Ice bin with magnetized scoop and method of manufacture and use

Abstract

An ice bin and scoop and related methods are disclosed. The ice bin includes a liner in an outer shell. A support plate is fitted in a space between the liner and the outer shell. The support plate has either ferromagnetic or magnetic material. The scoop has either magnetic or ferromagnetic material. The support plate is positioned so that the scoop can be supported inside the ice bin on the perimeter wall of the ice bin by a force of magnetic attraction between the support plate and the scoop. The support plate is positioned so that the scoop may be held out of contact with ice deposited in the bin and out of the path of falling ice. Molded-in-place insulation may support the support plate in the space between the liner and outer shell.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of manufacturing an ice bin, the method comprising:
 temporarily supporting a support plate on a liner of the ice bin in a space between the liner and an outer shell of the ice bin;   filling the space between the liner and the outer shell with curable insulation such that the curable insulation conforms to the support plate; and   curing the curable insulation so that the insulation supports the support plate in the space between the liner and the outer shell.   
     
     
         20 . A method of using an ice bin and scoop, the method comprising:
 detaching the scoop from an inner surface of the ice bin by overcoming a force of magnetic attraction between the scoop and the ice bin by which the scoop is supported on the inner surface of the ice bin;   scooping ice that has been deposited into the ice bin out of the ice bin with the scoop; and   reattaching the scoop to the inner surface of the ice bin such that the scoop is supported on the inner wall by a force of magnetic attraction between the scoop and the ice bin.   
     
     
         21 . A method of making a scoop comprising:
 forming a scoop comprising a magnet receiving enclosure having an open end;   placing a magnet element into the magnet receiving enclosure through the open end; and   joining a cap to the scoop over the open end of the magnet receiving enclosure such that the cap retains the magnetic element in the enclosure.   
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein said joining the cap comprises ultrasonic welding the cap to the scoop. 
     
     
         23 . An ice maker appliance comprising:
 an ice bin comprising a bin body and a front door assembly, the front door assembly comprising a shell, a liner, and a support plate; and   an ice scoop comprising at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic element, the scoop being configured to be releasably supported on the front door assembly by a force of magnetic attraction between the ice scoop and the support plate.   
     
     
         24 . An ice bin as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein the support plate is aligned with an opening through which the user withdraws ice from the ice bin.