EP1982130A1

EP1982130A1 - Improvements relating to domestic appliances

Info

Publication number: EP1982130A1
Application number: EP07705553A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mikael Anthony Ford Latif
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-08
Filing date: 2007-01-31
Publication date: 2008-10-22
Also published as: AU2007213406A1; CN101379354A; US20100231105A1; JP2009526195A; WO2007091148A1; CA2637492A1

Abstract

A domestic appliance includes a casing (27) with an openable cover (5, 31, 45, 63, 93) . Storage means (9,23,79,87) is provided within the casing, together with means (6,9,77,85) for moving the storage means relative to the casing in response to movement of the cover. The moving means includes means for moving the storage means in a first manner when the cover is opened so as to provide access to the storage means and means for moving at least a part of the storage means in a second manner so as to provide access to items within the storage means .

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

This invention relates to improvements relating to domestic appliances, such as refrigerators, cookers, freezers and dishwashers, and also including furniture, such as kitchen cupboards.

Although domestic appliances are generally energy-efficient and operate effectively, the manner in which the interiors of such appliances are accessed is often inconvenient for a user, who often finds it necessary to bend, stoop or kneel and finds it difficult to reach into the interior of an appliance.

For example, when a refrigerator is full, with food being stored in the appliance, it is difficult for a user to locate and remove an item stored in the region of the rear of a shelf. It is generally necessary to remove, or at least to move, other items in order to locate the desired item.

Accessing a freezer compartment or other region at the bottom of a refrigerator can be difficult for the elderly or infirm, who may not have the same range of movement as younger users. Bending in order to access the lower regions of an appliance can be difficult and frustrating for many users and can result in injury.

When a chest freezer is full, it can be difficult and frustrating for a user to find an item stored at the bottom of the freezer. Not only can the item be difficult to find, but it is necessary for the user to bend over in order to reach the lower region of the interior of the freezer.

Similar problems can arise with kitchen cupboards which are located in the region of the kitchen floor. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved domestic appliance which overcomes or at least ameliorates the above-described drawbacks of known appliances.

According to the present invention there is provided a domestic appliance comprising a casing, an openable coverforthe casing, storage means within the casing, and means for moving the storage means relative to the casing in response to movement of the cover, the moving means including means for moving the storage means in a first manner when the cover is opened so as to provide access to the storage means and means for moving at least a part of the storage means in a second manner so as to provide access to items within the storage means.

The storage means may be mounted on the cover.

The cover may be substantially planar or the cover may be curved, for example semi-circular.

The cover may be hinged relative to the casing so as to provide the first manner of movement. Alternatively, the cover may be slidable relative to the casing, for example towards and away from the casing, so as to provide the first manner of movement.

The cover may be provided with support means for supporting at least a part of the cover when it has been opened.

The moving means may include means for moving the storage means in a third manner when the cover is opened so as to provide access to the storage means. The storage means may be mounted relative to the cover by support means which is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the cover so as to move the storage means in the third manner. The mounting means may include track members mounted on an inner face of the cover. Alternatively, the mounting means may include track members mounted within the casing.

The storage means may include secondary storage means which is pivotably mounted on the primary storage means for movement in a substantially horizontal plane so as to provide the second manner of movement. The mounting means for the secondary storage means may be arranged in the region of a free edge of the cover. The mounting means may be in the form of a hinge.

Alternatively, the mounting means may include secondary storage means which is slidably mounted on the primary storage means so as to provide the second manner of movement. The second manner of movement may be in the same direction as the first manner of movement or may be substantially perpendicular thereto.

The mounting means may permit the secondary storage means to be removable from the primary storage means.

The secondary storage means may be selected from a tray, a drawer, a shelf, and a basket.

The secondary storage means may be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the primary storage means, for example to adjust the spacing between adjacent shelves.

The secondary storage means may be curved, for example substantially circular, oval or elliptical. Alternatively the secondary storage means may be substantially rectangular.

The storage means may be movable manually or automatically, for example in the event of a user activating a suitable switch. Where one manner of movement is effected automatically or manually, another manner of movement may be effected by the same or different means.

The appliance may be selected from, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a cooker, a dishwasher and furniture, for example a storage cupboard.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 to 5 show embodiments of a combination refrigerator-freezer according to the present invention;

Figures 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a chest freezer according to aspects of the present invention;

Figures 8 to 10 show embodiments of a domestic cooking appliance according to the present invention;

Figures 11 to 13 show embodiments of a refrigerator according to the present invention;

Figures 14 to 16 show an embodiment of a dishwashing machine according to the present invention;

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of a kitchen incorporating appliances according to the present invention;

Figures 18 to 20 show an arrangement of kitchen cupboards according to an aspect of the present invention; and Figures 21 to 23 show a variation of the configuration of the appliances according to the present invention.

Figures 1 to 5 show various embodiments of a combination refrigerator-freezer having a refrigerator 1 in an upper part and a freezer 3 in a lower part. Figure

1 is a perspective view with the doors of both parts of the appliance closed and shows that the appliance is generally in the form of a rectangular box or casing having a curved, for example semi-circular, front. However, it should be noted that the appliance may have any convenient overall shape. Internally the refrigerator 1 and the freezer 3 may also be curved, for example semi-circular, in order to provide a suitable space within both the refrigerator and the freezer, for example of circular cross-section as illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 giving rise to a space of cylindrical configuration.

Figure 2 shows a door 5 of the freezer which has been opened, the door being pivoted open on hinges 6 or the like. The inner side of the door carries a number of substantially circular trays 7 (or compartments) to fit within the cylindrical interior of the freezer 3. Such a configuration readily allows the door 5 of the freezer to be opened and closed. Shown diagrammatically at the top of the appliance is a circular member 11 and a pair of arrows indicating that shelves (not shown) within the cylindrical interior of the refrigerator 1 are rotatable. This will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

As can be seen from Figure 3, the trays 7 are pivotably mounted in the region of the free edge of the door 5 by way of hinges 9 such that the trays 7 are pivotable in a substantially horizontal plane outwardly from the freezer 3 and the door 5 thereof so as to facilitate access to the contents of the trays 7. The trays

7 are also removable from the door 5, for example by way of the hinges 9, so as to facilitate cleaning thereof. The trays 7 need not be circular, but could have any suitable configuration, such as oval or elliptical, which allows the doors of the refrigerator and of the freezer to be readily opened and closed. It should be noted that the freezer 3 in Figure 3 is smaller than that shown in Figure 2 in that there is space only for three trays 7 and the refrigerator is correspondingly larger.

Figure 4 shows that the trays 7 are pivotably mounted on a curved support 13 mounted on the freezer door 5, the support 13 being movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the remainder of the door 5 by a lifting and lowering means 15 shown diagrammatically in Figure 4 so as to facilitate access to the contents of the trays 7 without the need for the user to bend substantially. Figure 4 shows the trays 7 in an elevated configuration. As indicated in Figure 4, the lifting and lowering means 15 may be provided within the structure of the door 5, for example running in tracks or the like provided on the inner face of the door 5 in order to minimise friction, and may include an electric motor together with an associated gearing mechanism. However, it should be noted that the lifting and lowering mechanism may be provided elsewhere in relation to the appliance, such as externally of the door 5. The construction of such a lifting and lowering mechanism is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not require any invention. If desired, the lifting and lowering means 15 may be activated automatically when the freezer door 5 is opened. Alternatively, the lifting and lowering means may be activated by means of a suitable switch or may be operable manually. Where the lifting and lowering means 15 is activated automatically this may be combined with automatic opening of the freezer door 5, such as by means of a suitable switch. The trays 7 may be rotated outwardly, either automatically or manually, either individually or collectively.

In Figure 5 a door 17 of the refrigerator 1 is open, revealing a number of circular shelves 19. As shown by the arrows adjacent to the shelves in Figure 5, the shelves 19 can be rotated in either direction. If desired, the shelves may be rotated by a rotating system 21 which may rotate the shelves either individually or collectively. The rotating system 21 may cause the shelves 19 to rotate in a number of different modes, either preset or selectable by the user. For example the shelves may be rotated automatically or semi-automatically (such as a predetermined degree of rotation for each activation of a switch) and may be rotated stepwise if desired. As a further alternative, the shelves 19 may be rotated under manual control, such as by actuating a suitable switch. As a further alternative, the rotating system 21 may be omitted and the shelves 19 may be rotated manually.

Such an appliance may be referred to as an ASCEART (Automated Shelves Compartment Elevator And Revolving Technology) appliance

Figures 6 and 7 show a perspective view of a chest freezer, with Figure 7 showing the freezer having a casing and a number of compartments 23 arranged side-by-side, each compartment having a number of drawers 25, while Figure 6 shows the compartments 23 lowered into a body 27 of the freezer and sealing the freezer in a closed configuration. Thus, the tops of the compartments 23 function as a lid for the freezer when fully lowered into the body 27. The compartments 23 are mounted within the body 27 by means of a support system (not shown) which moves the compartments upwardly and downwardly with minimal friction. As can be seen from Figure 7, the compartments 23 can be elevated to different heights, thus allowing a differing number of drawers 25 to be exposed. The compartments can be raised and lowered independently of each other and so can be raised to the same or different heights, or only a single compartment can be raised by itself. Consequently, a user can raise a chosen compartment, for example using a suitable switch to actuate the support system in order to raise the compartment to an appropriate height in order to open and to access a desired drawer 25 without the need for substantial bending. The drawers may be opened and closed manually, using a handle 29 or may be opened and closed automatically using a suitable switch. The construction of such a support system is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not itself require any invention.

Figures 8 to 10 show a domestic cooker, with Figure 8 being a perspective view of the cooker with an oven door 31 in a closed position. As can be seen from Figure 8 the cooker is generally in the form of a rectangular box or casing having a curved, for example, semi-circular, front, although the cooker may have any convenient shape. Internally the oven may be curved, for example semi-circular, in order to provide a suitable space within the oven, for example of circular cross-section giving rise to a space of cylindrical configuration.

Figure 9 shows the door 31 of the oven in an opened position, the door being pivotably mounted on hinges 32 or the like. The inner side of the door carries a number of substantially circular oven shelves 33 to fit within the cylindrical interior of the oven. Such a configuration readily allows the door 31 of the oven to be opened and closed without the shelves catching on the oven.

As can be seen from Figures 9 and 10, the oven shelves 33 are pivotably mounted in the region of the free edge of the oven door 31 by way of hinges 35 or the like such that the shelves 33 are pivotable in a substantially horizontal plane outwardly from the oven and the oven door so as to facilitate access to the shelves. The shelves 33 are also removable from the oven door, for example by way of the hinges 35, so as to facilitate cleaning thereof and also to enable the number of shelves to be varied. The shelves may also be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to each other in order the adapt the spacing between the shelves to the foods being cooked within the oven. The shelves 33 do not need to be circular, but could have any suitable configuration, such as oval or elliptical, which allows the door of the oven to be readily opened and closed. It should be noted that the configuration of the oven in Figure 10 is different to that in Figure 9 in that three shelves 33 are provided in the oven of Figure 10, while only two shelves are provided in Figure 9.

As can be seen particularly from Figure 10, the shelves 33 are pivotably mounted on a curved support 37 which is in turn mounted on the inside face of the oven door 31. The support 37 is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the remainder of the oven door 31 by a lifting and lowering means 39 shown diagrammatically in Figure 10 so as to facilitate access to the shelves 33 without the need for the user to bend substantially. Figure 10 shows the shelves 33 in an elevated configuration. As indicated in Figure 10, the lifting and lowering means 39 may be provided within the structure of the door 31 , for example running in tracks or the like provided on the inner face of the door. The construction of such a lifting and lowering mechanism is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not itself require any invention. If desired, the lifting and lowering means 39 may be activated automatically when the oven door 31 is opened. Alternatively, the lifting and lowering means may be activated by means of a suitable switch or may be operable manually. Where the lifting and lowering means 39 is activated automatically this may be combined with automatic opening of the oven door 31 , such as by means of a suitable switch. The shelves 33 may be pivotable outwardly, whether automatically or manually, either individually or collectively.

In addition to an oven, the domestic cooker of Figures 8 to 10 also includes a hob 41 which is provided with a number of heated areas 43. As indicated by the arrows in Figures 9 and 10, the hob 41 is rotatably mounted above the oven in order that the user can rotate the hob to bring a desired heated area 43 from a rear region of the hob to a front region thereof. Such an arrangement allows the user to obtain ready access to cooking utensils irrespective of which heated area

43 is being used. This is particularly beneficial when all the heated areas are being used or when heated areas of differing size are required, the respective heated areas being spaced apart on the hob surface. The construction of such a rotating arrangement is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not itself require any invention.

Figures 11 to 13 show various embodiments of a refrigerator, in particular an under-counter refrigerator. Figure 11 is a perspective view with the door of the refrigerator closed and shows that the appliance is generally in the form of a rectangular box or casing having a curved, for example semi-circular, front, although the appliance may have any convenient shape. Internally the refrigerator may also be curved, for example semi-circular, in order to provide a suitable space within the appliance, for example of circular cross-section as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 giving rise to a space of cylindrical configuration.

Figures 12 and 13 show a door 45 of the refrigerator which has been opened by pivoting the door on hinges 46 or the like, revealing a number of substantially circular shelves (or trays) 47 to fit within the circular interior of the refrigerator. Such a configuration readily allows the door 45 of the refrigerator to be opened and closed. It will be noted that two shelves 47 are shown in Figure 12, while three shelves 47 are shown in Figure 13.

As can be seen from Figures 12 and 13, the shelves 47 are pivotably mounted in the region of the free edge of the door 45 by way of hinges 49 or the like such that the shelves 47 are pivotable in a substantially horizontal plane outwardly from the refrigerator and the door 45 thereof so as to facilitate access to the contents of the refrigerator stored on the shelves 47. The shelves 47 are also removable from the door 45, for example by way of the hinges 49, so as to facilitate cleaning thereof. The shelves 47 need not be circular, but could have any suitable configuration, such as oval or elliptical, which allows the door of the refrigerator to be readily opened and closed.

Figures 12 and 13 also show a substantially circular freezer compartment 51 which may also be pivotably mounted in the region of the free edge of the door 45 (and removable therefrom) by way of one or more hinges 49 so as to be pivotable in a substantially horizontal plane outwardly from the refrigerator to facilitate access to the interior of the freezer compartment. However, the freezer compartment is provided with a cover (or lid) 53 which is pivotably mounted in the region of the free edge of the door 45 in a manner similar to the shelves 47 so as to provide access to the interior of the freezer compartment 51. Alternatively, the cover 53 may be pivotably (or otherwise) mounted on the freezer compartment itself. The freezer compartment 51 is provided with connection means 55 for connecting internally of the refrigerator to means for cooling the interior of the freezer compartment. Figures 12 and 13 show that the shelves 47 and the freezer compartment 51 are pivotably mounted on a curved support 57 mounted on the refrigerator door 45, the support 57 being movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the remainder of the door 45 by a lifting and lowering means 59 shown diagrammatically in Figures 12 and 13 so as to facilitate access to the contents of the shelves and the freezer compartment without the need for the user to bend substantially. Figure 13 shows the shelves 47 in an elevated configuration. As indicated in Figure 13, the lifting and lowering means 59 may be provided within the structure of the door 45, for example running in tracks or the like provided on the inner face of the door. The lifting and lowering means may be provided elsewhere relative to the appliance if desired. The construction of such a lifting and lowering means is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not require any invention. If desired, the lifting and lowering means 59 may be activated automatically when the refrigerator door 45 is opened. Alternatively, the lifting and lowering means may be activated by means of a suitable switch or may be operated manually. Where the lifting and lowering means 59 is activated automatically this may be combined with automatic opening of the refrigerator door, such as by means of a suitable switch. The shelves 47 and, if desired, the freezer compartment 51 , whether operated automatically or manually, may be rotated outwardly either individually or collectively.

The refrigerator door 45 may be provided with ground-engaging support means 61 which assists in supporting the door in the region of the free edge thereof when the door is open and therefore serves to reduce the stress on the door and its supports when the door is open. The support means 61 may include a wheel, castor or the like if desired.

Figures 14 to 16 show an embodiment of a dishwashing machine. Figure 14 is a perspective view with the door of the dishwasher closed and shows that the appliance is generally in the form of a rectangular box or casing having a curved, for example, semi-circular, front, although the appliance may have an alternative shape if desired. Internally, the dishwasher may also be curved, for example semi-circular, in order to provide a suitable space within the appliance, for example of circular cross-section as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 giving rise to a space of cylindrical configuration.

Figures 15 and 16 show a door 63 of the dishwasher which has been opened by pivoting the door on hinges 64 or the like, revealing a number of substantially circular baskets 65 to fit within the circular interior of the dishwasher. Such a configuration readily allows the door 63 of the dishwasher to be opened and closed.

As can be seen from Figures 15 and 16, the baskets 65 are pivotably mounted in the region of the free edge of the door 63 by way of hinges 67 or the like such that the baskets are pivotable in a substantially horizontal plane outwardly from the dishwasher and the door 63 thereof so as to facilitate access to the items within the dishwasher and accommodated within the baskets 65. The baskets 65 are also removable from the dishwasher door 63, for example by way of hinges 67, so as to facilitate cleaning thereof. The baskets 65 need not be circular, but could have any convenient configuration, such as oval or elliptical, which allows the door of the dishwasher to be readily opened and closed.

Figures 15 and 16 show that the baskets 65 are pivotably mounted on a curved support 69 mounted on the dishwasher door 63, the support 69 being movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the remainder of the door 63 by a lifting and lowering means 71 , shown diagrammatically in Figure 16, so as to facilitate access to the contents of the baskets 65 without the need for the user to bend substantially. Figure 16 shows the baskets 65 in an elevated configuration. As indicated in Figure 16, the lifting and lowering means 71 may be provided within the structure of the door 63, for example running in tracks or the like provided on the inner face of the door or elsewhere relative to the appliance if desired. The construction of such a lifting and lowering means is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not require any invention. If desired, the lifting and lowering means 71 may be activated automatically when the dishwasher door 63 is opened. Alternatively, the lifting and lowering means may be activated by means of a suitable switch or may be operated manually. Where the lifting and lowering means 71 is activated automatically, this may be combined with automatic opening of the dishwasher door 63, such as by means of a suitable switch. The baskets 65, whether operated automatically or manually, may be rotated outwardly either individually or collectively.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of part of a kitchen incorporating a cooker according to Figures 8 to 10 and a combination refrigerator-freezer according to

Figures 1 to 5.

Figures 18 to 20 are perspective views of an arrangement of kitchen cupboards in which at least cupboards 73 and 75 comprise a casing and a door and incorporate aspects of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 19, the cupboards 73 and 75 incorporate a track system 77 or the like which can be positioned, for example, in the region of the top (cupboard 73) or bottom (cupboard 75) of the cupboard in order to allow a shelving unit 79 to slide out from the cupboard and to return to a closed position.

As can be seen from Figure 20, the shelving unit 79 incorporates a lifting and lowering means indicated by the arrows in Figure 20 so as to allow shelves 81 within the shelving unit to be lowered and raised as appropriate. As is apparent from Figure 20, shelves 81 at a significant distance above ground level will first be lowered to provide access to the contents of the shelves and then raised, while shelves close to ground level will first be raised to provide access to the contents of the shelves and then lowered. Thus, the shelves 81 in the cupboard 73 will be lowered to provide access and then raised for stowing in the cupboard, while the shelves 81 of the cupboard 75 will be raised to provide access and then lowered for stowing in the cupboard. Figure 20 also shows that the shelves 81 , once they have been moved (lowered or raised) to provide access, can then be moved in a substantially horizontal plane, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 20, to further improve access to an individual shelf. The shelves 81 may be moved in the same general direction as the initial movement of the shelving unit 79 so as to further extend the combination of the shelving unit and the shelf in a single direction, or alternatively the shelves 81 may be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular (laterally) to the initial direction of movement of the shelving unit 79.

If desired, the lifting and lowering means may be activated automatically when the cupboard 73, 75 is opened. Alternatively, the lifting and lowering means may be activated by means of a suitable switch or may be operable manually. The further movement of the shelves may be operated manually or by means of a suitable switch.

It should be noted that the sliding shelves can be replaced by other arrangements if desired. For example, the shelves may be rotatable about an axis or one or more of the shelves may replaced by a drawer, for example for cutlery.

As an alternative, in a manner similar to that described above, for example in relation to Figures 1 to 5, the kitchen cupboards may have a curved, for example semi-circular, door. The shelves may then be mounted on a curved support mounted internally of the door, the support being movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the remainder of the door by a lifting and lowering means so as to facilitate access to the shelves. The shelves may then be pivotably mounted in a region of the support adjacent to a free edge of the door. The shelves need not be circular, but could have any suitable configuration, such as oval or elliptical, which allows the door to be readily opened and closed. As noted above, the appliance may have an alternative shape if desired. Figures 21 to 23 show a variation of the configuration of the various appliances, with particular reference to a combination refrigerator-freezer comprising a casing with a slidable door. Figure 21 shows a combination refrigerator-freezer in a closed configuration, including a freezer 83, while Figure 22 shows that the freezer incorporates a track system 85 or the like which is positioned in the region of the bottom of the freezer in order to allow a support unit 87 to slide out of the freezer and to return to a closed position. As can be seen from Figures 22 and 23, a pack of drawers 89 is mounted within the support unit 87 and incorporates a lifting and lowering means 91 , shown diagrammatically in Figure 23, so as to facilitate access to the drawers 89 without the need for the user to bend substantially. Figure 23 indicates that the lifting and lowering means 91 may be provided within the structure of the freezer, for example running in tracks or the like provided on the inside face of a closure 93 for the freezer 83, or elsewhere relative to the appliance if desired. The construction of such a lifting and lowering means is well within the capability of the average skilled worker and does not require any invention.

Once the pack of drawers 89 has been raised (or lowered) to the required height, the drawers may be opened and subsequently closed. If desired, the lifting and lowering means may be activated automatically when the freezer 83 is opened

(which may be accomplished either manually or by means of a suitable switch). Alternatively, the lifting and lowering means may be activated by means of a suitable switch or may be operated manually. Opening and closing of the drawers may be effected either manually or by means of a suitable switch.

Claims

1. A domestic appliance comprising a casing (27), an openable cover (5, 31 , 45, 63, 93) for the casing, storage means (23, 79, 87) within the casing, and means (77, 85) for moving the storage means relative to the casing in response to movement of the cover, the moving means including means for moving the storage means in a first manner when the cover is opened so as to provide access to the storage means and means for moving at least a part of the storage means in a second manner so as to provide access to items within the storage means.

2. An appliance as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the storage means (23, 87) is mounted on the cover (5, 31 , 45, 63, 93).

3. An appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cover

(93) is substantially planar.

4. An appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cover (5, 31 , 45, 63) is curved, for example semi-circular.

5. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the cover (5, 31 , 45, 63) is hinged relative to the casing so as to provide the first manner of movement.

6. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the cover (93) is slidable relative to the casing (27, 83), for example towards and away from the casing, so as to provide the first manner of movement.

7. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the cover (45) is provided with support means (61) for supporting at least a part of the cover when it has been opened.

8. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the moving means includes means for moving the storage means in a third manner when the cover (5, 31 , 45, 59, 63, 71 , 93) is opened so as to provide access to the storage means.

9. An appliance as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the storage means is mounted relative to the cover (5, 31 , 59, 71 , 93) by support means (13, 37, 57, 59) which is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the cover so as to move the storage means in the third manner.

10. An appliance as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the mounting means includes track members (15, 39, 59, 71) mounted on an inner face of the cover (5, 31 , 45, 63).

11. An appliance as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the mounting means includes track members (91) mounted within the casing.

12. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the storage means includes secondary storage means (7, 33, 47, 65) which is pivotably mounted on the primary storage means for movement in a substantially horizontal plane so as to provide the second manner of movement.

13. An appliance as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the mounting means (9, 35, 49, 67) for the secondary storage means (7, 33, 47, 65) is arranged in the region of a free edge of the cover (5, 31 , 45, 63).

14. An appliance as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the mounting means (9, 35, 49, 67) is in the form of a hinge.

15. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , characterised in that the mounting means includes secondary storage means (25, 81) which is slidably mounted on the primary storage means (23, 79) so as to provide the second manner of movement.

16. An appliance as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the second manner of movement is in the same direction as the first manner of movement.

17. An appliance as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the second manner of movement is substantially perpendicular to the first manner of movement.

18. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, characterised in that the mounting means (9, 35, 49) permits the secondary storage means (7, 33, 47) to be removable from the primary storage means.

19. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18, characterised in that the secondary storage means is selected from a tray (7), a drawer (89), a shelf (33, 47, 81), and a basket (65).

20. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, characterised in that the secondary storage means (7, 33, 47, 81) is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the primary storage means.

21. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, characterised in that the secondary storage means is curved (7, 33, 47), for example substantially circular, oval or elliptical.

22. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, characterised in that the secondary storage means (25, 81 , 89) is substantially rectangular.

23. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the storage means is movable manually or automatically, for example in the event of a user activating a suitable switch.

24. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the storage means is movable automatically, for example in the event of a user activating a suitable switch.

25. An appliance as claimed in claim 23 or 24, characterised in that, where one manner of movement is effected automatically or manually, another manner of movement is effected by the same or different means.

26. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the appliance is selected from a refrigerator, a freezer (3, 51), a cooker, a dishwasher and furniture, for example a storage cupboard (73, 75).