BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a partition for a storage container for use on a household appliance. In particular, the invention relates to a partition and the fastening mechanisms of the partition for installing the partition on various portions of a storage container.

[0002] Refrigeration appliances typically have storage compartments and storage containers. Storage containers can include a variety of partitions for dividing certain items from other items within the appliance. However, there is still a need for an improved partition and system for installing a partition in a variety of locations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an appliance that includes a storage compartment is provided that comprises a storage container, a partition, and at least one fastening mechanism located on the partition. The partition is configured to be removably installed at different locations within the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion and is configured to secure the partition to a portion of the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes an area between the first portion and the second portion to secure the portion of the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a third portion protruding from at least one of the first portion and the second portion that is configured to provide an expanded area between the third portion and the second portion for locating and receiving the at least one fastening mechanism.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an appliance that includes a storage compartment is provided that comprises a storage container, a partition, and at least one fastening mechanism located on the partition. The partition is configured to be removably installed at different locations within the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion and is configured to secure the partition to a portion of the storage container. The second portion is offset a first distance from the first portion and the first portion and the second portion bound an area for surrounding the portion of the storage container to secure the partition to the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a third portion protruding from the first portion and a fourth portion protruding from the second portion. An end of the third portion is located at a second distance from an end of the fourth portion where the second distance is greater than the first distance such that the third portion and the fourth portion are configured to provide an expanded area for receiving and locating the portion of the storage container.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an appliance that includes a storage compartment is provided that comprises a basket that includes a plurality of wire members, a partition configured to be removably installed at different locations within the basket, and at least one fastening mechanism located on the partition. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a U-shape portion with a first end and a second end. The U-shape portion of the at least one fastening mechanism is configured to bound an area for securing one of the wire members of the basket and coupling the partition to the basket. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a first angled portion extending from the first end of the U-shape portion and a second angled portion extending from the second end of the U-shape portion. The first angled portion and the second angled portion bound a larger area than the area that secures one of the wire members between the first end and the second end of the U-shape portion. The larger area is configured for locating the one of the wire members of the basket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example appliance that includes a storage container;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first example partition for the storage container that includes at least one fastening mechanism;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of a second example partition for the storage container that includes at least one fastening mechanism;

[0011 ] FIG. 4 is a front view of a first example fastening mechanism;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second example fastening mechanism; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage container that includes the second example partition of FIG. 3 installed on the storage container through the use of the first example fastening mechanism of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a household appliance 10 is provided.

The appliance can be a household bottom-mount refrigerator, though other appliances can also be used that includes a first storage compartment 12 and a second storage compartment 18. The first storage compartment 12 houses at its upper portion a fresh food compartment that is typically maintained at a temperature of greater than 32° Fahrenheit and at its lower portion a freezer compartment that is typically maintained at a temperature substantially below 32° Fahrenheit. The storage compartment 12 in one example can be a refrigerator compartment. The appliance 10 can include a first door 14 and a first handle 16. The first door 14 closes off an opening at the front of the storage compartment through which access can be provided to the interior of the storage compartment 12. A second door 20 can be provided that closes off an opening of the second storage compartment 18. The second storage compartment 18 at the front of the freezer compartment through which access can be provided to the interior of the freezer compartment.

[0016] A first storage container 30 and a second storage container 32 can be provided within the freezer compartment of the appliance 10. In this example, the first storage container 30 is larger than the second storage container 32 but it is appreciated that in other examples various shapes and sizes can be used for both the first storage container 30 and the second storage container 32. The first storage container 30 and the second storage container 32 are configured to move in and out of the storage compartment. The second storage container 32 can be located above the first storage container 30 though other arrangements for multiple storage containers can be used such as the storage containers 30, 32 being located side-by-side or at various angles relative to each other. The first storage container 30 or the second storage container 32 can be a storage basket or can be a storage container such as a solid storage container though other storage apparatuses or shelves can also be used. It is appreciated that either the first storage container 30 or the second storage container 32 can also be a wire basket. A variety of storage containers, such as bins and baskets, can be attached to the second door 20 and supported by telescoping sliding rails or the like so that they travel with the door as it is opened and closed. For example, two storage containers can be located below the second storage container 32. Other numbers of storage containers can also be located in the freezer compartment including providing the storage containers in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, a first example partition 40 can be provided for use within one of the storage containers 30, 32. The partition 40 is configured to be removably installed at different locations within one of the storage containers 30, 32 of FIG. 1. For example, the partition 40 can be adjusted to be installed along any length, width, or diagonal within the storage container 30, 32. The partition 40 can include at least one fastening mechanism 60, such as a tab, a clip, or other structure configured to fasten two objects together. The at least one fastening mechanism 60 is secured on the partition 40 and is configured to secure the partition 40 to a portion of a storage container, such as a wire member. In FIG. 2, the first example partition 40 can have a shape for use with the first storage container 30, such as the lower storage container. The partition 40 can be adjusted and installed by the at least one fastening mechanism 60 being secured to one of the wire members of the storage container 30 for example. In alternative examples, the partition 40 can be installed onto a plurality of wire members. The partition can include a first side 42, a second side 44, a third side 46, and a fourth side 48. It is appreciated that any of the sides, such as the second side 44, can include a plurality of different segments, such as two different segments 44A, 44B. Various segments can also include curvatures as well as straight portions. A plurality of segments can be used such that the shape of the partition 40 can correspond to the shape of the storage container 30.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, a second example partition 50 is provided that can be used with one of the storage containers 30, 32. The partition 50 is configured to be removably installed at different locations within one of the storage containers 30, 32 of FIG. 1. For example, the partition 50 can be adjusted and installed along any length, width, or diagonal within the storage container 30, 32. The second example partition can include at least one fastening mechanism 60. The at least one fastening mechanism 60 is located on the partition 50 and is configured to secure the partition 50 to a portion of a storage container, such as a wire member. The partition 50 in the example of FIG. 3 can have a shape for use with second storage container 32, such as the upper storage container. The second example partition 50 can include a first side 52, a second side 54, a third side 56, and a fourth side 58. It is appreciated that either partition 40, 50 can have other shapes. The shapes can correspond to a shape of the storage containers 30, 32. Alternatively, the partitions 40, 50 can have shapes that do not correspond to the shape of the storage containers 30, 32, as the partitions 40, 50 can instead be configured to be installed within a width or a length of the storage containers 30, 32 or across various diagonals between various points along the perimeter of the storage containers 30, 32. Various numbers of fastening mechanisms 60 can be secured to various sides and various portions of the partitions 40, 50. [0019] A fastening mechanism 60, for use with either example partition 40, 50, is shown in FIG. 4. The fastening mechanism 60 can include a first portion 62 and a second portion 64. The second portion 64 can be offset a first distance 66 from the first portion 62. Both the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 can extend from an intermediate portion 68 of the fastening mechanism 60. The intermediate portion 68 can have a curvature, a plurality of curvatures, or can have at least one substantially straight portion. While the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 appear to be of the same dimensions, with the same shape, and appear to be symmetrical, it is appreciated that in other examples, the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 can have different dimensions, different shapes, and are not required to be symmetrical to one another. The first portion 62 and the second portion 64 bound an area 76 of insertion for surrounding a portion of the storage container 30, 32 to secure the partition 40, 50 to the storage container 30, 32. The area 76 of insertion is between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 and the area 76 is configured to receive and secure a portion of the storage container 30, 32. Thus, the fastening mechanism 60 is inserted onto the storage container 30, 32 and the area 76 receives and secures a portion of the storage container 30, 32. It is appreciated that the fastening mechanism 60 can receive a portion of the partition 50. In this example, the partition 50 is comprised of wire members and is received within the intermediate portion 68 of the fastening mechanism 60. The fastening mechanism 60 can include a first retaining element 92 and a second retaining element 94. The first retaining element 92 and the second retaining element 94 can be moved apart such that the wire member of the partition 50 is received by the intermediate portion 68, the first retaining element 92 and the second retaining element 94. The first retaining element 92 and the second retaining element 94 can have a variety of shapes. Alternatively, one retaining element can be located across most of the area 76 of insertion to constrain the wire member of the partition 50. In other examples, a variety of structures can be formed for receiving the partition 50, such as indentations within the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 for trapping and securing a portion of the storage container 30, 32. In another example, the fastening mechanism 60 can include structure for engaging the partition 50, such as by snappingly engaging the partition 50 without providing any retaining elements 92, 94. The fastening mechanism 60 can also be formed unitarily with the partition 40, 50. [0020] After the fastening mechanism 60 is secured to a location of the partition 40, 50 selected by the user, the area 76 between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 can engage and secure a wire member of the storage container 30, 32, such that the wire member is secured within the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 of the fastening mechanism 60. The first portion 62 and the second portion 64 can form a U-shape which is used to couple the partition 40, 50 to a wire member of the storage container 30, 32. The first portion 62 and the second portion 64 can also form other shapes with varying intermediate portions 68 and various shapes for the intermediate portions 68. The substantial U-shape can have a distance 66 between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 corresponding to the wire members of the storage container 30, 32 such that a wire member is snappingly installed within the at least one fastening mechanism 60.

[0021] The at least one fastening mechanism 60 can further include a third portion 70 protruding from at least one of the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 that is configured to provide an expanded area of insertion for receiving the at least one fastening mechanism 60. In one example, the fastening mechanism 60 can include a first portion 62 that is shorter than the second portion 64 where the third portion 70 protrudes from the shorter first portion 62. Thus, in this example, the at least one fastening mechanism 60 provides an expanded area 78 between the end of the third portion 70 and the end of the second portion 64 for receiving and locating the portion of the storage container 30, 32. The larger area 78 of insertion is configured to improve the ability to locate the partition 40, 50 to receive a desired wire member of the storage container 30, 32. In further examples, the end of the third portion 70 can be approximately the same distance from the intermediate portion 68 as the end of the second portion 64.

[0022] The at least one fastening mechanism 60 can further include a fourth portion 72 protruding from at least one of the first portion 62 and the second portion 64. It is appreciated that the first portion 62, the second portion 64, the third portion 70, and the fourth portion 72 can be unitary in structure or can be combined from a variety of pieces. An end of the third portion 70 can be located at a second distance 74 from an end of the fourth portion 72. The second distance 74 is greater than the first distance 66 between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 such that the third portion 70 and the fourth portion 72 are configured to provide an expanded area 78 of insertion for the at least one fastening mechanism 60. The larger distance 74 between the end of the third portion 70 and the end of the fourth portion 72 is configured to improve the ability to locate the partition 40, 50 and receive a desired wire member of the storage container 30, 32. A mouth can be defined as an area 78 between the third portion 70 and the fourth portion 72. The mouth of the fastening mechanism 60 can bound a larger area 78 of insertion for receiving and locating the portion of the storage container 30, 32 than the area 76 of insertion that is configured to secure and receive the portion of the storage container 30, 32. For example, the area 78 between the third portion 70 and the fourth portion 72 can be wider than the area 76 between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64, such as the U-shape portion. The third portion 70 and the fourth portion 72 are configured to be lead-in portions for expanding the area 76 of insertion of the fastening mechanism 60 onto the storage containers 30, 32, such as wire baskets. As opposed to having just the narrow area 76 between the first portion 62 and the second portion 64, the expanded area 78 of insertion between the third portion 70 and the fourth portion 72 improves the installation of the partition 40, 50 as it helps direct and locate the partition 40, 50 onto a desired portion or wire member of the storage container 30, 32. By providing a larger area 78 of insertion, this makes it easier for a user to install the partition 40, 50 on at least one wire member or on a portion of the storage container 30, 32 as it is easier to locate the portion of the storage container 30, 32 into the receiving location of the fastening mechanism 60.

[0023] In the first example fastening mechanism 60, the first portion

62 and the second portion 64 can each have sections that have a curvature. For example, the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 can each have a curvature, a plurality of different curvatures, or it can have at least one substantially straight section and at least one section with a curvature. The first portion 62 can include a first longitudinal axis 80. The second portion 64 can include a second longitudinal axis 82. In one example, the first longitudinal axis 80 can be parallel to the second longitudinal axis 82. The third portion 70 can include a third longitudinal axis 84 where the third longitudinal axis 84 is located at a first angle 88 relative to the first longitudinal axis 84. The fourth portion 72 can include a fourth longitudinal axis 86 where the fourth longitudinal axis 86 is located at a second angle 90 relative to the second longitudinal axis 82. The first angle 88 can be equal to the second angle 90.

[0024] In a second example fastening mechanism 100, shown in FIG.

5, a storage container, such as a wire basket, is provided that includes a plurality of wire members and a partition 40, 50 is configured to be removably installed at different locations within the basket. One example location within a storage container 32 is shown in FIG. 6. The at least one fastening mechanism 100 of FIG. 5 can be located on the partition 40, 50 at various locations. The at least one fastening mechanism 100 includes a U-shape portion 102 with a first end 104 and a second end 106. The at least one fastening mechanism 100 includes a first angled portion 108 extending from the first end 104 of the U-shape portion and a second angled portion 110 extending from the second end 106 of the U-shape portion. The U-shape portion 102 of the at least one fastening mechanism 100 is configured to bound an area 110 for receiving one of the wire members of the storage container and coupling the partition 40, 50 to the storage container. The first angled portion 108 and the second angled portion 110 bound a larger area 112 of insertion than the area 110 that receives one of the wire members between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the U- shape portion 102. In an alternative example, the second example fastening mechanism 100 can include only a first angled portion 108 where the larger area 112 of insertion can be between the first angled portion 108 and the second end 106. While the first end 104 and the second end 106 are at the same distance from an end of the fastening mechanism 100, it is appreciated that both the first end 104 and the second end 106 can be located at various dimensions. The second example fastening mechanism 100 can also be configured for engagement with a variety of storage containers aside from a wire basket. The second example fastening mechanism 100 can also include angled portions 108, 110 at various angles relative to the U-shaped portions and the angles can be either equal or the same.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the partition 40, 50 in any of the examples can include a first fastening mechanism 60 or 100 on a first side 42, 52 of the partition 40, 50 and a second fastening mechanism 60, 100 on a second side 44, 54 of the partition 40, 50. Moreover, any number of fastening mechanisms 60, 100 can be located on any side 42, 44, 46, 48, 52, 54, 56, 58 of the partition 40, 50. Various arrangements, such as providing two fastening mechanisms 60, 100 on the second side 44, 54 and on the fourth side 48, 58 can also be provided. Fastening mechanisms 60, 100 can also be placed selectively on only some of the sides where some sides do not receive any fastening mechanisms.

[0026] An example of the second storage container 32 is shown in

FIG. 6. In this example, the second storage container 32 is a wire basket that includes a plurality of wire members 36. The partition 50 can be installed on a portion 34 of the storage container 32, such as to at least one of the wire members 36 of the storage container 32. This example shows a fastening mechanism 60 as it engages a wire member 36 of the storage container 32. The fastening mechanism 60 is receiving a member of the partition 50 as well as receiving one of the wire members 36 of the storage container 32. It is appreciated that either example fastening mechanism 60, 100 can allow the partition to engage any one of the plurality of wire members 36. In further examples, the partition 40, 50 can be configured to engage the storage container 32 in any vertical, horizontal, or any other orientation and is not limited to the front-to-back orientation within the storage container 32. In examples where the storage container 32 is not a wire basket, the fastening mechanisms 60, 100 can be configured to engage protrusions or other engagement structures located on the storage container 32. While the partition 50 in this example is installed on the portion 34 of the storage container 32, it is appreciated that the partition 50 can be adjusted or removably installed to any other wire member 36 of the storage container 32. A user can adjust the partition 50 by removing each fastening mechanism 60, 100 from the storage container 32 and then placing at least some of the fastening mechanisms 60, 100 in engagement at different locations within the storage container 32.

[0027] The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.