U.S. patent application number 14/577460 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for shelf assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Home Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Jenkinson.
Application Number | 20160174712 14/577460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56082944 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160174712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jenkinson; Peter |
June 23, 2016 |
SHELF ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A shelf assembly includes a shelf frame adapted to support a
planar shelf panel. The shelf frame comprises a front member,
opposed side members, and a rear member. A support channel is
integrally formed into an underside of the shelf frame. A
reinforcing support frame is captured within the support channel to
form a unitary shelf assembly and is adapted to support the shelf
frame within said appliance. At least one stud projects outward
from the reinforcing support frame with respect to the opposed side
members of the shelf frame. The studs are adapted to be received
within a corresponding recess of an interior wall of said appliance
to thereby support the shelf assembly within said appliance.
Inventors: |
Jenkinson; Peter; (Anderson,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Home Products, Inc. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56082944 |
Appl. No.: |
14/577460 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 25/02 20130101;
F25D 2325/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06; A47B 96/02 20060101 A47B096/02; F25D 25/02 20060101
F25D025/02 |
Claims
1. A shelf assembly for an appliance, comprising: a shelf panel
comprising a generally planar support surface; a shelf frame
adapted to be mounted within an appliance to support the shelf
panel with the support surface extending generally along a
horizontal plane, the shelf frame comprising a front member with a
front support recess, opposed side members each with a side support
recess, and a rear member that together define an outer periphery,
wherein the front support recess is sized to slidingly receive and
support the front edge of the shelf panel and the side support
recesses are each sized to slidingly receive and support one of the
opposed side edges of the shelf panel against the force of gravity;
a support channel formed into an underside of the outer periphery
of the shelf frame along each of the front member, opposed side
members, and the rear member so that the support channel is
substantially co-extensive with the outer periphery; a reinforcing
support frame adapted to support the shelf frame within said
appliance, the reinforcing support frame comprising a front support
member, opposed side support members, and a rear support member,
wherein the reinforcing support frame is co-extensive with the
support channel of the shelf frame and is captured within the
support channel to form a unitary shelf assembly, and wherein the
front support member of the reinforcing support frame is
resiliently captured within a front portion of the support channel
by a snap-fit connection; and at least one stud projecting outward
from each of the opposed side support members of the reinforcing
support frame, wherein the studs are adapted to be received within
a corresponding recess of an interior wall of said appliance to
thereby support the shelf assembly within said appliance.
2. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein each stud projects
outward from a corresponding side support member along a direction
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said side support
member.
3. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein each opposed side member
of the shelf frame comprises a side aperture located at a position
corresponding one of the studs, the side aperture extending from
the support channel and to an exterior of the shelf frame.
4. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one stud
comprises a pair of studs projecting outward from each of the
opposed side support members, the pair of studs being separate and
spaced a distance apart from each other.
5. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein each stud is spaced a
distance from both of the front support member and the rear support
member.
6. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the support channel is
integrally formed into the outer periphery as a monolithic element
with the shelf frame.
7. (canceled)
8. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear support member
of the reinforcing support frame is resiliently captured within a
rear portion of the support channel by a snap-fit connection.
9. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the support channel is
substantially parallel with the horizontal plane.
10. The shelf assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rear
support channel formed with and extending below the rear member of
the shelf frame, the rear support channel adapted to removably
receive and capture a rear edge of the shelf panel to support the
shelf panel against the force of gravity and to thereby inhibit
removal of the shelf panel from the shelf frame.
11. The shelf assembly of claim 10, wherein the shelf panel is
selectively insertable or removable from the rear support channel
by temporarily deflecting the rear support channel upwards relative
to the horizontal plane a sufficient amount to separate the rear
edge of the shelf panel from the rear support channel.
12. (canceled)
13. A shelf assembly for an appliance, comprising: a shelf panel
comprising a generally planar support surface; a shelf frame
adapted to support the shelf panel with the support surface
extending generally along a horizontal plane, the shelf frame
comprising a front member with a front support recess, opposed side
members each with a side support recess, and a rear member that
together define an outer periphery, wherein the shelf frame
comprises a central opening extending through the shelf frame and
bounded by the outer periphery, the central opening occupying a
majority of the shelf frame and which is covered by the shelf
panel, and wherein the front support recess is sized to slidingly
receive and support the front edge of the shelf panel and the side
support recesses are each sized to slidingly receive and support
one of the opposed side edges of the shelf panel to thereby cover
the central opening; a support channel integrally formed as a
monolithic element with the shelf frame into an underside of the
shelf frame along each of the front member and the rear member so
that the support channel is substantially co-extensive with the
front and rear members; a reinforcing support frame adapted to
support the shelf frame within said appliance, the reinforcing
support frame comprising a front support member and a rear support
member, wherein the reinforcing support frame is co-extensive with
the support channel of the shelf frame along the front and rear
members and is captured within the support channel to form a
unitary shelf assembly; and at least one stud projecting outward
from the reinforcing support frame with respect to each of the
opposed side members of the shelf frame and along a direction
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said opposed side members,
wherein the studs are adapted to be received within a corresponding
recess of an interior wall of said appliance to thereby support the
shelf assembly within said appliance.
14. The shelf assembly of claim 13, wherein the studs are formed
with and projects outwards from one of the front or rear support
members of the reinforcing support frame.
15. The shelf assembly of claim 13, wherein the reinforcing support
frame further comprises opposed side support members, and wherein
each stud projects outward from a corresponding side support member
along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said side
support member.
16. The shelf assembly of claim 15, wherein each opposed side
member of the shelf frame comprises a side aperture located at a
position corresponding one of the studs, the side aperture
extending from the support channel and to an exterior of the shelf
frame.
17. The shelf assembly of claim 15, wherein said at least one stud
comprises a pair of studs projecting outward from each of the
opposed side support members, the pair of studs being separate and
spaced a distance apart from each other.
18. The shelf assembly of claim 15, wherein each stud is spaced a
distance from both of the front support member and the rear support
member.
19. The shelf assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the front
support member and rear support member of the reinforcing support
frame is resiliently captured within a corresponding one of a front
portion of the support channel and a rear portion of the support
channel by a snap-fit connection.
20. The shelf assembly of claim 13, further comprising a rear
support channel formed with and extending below the rear member of
the shelf frame, the rear support channel adapted to removably
receive and capture a rear edge of the shelf panel to support the
shelf panel against the force of gravity and to thereby inhibit
removal of the shelf panel from the shelf frame, wherein the shelf
panel is selectively insertable or removable from the rear support
channel by temporarily deflecting the rear support channel upwards
relative to the horizontal plane a sufficient amount to separate
the rear edge of the shelf panel from the rear support channel.
21. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear member of the
shelf frame comprises a hinge with a bottom wall, and wherein the
rear support member of the reinforcing support frame is captured
within a rear portion of the support channel by the bottom wall of
the hinge when the hinge is in a closed condition.
22. The shelf assembly of claim 21, wherein the hinge is pivotally
connected to the rear member by a living hinge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates generally to a shelf
assembly, and more particularly, to a shelf assembly for an
appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Appliances, such as refrigerators, are known to include a
plurality of shelves for storing various items. Conventional
shelves are beneficial to accommodate stored items such as large
pizza boxes, wine bottles and/or other food or beverage
containers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 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.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect, a shelf assembly for an
appliance comprises a shelf panel comprising a generally planar
support surface. A shelf frame is adapted to be mounted within an
appliance to support the shelf panel with the support surface
extending generally along a horizontal plane, the shelf frame
comprising a front member, opposed side members, and a rear member
that together define an outer periphery. A support channel is
formed into an underside of the outer periphery of the shelf frame
along each of the front member, opposed side members, and the rear
member so that the support channel is substantially co-extensive
with the outer periphery. A reinforcing support frame is adapted to
support the shelf frame within said appliance. The reinforcing
support frame comprises a front support member, opposed side
support members, and a rear support member. The reinforcing support
frame is co-extensive with the support channel of the shelf frame
and is captured within the support channel to form a unitary shelf
assembly. At least one stud projects outward from each of the
opposed side support members of the reinforcing support frame. The
studs are adapted to be received within a corresponding recess of
an interior wall of said appliance to thereby support the shelf
assembly within said appliance.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect, a shelf assembly for an
appliance comprises a shelf panel comprising a generally planar
support surface. A shelf frame is adapted to support the shelf
panel with the support surface extending generally along a
horizontal plane, the shelf frame comprising a front member,
opposed side members, and a rear member that together define an
outer periphery. A support channel is integrally formed as a
monolithic element with the shelf frame into an underside of the
shelf frame along each of the front member and the rear member so
that the support channel is substantially co-extensive with the
front and rear members. A reinforcing support frame is adapted to
support the shelf frame within said appliance. The reinforcing
support frame comprises a front support member and a rear support
member. The reinforcing support frame is co-extensive with the
support channel of the shelf frame along the front and rear members
and is captured within the support channel to form a unitary shelf
assembly. At least one stud projects outward from the reinforcing
support frame with respect to the opposed side members of the shelf
frame. The studs are adapted to be received within a corresponding
recess of an interior wall of said appliance to thereby support the
shelf assembly within said appliance.
[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description present example
and explanatory embodiments of the invention, and are intended to
provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and
character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying
drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the
invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this
specification. The drawings illustrate various example embodiments
of the invention, and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles and operations of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] 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:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a refrigerator including an
example shelf assembly;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example shelf
assembly;
[0011] FIG. 3A is a bottom view of an example shelf frame;
[0012] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the shelf frame that is
assembled with an example reinforcing support frame;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the reinforcing support frame of
FIG. 3B;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
3B;
[0015] FIG. 6A is a detail view of FIG. 5 illustrating one
embodiment of a rear portion of an example support channel;
[0016] FIGS. 6B-6C are similar to FIG. 6A, but show another example
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a detail view of FIG. 5 illustrating one
embodiment of a front portion of an example support channel;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3B;
and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a detail view of FIG. 5 illustrating one
embodiment of a side portion of an example support channel.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] 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.
[0021] Conventional glass shelves for refrigerators typically
include a plastic frame that is either over-molded/encapsulated
onto the glass panel, or adhered to the glass panel using a
non-removable adhesive. Both of these increase cost and
complexity.
[0022] Moreover, while plastic materials can provide many benefits
to shelving, it is beneficial to increase the loading capacity of a
shelf by adding a reinforcement structure. It is further beneficial
to have a shelf that provides the benefits and aesthetic appearance
of a glass and plastic shelf, while replacing the conventional
utility of a wire-frame shelf that attaches directly to the
interior walls of the refrigerator liner. The shelf frame is
preferably manufactured of an injection-molded plastic that is
generally rigid, although additional strength is provided by a
hidden strengthening frame.
[0023] Turning to the shown example of FIG. 1, a shelf assembly 20
is described that can be used in different types of appliances,
such as refrigeration appliances, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, or
even other appliance types. For instance, the shelf assembly 20 can
be used in storage systems for refrigeration appliances such as
refrigerator/freezer units, stand-alone refrigerators, standalone
freezers, or the like. Although the example refrigerator is
illustrated as a side-by-side type refrigerator, the instant shelf
assembly 20 could similarly be used in a top-mount refrigerator,
bottom-mount refrigerator, French-door refrigerator, or even other
types of refrigerators or freezers. In addition to white goods
(e.g., appliances), the structure and assembly method herein can be
used to create a planer or vertical surface with furniture, storage
applications and architectural applications. Moreover, it is
contemplated that instead of being a shelf assembly to support
goods, the structure of the instant application could instead be
used to provide a vertical, angled, or horizontal divider that can
separate adjacent areas. FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a
refrigerator 200 including a schematic depiction of a shelf
assembly 20 in accordance with aspects of the present application.
In one example, the refrigerator 200 can include a cabinet with an
interior liner having at a pair of opposing interior side walls
210, 211 defining an interior area 202. A refrigerator door 208 can
be opened to provide access to one or more shelf assemblies 20.
[0024] Moreover, it is contemplated that the shelf assembly 20 can
include support structure, as will be described herein, configured
to be attached with respect to the side walls 210, 211 of the
cabinet 209 to support the shelf within the interior area 202 of
the cabinet. It is contemplated that the shelf assembly 20 can be
vertically adjusted to a desired elevation within the interior area
202 of the cabinet 209. Various types of interlocking devices can
be used, such as a stud projection from the shelf assembly 20 that
can lockingly engage corresponding recess structure on the side
walls 210, 211. In any event, it is preferred that the shelf
assembly 20 is removable from the interior area 202 of the
appliance for cleaning, replacement, etc. Although the Figures
illustrate the walls 210, 211 as lateral side walls, it is
understood that the shelf assembly 20 could be coupled to structure
on a rear wall of the cabinet.
[0025] Turning now to FIGS. 2-3B, the shelf assembly 20 includes a
shelf panel 22 with a generally planar support surface 24 that is
supported by a frame 30. The generally planar support surface 24 is
defined by a front edge 26, opposed side edges 27, and a rear edge
28 that together define an outer periphery. The outer periphery
generally bounds a central opening 31 that extends through the
shelf frame 30, and which is covered by the shelf panel 22. The
shelf panel 22 can have various shapes and dimensions with the
generally planar support surface 24 configured to support various
objects for storage within an interior of the appliance. The shelf
panel 22 can have a generally square or rectangular geometry,
although other shapes are contemplated. In other examples, the
shelf panel 22 can be formed of various generally rigid materials,
such as glass, plastic, metal, wire, or other suitable material.
Preferably, the shelf panel 22 comprises a generally translucent or
transparent material, such as a tempered or toughened glass or
polymer panel suitable for use in a refrigerator environment.
Additionally, the shelf panel 22 may have a generally constant
thickness therethrough.
[0026] The shelf assembly 20 further includes the frame 30
configured to be mounted to the interior of the refrigerator 200 to
support the shelf panel 22 with the support surface 24 extending
generally along a horizontal plane. Of course, the frame 30 could
also be configured to support the shelf panel 22 in various other
orientations. The frame 30 includes a front member 32, opposed side
members 36, and a rear member 50. Each of the elongated front
member 34 and rear member 50 extend laterally between the pair of
side members 36 and are configured to support the shelf panel 22
along the horizontal plane. The frame 30 may further include any or
all of a front support and side supports that together can support
the shelf panel around three of its sides.
[0027] The frame 30 can be formed of a generally rigid material,
such as metal, plastic, or the like. In one example, the frame 30
can be formed of an injection molded plastic, and may be formed as
a monolithic unit. For example, the front member 34, side members
36, and rear member 50 can be integrally formed as a monolithic
body to define the frame 30. Still, the frame 30 can be assembled
from various elements. For example, some or all of the front, side,
and rear members can be removably or non-removably attached to each
other to define the frame 30. Additionally, the frame 30 may
include additional features, such as raised or angled edges
extending along the outer perimeter (e.g., front, rear, and/or side
edges) to retain spills on the support surface 24 to provide a
"spill proof" shelf. For example, some or all of the front member
32, opposed side members 36, and rear member 50 of the frame 30 can
define an upper peripheral rim 39 which is raised a distance above
the shelf panel 22. The "spill proof" application can be enhanced
by application of a food grade compound (silicon or similar) for
white goods or general sealant for other applications between the
shelf frame and the glass panel. Finally, as will be discussed
herein, in one embodiment at least part of the rear member of the
frame can be designed to be elastically deformable.
[0028] Turning specifically to FIG. 3A, the shelf frame 30 further
includes a support channel 40 formed into an underside of the shelf
frame 30. The support channel 40 extends along each of the front
member 32 and the rear member 50 of the shelf frame 30 so that the
support channel 40 is substantially co-extensive with the front and
rear members 32, 50. Preferably, the support channel 40 extends
along each of the front member 32, opposed side members 36, and
rear member 50 so that the support channel 40 is preferably
substantially co-extensive with the outer periphery of the shelf
frame 30. Preferably, the support channel 40 is integrally formed
into the outer periphery as a monolithic element with the shelf
frame 30. Some or all of the support channel 40 is further formed
as a recess open to the exterior environment that extends a
distance inwards into the underside of the outer periphery of the
shelf frame 30. The support channel 40 can have various geometries,
as will be discussed herein.
[0029] The support channel 40 can extend variously along each of
the front member 32, opposed side members 36, and rear member 50,
such as along substantially the entire length of each of the edges
of the frame 30. The support channel 40 may be a continuous channel
that runs around the outer periphery of the frame 30, or be a
combination of separate interconnected channels that form an
effectively continuous support channel 40, or even be a combination
of separate interconnected channels that are discontinuous. In the
shown example, the support channel 40 can include a front portion
42 that extends along the front member 32, side portions 44 that
extend along the side members 36, and a rear portion 46 that
extends along the rear member 50. Preferably, each of the front
portion 42, side portions 44, and rear portion 46 are contiguous
along each associated edge of the frame 30. Still, it is
contemplated that the various portions of the support channel 40
may each be discontinuous and/or extend along less than the entire
edges of the shelf panel 30, such as about 90% or less, about 80%
or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, about 50% or less,
about 40% or less, about 30% or less, or even about 20% or less.
Additionally, the frame 30 can further include one or more side
apertures 48 that extend from the support channel 40, and outwards
therethrough to an exterior of the shelf frame 30. Preferably, the
side apertures 48 are located on the side members 36 and are in
direct communication with the side portions 44 of the support
channel 40.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 3B-4, the shelf assembly can further
include a reinforcing support frame 60 adapted to support the shelf
frame 30 within said appliance. As noted above, the reinforcing
support frame 60 can be used to increase the loading capacity of
the shelf assembly 20, and can further be used to physically
support the shelf assembly 20 within the interior of the appliance
at a desired height and/or position. The reinforcing support frame
60 includes a front support member 62 at one end, and a rear
support member 66 at the other end. Preferably, the reinforcing
support frame 60 includes all of the front support member 62, the
rear support member 66, and also opposed side support members
64.
[0031] The support frame 60 can be integrally formed as a
monolithic body, or can be assembled together as a unitary body
from separate elements. In one example, the support frame 60 can be
produced from metal wire that has been worked into a shape
corresponding to the outer periphery of the shelf frame 30. A
single piece of wire can be formed into the desired shape and
secured to itself, such as by welding, fasteners, or the like.
Alternatively, two or more pieces of wire can be secured together.
In one example, all of the front support member 62, opposed side
support members 64, and rear support member 64 can be provided as
separate elements that are welded together. Still, it is
contemplated that the support frame 60 could be formed of other
materials aside from metal wire, and/or could be cast or otherwise
formed as a single, monolithic body, such as from a single piece of
metal or the like. In yet another configuration, the support frame
60 could be provided as two or more independent support frames that
are each secured to the shelf frame 30 to provide effective support
across the entire shelf frame 30. For example, although not shown,
a rear support frame could extend across the rear and partially
along the sides of the shelf frame 30 (e.g., a "U"-shape), while a
front support frame could similarly extend across the front and
also partially along the sides of the shelf frame 30 (e.g., also a
"U"-shape). The side portions of the independent shelf frames could
include support studs or the like for supporting the shelf assembly
within the refrigerator. This configuration could provide a benefit
where each of the independent support frames could be formed
separately from a single piece of wire, without the need to weld or
otherwise secure parts together.
[0032] Preferably, the reinforcing support frame 60 is co-extensive
with the with the support channel 40 of the shelf frame 30, and is
captured within the support channel 40 to form a unitary shelf
assembly 20. Further, the reinforcing support frame 60 is
preferably co-extensive with outer periphery of the shelf frame 30
to thereby provide a strength support structure across the entire
shelf assembly 20. In this manner, the reinforcing support frame 60
can provide suitable structural support to the shelf frame 30
despite often uneven loading of foodstuffs along the support
surface 24 of the shelf panel 22. The support frame 60 it can have
various geometries as might be desired for various shelf frames 30.
For example, the reinforcing support frame 60 can be provided with
a constant cross-sectional size and shape. Similarly, the support
frame 60 may extends along a single plane, or it may extend along
multiple planes.
[0033] The reinforcing support frame 60 further includes at least
one stud 70 projecting laterally outward therefrom. In one example,
the support frame 60 includes at least one stud 70 projecting
outward from each of the opposed side support members 64. The studs
70 can be formed together with the side support members 64 as a
monolithic body, or could be provided as separate elements that are
removably or non-removably secured to form a unitary body.
Preferably, the studs 70 are provided as metal wire that are welded
or otherwise secured to each side support member 64. The studs 70
can be of a similar size, shape, and geometry as the side support
members 64, or can be relatively larger, smaller, different shape,
etc. as desired. Each stud 70 can project outward from a
corresponding side support member 64 along a direction
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said side support member
64. In other words, each stud 70 can project outwards perpendicular
to the horizontal plane of the shelf panel 22. Still, any or all of
the studs 70 could project outwards at other angles. Additionally,
various numbers of studs 70 can be used. At a minimum, at least one
stud 70 is provided to each side support member 64 so that the
shelf assembly 20 is supported on each side. However, it can be
beneficial to increase the number of studs 70. For example, the
reinforcing support frame 60 can include a pair of studs 70
projecting outward from each of the opposed side support members 64
(i.e., two studs per side). The pair of studs 70 are preferably
separate and spaced a distance apart from each other along the
length of the associated side support member 64.
[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the separate studs 70 are
each spaced a distance from both of the front support member 62 and
the rear support member 66. However, it is contemplated that a stud
72 could be secured to and/or projecting outwards from either or
both of the front or rear support members 62, 66. As shown in
phantom in FIG. 4, a stud 72 could be secured to or even formed as
a part of the front or rear support members 62, 66. For example,
either or both of the front or rear support members 62, 66 could be
lengthened to extend a distance beyond the attachment point of the
side support members 64 to effectively provide the studs 72 for
attachment to the appliance liner interior. Further, the
reinforcing support frame 60 could utilize a combination of the
studs 70 on the side support members 64 and the studs 72 on either
or both of the front or rear support members 62, 66. Alternatively,
it is contemplated that the support frame 60 could comprise only a
front support member 62 and a rear support member 66, without any
intervening side support members. In this case, the studs 72 could
project outwards from the sides of the shelf frame 30 as extensions
of the front and rear support members 62, 66. Indeed, the front or
rear support members 62, 66 could each comprise a straight wire
that extends through the frame with the studs 72 extending a
distance outwards to connect to the interior liner of the
refrigerator.
[0035] The studs 70 are adapted to be received within a
corresponding recess of an interior wall 210, 211 of the appliance
to thereby support the shelf assembly 20 within said appliance. In
other words, each studs 70 is removably inserted into a
corresponding recess of the appliance interior liner, and support
the entire shelf assembly 20 at a desired height and position
within the refrigerator. The recesses of the appliance interior
liner can be discrete, and/or may include a track so that the shelf
assembly 20 can be slidably moved within the appliance interior.
Thus, the studs 70 and their attachment to the side support members
64 should be of sufficient strength (i.e., shear strength) to
support the entire expected loading of the shelf assembly,
including the expected weight of the foodstuffs supported thereon.
Even so, although not shown, it is contemplated that the
refrigerator interior could also be provided with shelf supports
formed into the liner that could provide some additional loading
support for the shelf assembly 20. Finally, although also not
shown, it is further contemplated that either or both of the front
and rear support members 62, 66 could include a stud extending
outward therefrom to provide additional mounting options for the
shelf assembly 20 within the appliance.
[0036] Turning back to FIG. 3B, the reinforcing support frame 60 is
shown assembled with the shelf frame 30 and shelf panel 22 to form
the unitary shelf assembly 20. As can be seen, the reinforcing
support frame 60 is received within the support channel 40 and is
generally co-extensive with the outer periphery of the shelf frame
30: the front support member 62 is received within the front
portion 42 of the support channel 40; the opposed side support
members 64 are received within the side portions 44 of the support
channel 40; and the rear support member 66 is received within the
rear portion 46 of the support channel 40. Additionally, the studs
70 are received within the side apertures 48 of the shelf frame 30.
As can be understood, the side apertures 48 are located at
positions corresponding to the studs 70 to thereby permit the studs
70 to extend a distance outwards of the shelf frame 30. In this
manner, the projecting portion of the studs 70 can thereby
interface with the corresponding recesses of the sidewalls of the
appliance interior liner.
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 5-9, the interface between the support
channel 40 and the reinforcing support frame 60 will be discussed.
The reinforcing support frame 60 can be removably or non-removably
coupled to the shelf frame 30. In one example, some or all of the
reinforcing support frame 60 could be co-molded into the shelf
frame 30, thus forming a monolithic body. In another example, as
shown, the reinforcing support frame 60 can be removably coupled to
the shelf frame 30 in a snap-fit manner. Still, other removable or
non-removable assembly methods could be used, such as mechanical
fasteners, adhesives, etc.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, the front and rear portions 42,
46 of the support channel 40 can receive the reinforcing support
frame 60 in a loose or tight-fit configuration. For example, the
front portion 42 of the support channel 40 could have an opening 76
with a cross-sectional area (or width) less than the
cross-sectional area (or width) of the front support member 62.
However, the majority of the front portion 42 of the support
channel 40 can have a cross-sectional area (or width) that is the
same or larger than the cross-sectional area (or width) of the
front support member 62. In this case, the front support member 62
can be forcibly inserted past the opening 76 and into the front
portion 42 of the support channel 40 to be resiliently captured in
a snap-fit manner. Alternatively, the front portion 42 of the
support channel 40 could have a cross-sectional area (or width)
less than the cross-sectional area (or width) of the front support
member 62, so that the front support member 62 is secured via an
interference fit.
[0039] A similar arrangement could be provided for the rear portion
46 of the support channel 40. In that case, the rear support member
66 of the reinforcing support frame 60 can be resiliently captured
within the rear portion 46 of the support channel 40 by a snap-fit
connection (or even an interference fit). In yet another
alternative, the support frame 60 may only be received via a
snap-fit connection into one of the front or rear portions of the
support channel 40, with a loose connection in the other. For
example, as shown, only the front support member 62 of the
reinforcing support frame 60 is resiliently captured within the
front portion 42 of the support channel 40 by a snap-fit
connection, while the rear support member 66 of the reinforcing
support frame 60 is loosely contained within the rear portion 46 of
the support channel 40. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, the side
support members 64 can also be loosely contained within the side
portions 44 of the support channel 40 (although they could also be
retained by a snap-fit, interference fit, or other mechanical
connection.
[0040] It is noted that the various portions of the support channel
40 can have various geometries to accommodate the desired fit or
loose connection of the reinforcing support frame 60. Preferably,
the overall geometry of the support channel 40 is similar to that
of the reinforcing support frame 60. For example, where round metal
wire is used to make the reinforcing support frame 60, the interior
geometry of the support channel 40 can have a generally "C"-shaped
geometry that is open towards an underside of the frame 30. Such a
configuration enables the reinforcing support frame 60 to be
assembled into the support channel 40 from below the frame. In one
example assembly, first the front support member 62 can be snap-fit
into the front portion 42 of the support channel 40, and then the
remainder of the reinforcing support frame 60 can be pivoted
upwards until the side support members 64 are contained within the
side portions 44 and the rear support member 66 is also contained
within the rear portion 46.
[0041] In order to retain the reinforcing support frame 60 in
place, any or all of the side and rear support members 64, 66 are
then further secured to the shelf frame 30. This can be
accomplished by additional snap-fit or interference fit of the side
and/or rear support members 64, 66. In one alternative embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 6A, a rear hinge 78 or flap could be provided
along some or all of the rear member 50 of the shelf frame 30 to
retain the rear support member 66 within the rear portion 46 of the
support channel. The rear hinge 78 could be pivotally connected to
the rear member 50 in various manners, such as by a living hinge 79
(as shown) that is formed together with the shelf frame 30, by an
attached pintle hinge, or by other types of hinges. The hinge 78
includes a bottom wall 80 that is arranged (in the closed position)
to cover the opening of the rear portion 46 of the support channel
to thereby prevent the rear support member 66 from being removed.
In this manner, the reinforcing support frame 60 is secured to the
shelf frame 30.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, part of the support channel 40
may be partially closed to the underside shelf frame 30 to thereby
support the reinforcing support frame 60. For example, the front
portion 42 of the support channel 40 could comprise an "L"-shaped
geometry, when viewed from the side, that includes a bottom opening
adjacent to an interior shelf. In this case, the front support
member 62 can be received within the bottom opening of the
"L"-shaped geometry of the front portion 42, and then shifted
upwards and laterally forward or rearward to rest upon the adjacent
interior shelf against the force of gravity. Thereafter, the side
and/or rear support members 64, 66 could be secured to the rear or
side portions of the support channel 40 via a snap-fit or other
mechanism. Preferably, the distance between the interior shelf of
the "L"-shaped geometry of the front portion 42 and center of the
rear portion 46 is approximately equal to the distance between the
front and rear support members 62, 66 so that the reinforcing
support frame 60 has a tight fit onto the shelf frame 30. Other
arrangements of the support channel 40 including a shelf are
contemplated. For example, the rear portion 46 of the support
channel 40 could have a "C"-shaped geometry that is open towards a
rear of the shelf frame 30 to thereby provide an adjacent interior
shelf for the rear support member 66 to rest upon against the force
of gravity. The front portion 42 of the support channel 40 could
have a "C"-shaped geometry that is open towards the bottom of the
shelf frame 30, similar to that shown in FIG. 7. Once the rear
support member 66 is received upon the interior shelf of the rear
portion 46, the front support member 62 can be secured to the front
portion 42 of the support channel 40 via a snap-fit or other
mechanism. Various other configurations of the above examples are
contemplated, including a rearrangement of the front, rear, or side
portions of the support channel and support frame.
[0043] Finally, the shelf frame 30 of the instant application is
designed to removably retain the glass panel in a slide-in manner.
The shelf frame includes an internal glass support channel that
supports the glass panel around at least three, and preferably all
four, sides of its outer perimeter. A front glass support channel
can extend at least partially, and preferably substantially
completely, along the front member 32 of the frame. Similarly, side
glass support channels can extend, at least partially, and
preferably substantially completely, along the opposed side members
36 of the shelf frame. Any or all of the front and side glass
support channels can be continuous or discontinuous, and may
further include stops or other alignment projections therein to
guide or align the shelf panel. Further, the support channel 40 for
the reinforcing support frame can have various geometries and can
be arranged variously, although it is preferred that the support
channel 40 is substantially parallel with the horizontal plane H of
the support surface 24 of the shelf panel 22. In this manner, the
opposed side support members 64 of the reinforcing support frame 40
can at least partially define the side glass support channels of
the shelf frame 30 that receive and support the glass shelf panel
22 against the force of gravity. Indeed, it is contemplated that
the shelf frame 30 may not include any side glass support channels,
but may instead rely upon the opposed side support members 64 of
the reinforcing support frame 40 to support the glass shelf panel
22.
[0044] In the assembled state of the shelf assembly 20, suitable
for supporting food or the like within the refrigerator, the rear
support channel for the glass panel is aligned to be substantially
co-planar with the horizontal plane H. In one example, all of the
front glass support channel, side glass support channels, and rear
glass support channel form the internal glass support channel and
are substantially co-planar with the horizontal plane H so that the
shelf panel 22, when fully inserted into the frame 30, will be
maintained in a flat and level arrangement along the direction of
the horizontal plane H to support items within the refrigerator. In
summary, the internal glass support channel, including the front,
side and rear support channels, can facilitate retention of the
shelf panel 22 on the frame 30 without the use of an adhesive,
mechanical fasteners, or the like. In other words, when the rear
edge 28 of the shelf panel 22 is received and captured within the
rear glass support channel, the shelf panel 22 cannot be removed
from the frame 30 along the direction of the horizontal plane H
without further manipulation of the shelf frame 30.
[0045] Turning first to FIG. 6A, a first embodiment of the rear
glass support channel for the glass shelf panel 22 can be provided
by the rear member 50 and located above the rear portion 46 of the
support channel 40. The glass shelf panel 22 can be retained within
the rear glass support channel by the hinge 78. For example, when
the hinge 78 is in a closed position, a vertical wall 81 can cover
the rear glass support channel to thereby prevent the glass shelf
panel 22 from being removed from the shelf frame 30. Pivotally
opening the hinge 78 can then move the vertical wall 81 outwards to
thereby uncover the rear glass support channel to permit insertion
or removal of the glass shelf panel 22. The vertical wall 81 could
further include an alignment projection or stop that extends into
the rear glass support channel to abut the rear edge 28 of the
glass shelf panel 22.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, turning briefly to FIGS.
6B-6C, the frame 30 could include a rear support channel 82 formed
with and extending below the rear member 50. The rear support
channel 82 is adapted to removably receive and capture the rear
edge 28 of the shelf panel 22 to support the shelf panel 22 against
the force of gravity and to thereby inhibit removal of the shelf
panel 22 from the frame in the direction of the horizontal plane H.
The rear support channel 82 extends at least partially along the
length of the rear member 50. As shown, the rear support channel 82
extends along less than an entire length of the rear member 50,
such as about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less,
about 60% or less, or about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about
30% or less, or even about 20% or less. Preferably, the rear
support channel 82 extends along less than about 50% of the entire
length of the rear member 50. More preferably, the rear support
channel 82 is positioned at the approximate center of the rear
member 50. Still, in other examples, the rear support channel 82
could extend along substantially the entire length of the rear
member 50, or could even comprise a plurality of discontinuous
support channels (not shown).
[0047] The rear support channel 82 includes a first wall 84
extending downwards from the rear member 50 along a direction
substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane H (i.e., a
vertical wall), and the second wall 86 projecting outwards from the
first wall 54 along a direction substantially parallel to the
horizontal plane H (i.e., a horizontal wall). Both of the first and
second walls 84, 86 may be integrally formed together with the
frame 30 or may be provided as a separate elements. Thus, the rear
support channel 82 is defined between at least an underside of the
rear member 50 and the second wall 86, and may be further defined
by the first wall 84. A distance between the underside of the rear
member 50 and the second wall 86 is substantially equal to a
thickness of the rear edge 28 of the shelf panel 22 to thereby
provide a relatively tight fit within the rear support channel 82.
As a result, the rear support channel 82 comprises a
cross-sectional area substantially corresponding to the rear edge
28 of the shelf panel 22. The combination of the underside of the
rear member 50, the first wall 84 and the second wall 86 can define
a "C"-shaped channel. Thus, when the shelf panel 22 is received
within the rear support channel 82, the vertical first wall 84
inhibits removal of the shelf panel 22 from the frame in the
direction of the horizontal plane H, and the horizontal second wall
86 supports the shelf panel 22 against the force of gravity. Thus,
when the support surface 24 is loaded via food or the like, the
first and second walls 84, 86 of the rear support channel 82 to
inhibit the shelf panel 22 from falling or tilting due to the
loading.
[0048] The shelf panel 22 is selectively insertable or removable
from the rear support channel 82 by temporarily deflecting the rear
support channel 82 upwards relative to the horizontal plane H a
sufficient amount to separate the rear edge 28 of the shelf panel
22 from the rear support channel 82. The deflection is used because
the rear support channel 82 is aligned to be substantially
co-planar with the horizontal plane H, and thus the rear support
channel 82 is first displaced out of the way prior to receiving or
releasing the rear edge 28 of the shelf panel. In one example, the
shelf panel is selectively insertable or removable from the rear
support channel 82 by temporarily deflecting the rear member 50
upwards relative to the horizontal plane H a sufficient amount to
separate the rear edge 28 of the shelf panel 22 from the rear
support channel 82. That is, the rear support channel 82 can be
temporarily deflected upwards, in an elastic manner, so that the
rear support channel 82 is moved out of the horizontal plane H, and
is temporarily positioned above the horizontal plane.
[0049] Thereafter, the rear member 50 can be manipulated into place
so as to capture and retain the rear edge 28 of the shelf panel 22
within the rear support channel 82. In another example, the shelf
panel 22 is selectively insertable or removable from the rear
support channel 82 by temporarily translating the rear member 50
upwards a distance (i.e., above the horizontal plane H) while
simultaneously rotating the rear member 50 to an angle relative to
the horizontal plane H. The act of rotating the rear member 50
further moves the rear support channel 82 outwards away from the
rear edge 28 of the shelf panel 22 to thereby permit the rear
support channel 82 to be manipulated into a position to receive and
retain the rear edge 28 of the shelf panel 22. Moreover, the act of
rotating the rear member 50 outwards to an angle relative to the
horizontal plane will separate and release the horizontal second
wall 56 of the rear support channel 82 from underneath the rear
edge 28 of the shelf panel 22, which then permits the rear member
50 to translate further upwards. In order to facilitate the
assembly or disassembly of the shelf panel 22, only a portion of
the rear member 50 containing the rear support channel 82 is
typically deflected upwards to selectively insert or remove the
shelf panel 22 from the frame 30.
[0050] Disassembly of the shelf panel 22 from the frame 30 occurs
in reverse. First the portion of the rear member 50 containing the
rear support channel 82 is translated upwards while being
simultaneously rotated outwards to release the rear edge 28.
Thereafter, the shelf panel 22 is pulled backwards to be removed
from the front support channel and is slid along the side support
channels. The shelf panel 22 continues to be slidably removed from
the frame until it is completely free of the side support channels
38 and separated from the frame. The rear member 50 is released and
then it elastically and resiliently returns to its nominal position
with the rear support channel 82 in alignment with the horizontal
plane H.
[0051] In addition or alternatively, the frame 30 can further
include lower support channels (not shown) for supporting drawers
or other depending structure. For example, the frame 30 could
include two pairs of lower support channels to for two or more
independent deli drawers in a side-by-side arrangement. In an
alternative arrangement, a single center lower support channel
could provide a double support for each of the two side-by-side
drawers. In one example, the lower support channels could be
designed as a sliding support track with a built-in roller wheel
and a drawer anti-removal stops at the front end of the support
track. The built-in roller wheels rotate against a corresponding
track molded into the deli drawer. Similarly, the sliding deli
drawer includes a pair of roller wheels at a rear end of the drawer
that roll along the sliding support track of the support channels.
Thus, the deli drawer is supported by four total roller wheels.
Each of the lower support channels can be snap-fit into a slot at
the front edge of the frame. Each of the lower support channels is
further supported by either a snap-fit connection at the rear
member 50 of the frame 30, or via a mechanical faster that is
secured into a boss at the rear member 50 of the frame 30. However,
it is contemplated that some or all of the lower support channels
could also be integrally molded to the underside of the shelf
frame.
[0052] 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. Examples 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.
* * * * *