage compartment to at least partially retain the second container in the top portion of the storage compartment via gravity.

Images