Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ ;i ' '
v! 1.~ .~ ~Wl gJ ~,3
Z I~OLI7ET~ REFRIGERATOR S~IEhF WTTH SNAk~IN SLIDE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to shelving for
refrigerators and the like. hfore particu~l.arly, the present
invention further relates 'to slide bracketa for storage
bins, drawers, pans, or other sliding members which are
coxunonly used with refrigerator shelving.
Refrigerator shelving has evolved from fixed wire
racks or even adjustable ranks supported by simple brackets
or pegs projecting from the interior walls of a refrigerator
compartment, to the complex shelving units now widely
available and commonly used in refrigerators. This
evolwtlon has been spurrod by competitive refrigerator
vendors seeking to make their products mare adaptable and
convenient to the needs and uses of each consumer. The
result is numerous task or function specific shelf
assemblies of varying width and comprising a variety of
slidable drawers, storage bins, pans, etc. which are
typically mounted under the shelf panel.
2p These complex shelving units commonly incorporate
a plethora of equally complicated molded or extruded plastic
and metal components which must be assembled to form the
sophisticated shelving units. Typically, the width of the
sliding member supported under the shelf panel of these
30
1 complex shelving units is dictated by the width of the shelf
assembly. Further, the support structure far the sliding
member is typically riveted to supporting side brackets for
the entire shelf assembly or otherwise fixed relative to the
shelf panel. Thus, having a variety of shelf assembly
widths mandates that a variety of sliding members must also
be provided. This duplication rapidly increases costs for
the manufacturer and vendor in terms of increased inventory
and further in other production costs. Rather than .running
l0 a production of standard width sliding members, 'the
manufacturer must accommodate sliding members having a
variety of widths, according to the width of the shelf
assembly with which that sliding member will be used.
The commonly known refrigerator shelf assembly is
also typically task-specific. A shelf assembly direa~ted to
supporting articles thereon is not readily convertible to
the added task of providing under shelf sliding storage with
a bin or drawer for example. Conversely, a shelf assembly
directed to providing a sliding member under the shelf panel
is also not commonly adaptable to the singular task of
providing only a shelf. While the sliding member may often
times be removed and set aside, the slides themselves which
support the sliding member under the shelf panel are
typically an integral part of the shelf assembly and may not
be easily removed, but must remain, typically projecting
downward from the shelf assembly and interfering with items
stored on adjacent shelving, below the subject shelf panel.
The present invention addresses this evolution of
expense and complexity with a uniquely simple refrigerator
shelf assembly having versatility to easily overcome,the
above problems.
(2)
~~:~~~G.~'l
SUMMARY QF THE :CNVFNTIQN
Accordingly, the present invention provides a
simplified snap~in slide unit far enhanced versatility of a
refrigerator shelf assembly. The shelf assembly includes a
shelf panel with a front rim portion extending across at
least a portion of a front edge of the panel and extending
below the panel wherein a franc slide receptacle is defined
and with a back rim portion extending across at least a
portion of a back edge of the panel and extending below the
panel wherein a back slide receptacle is defined. The slide
is removably coupled with the front and bank slide
receptacles for .receiving and supporting a bin or other
sliding member under the shelf panel.
Tn one aspect of the invention, the slide has an
l5 elongated body portion with a front attachment member
projecting from a front end of the elongated body and with a
back attachment member projecting from an opposing back end
of the elongated body. In another aspect of the invention,
the front and back slide receptacles are defined by a recess
in each of the front and back rims of the shelf assembly,
respectively. The front slide receptacle has an open side
toward the back edge of the shelf panel and the back slide
receptacle has an open side toward 'the front edge of the
panel. In a further aspect of the invention, 'the shelf
assembly is molded in one piece.
Thus, the present invention provides a simplified
shelf assembly with a snap-in slide. Versatility of the
shelf assembly is enhanced by the ease with which the slide
is added to the shelf 'to support a sliding member under the
so shelf and the ease of removing 'the slide. ,~ pair of, slides
for supporting a slide member may be uniformly spaced fnr
~0)
1 use of standard width slide members regardless of the shelf
assembly width. If a plurality of slide receptacles are
provided, then the position of the slide member relative to
the shelf assembly may also be easily adjusted.
The slide arrangement also enhazzces manufacturing
and costs. The slide may be conveniently molded in a
one-step process. The slide is also well-suited to use with
a shelf having a molded rim and is especially suited tc> use
with a one-piece, molded shelf assembly. This slide
arrangement further suppresses costs by reducing inventory
requiremewts of shelf assemblies to meet a variety of needs.
These and other objects, advantages and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of
the following specification in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIOI~T OF THE DR~16~IINGS
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the
interior of a refrigerator showing a shelf according to the
present invention.
Fig. z is a fragmentary perspective view of the
interior of a refrigerator showing a sliding shelf according
to the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line III-IaI of the front edge of the shelf of Fig.
1~
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line IV-IV of the front edge of the shelf of Fig. 2.
Fig. ~ is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line V-V of a side edge of the shelf of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line VAC-VI of a side edge of the shelf of Fig. 2.
t'~)
a~~ f3
1 Fig. ? is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line VII--VII of the rear edge of the shelf of Fig.
1,
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line VT;LI-VIII of the rear edge of the shelf of Fig,
2.
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view
showing the rear end of a support bracket.
Fig. l0 is a partially fragmentary perspective
l0 view of the shelf of Fig. 2 partially extended and showing a
first embodiment of a shelf stop.
Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view alone .
section line XI-XI of the shelf stop of the shelf of Fig.
10.
Fig. 12 is a fragmentary rear elevation of the
shelf stop of Fig. 1~..
Fig. 1.3 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XIII-XIII of the shelf stop of Fig. ~.1.
Fig. 1.4 is a fragmentary side elevation of the
shelf of Fig. 2 showing a second, alternate embodiment of a
shelf stop.
Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XV-XV of the shelf of Fig. 14.
Fig. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of the
shelf of Fig. 2 with a third, alternate embodiment of a
shelf stop.
Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view slang
section line XVII-XVII of Fig. 16.
Fig. 18 is a fragmentary side elevatian of the
shelf of Fig. 2 showing a fourth, alternate embodimewt of a
shelf stop.
s~~~~~~r~
Fig. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XIX-XIX of Fig. 18.
Fig. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XX-XX of Fig. 19.
Fig. 21 is a fragmentary side s~.eva~tion of the
shelf of Fig. 2 showing a fifth, alternate embodiment of a
shelf stop.
Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XXII-XXII of Fig. 21.
Fig. 23 is a fragmentary sectional view alona,~
section line XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 22.
Fig. 24 is a fragmentary side elevation of the
shelf of Fig. 2 showing a siacth, alternate embodiment of a
shelf stop.
Fig. 25 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XXV-XXV of Fig. 24.
Fig. 26 is a fragmentary sectional view along
section line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a third
alternative embodiment of a shelf assembly according to the
present invention, shown in a refrigerator.
Fig. 28 is a fragmentary plan view of the shelf
assembly of Fig. 27.
Fig. 29 is a side elevational view of the shelf of
2~ Fig. 27.
Fig. 80 is a broken sectional view along section
line XXX-XXX of Fig. 27.
Figo 31 is an enlarged view of detail XXXI of Fig.
28.
Fig. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view along
sec~tzon line XXXTI-XXXII of Fig. 31.
~a
a ;
1 Fig. 33 is a fragmentar~r sectional view along
section line XXXIII-XXXIII of Fig. 27.
Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the slide of
the shelf assembly 'taken along section line XXXIV-XXXTV of
Fig. 30.
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a fourth
alternative embodiment of a shelf assembly according to the
present invention.
Fig. 36 is a broken sectional view along section
line XXXVI-XXXVI of Fig. 35.
Fig. 37 is a perspective view of a fifth
alternative embodiment of a shelf assembly according to the
present invention.
Fig. 38 is a broken sectional view along section
line XXXVIII-XXXVIII of Fig. 37.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMEIvTT
Referring now to the drawings in greater detail
and Fig. 1 in particular, a refrigerator shelf assembly 10
according to the present invention comprises a generally
planar shelf member 12, metal support brackets 14 and 16 and
a molded, resinous perimeter rim 18. Shelf assembly 10 is
preferably cantilevered forward by brackets 14 and 16 from
the rear wall 20 of a refrigerator.
Shelf member 12 may be a light transmitting
material, preferably optically clear tempered glass, to
enhance light distribution through the refrigerated
compartment. Shelf member 12 has a perimeter edge 2~ (Figs.
3 and 5) which is supported above brackets 14 and 16 and
positioned to overlap above inwardly projecting flange
portions 26 of the brackets. Flange portions 26 pro~,ect
inwardly toward each other at the 'top edge of generally
(7)
1 vertical web portions 30 of each bracket 14 and 16. Thus,
the brackets 14 and 15 are mirror image replicas of each
other.
While shelf assembly 10 may be used as a fixed
shelf, it is preferably used as a vertically adjustable
shelf. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the rear ends 40 and
42 of brackets 14 and 16 are preferably adapted for
releasable engagement with shelf tracks 44 provided on rear
wall 20 of the refrigerator as is commonly practiced.
Recesses 41 and 43 function as hooks which engage over rungs
45 in tracks 44 to suspend the brackets. Thus, shelf
assembly ZO may be positioned at a plurality of locations
spaced vertically along tracks 44, Shelf assembly 10 is
preferably sized to provide air circulation space between
side portions 60 and 62 and the side walls 22 of the
refrigerator as well as between rear edge 58 and rear wall
of the refrigerator to provide for proper circulation
around the shelf. Further, the length of shelf assembly 10
is determined to provide air circulation space between the
20 front edge 54 and the door (not shown) of the refrigerator.
Rim 18 is molded around the entire perimeter edge
22 of shelf member 12 as well as flanges 26 of brackets 14
and 16 for tight engagement and connection of shelf member
12 with brackets 14 and 16 (Fig. 5). Fach of the flanges 26
is Provided with a series of perforations 24 to assure
secure mechanical connection between rim 18 and each support
bracket 14, 16. During assembly, shelf member 12 and
support brackets 14 and Z6 are held and positioned within a
mold while a moldable material from which rim 18 is made is
injected and flows into the mold around the peripheral edge
22 of shelf member 12 and flange portions 26 and through
(8)
~~~:~'~a~
perforations 24, encapsulating the edge 22 and flange
portions 26. The moldable material of which, rim 18 is
comprised may include copolymer plastics such as a
combination of ethylene and polypropylene or other
structural, resinous plastic such as ABS or polyvinyl
chloride. Further, a coloration pigment added to the
moldable plastic used for molding rim 18 prior to molding to
provide desired colors to the rim. For 2~s:ample, titanium
dioxide may be added for a white coloration.
As the moldable material cures, i.e., cools,
hardens and sets up, it becomes a tough and resilient mass
extending continuously around the perimeter edge 22 of shelf
member 12 for holding shelf member 12 in position above the
flange portions 26 of support brackets 14 and 16. The
inward extension of flanges 2G provides secure, stable
support for shelf 12. Rim 18 is molded to extend above the
top surface 46 of shelf member 12 and is specifically molded
to define a continuous vertical wall ~8 near the perimeter
edge 22 of shelf member 12 forming a spill dam for
containing spills occurring upon the shelf member 12 (Figs.
3, 5 and 7).
While the seal formed between rim 18 and shelf
member 12 by molding rim 18 around shelf member 12 performs
quite satisfactorily, depending on the specific resinous
plastic chosen, one may wish to enhance 'the seal by coating
perimeter edge 22 and 'the adjoining top 46 and bottom 50
surfaces of shelf member 12, adjacent perimeter edge 22,
prior to the molding of rim 18 therearound with a primer
layer or coating of a heat activatable, resinous material
which promotes and facilitates the adhesion of the rim
material to the glass shelf member l2.
(9)
1 As shown in Fig. 3, a decorative trim piece 52 may
be molded into rim 18 along the front edge 54 of shelf
member 12. Likewise, a decorative trim piece 56 may be
molded into rim 18 along the rear edge 58 of shelf member 12
(Fig. 7).
Alternatively, a slidable shelf assembly 110,
according to the present invention, is shown in Fig. 2
comprising a slidable shelf member 112, metal support
brackets 114 and 116, and a molded, resinous perimeter rim
l0 118. Shelf assembly 110 is also preferably cantilevered
forward by brackets 114 and 116 from the rear wall 20 of a
refrigerator.
Shelf member 112 comprises a generally planar
shelf panel 113 and rim 118. Shelf panel 113 may be a light
15 transmitting material, preferably optically clear tempered
glass, to enhance light distribution through the
refrigerated compartment. Shelf panel 113 has a perimeter
edge 122 whieh is encapsulated by perimeter rim 118 (Fig.
6) ~ .
20 Rim 118 is molded around the perimeter edge :L22 of
shelf panel 113. During assembly, shelf panel 113 is held
in position within a mold while a moldable material is
injected and flows into the mold around perimeter edge 122.
Again, the moldable material may be a copolymer plastic or
25 other structural plastic. Also, a coloration pigment, as
discussed above, may be added to the plastic used for
molding rim 118. Rim 118 is also molded to extend above the
top surface 146 of shelf panel 11.3 and is specifically
molded to define a continuous vertical wall 148 near the
30 perimeter edge 122 of shelf panel 113 forming a spill dam
(10)
1 for containing spills occurring upon the shelf member 112
(Figs. 4, 6 and 8).
The seal between rim 118 and shelf panel 113 may
be enhanced by coating perimeter edge 122 and the top 146
and bottom 150 surfaces of shelf panel 113 near perimeter
edge 122 with a primer layer of a heat activatable, resinous
material as described above.
A shelf pull 180 is molded along the front edge
154 of shelf member 112 by extending the lower edge 178 of
1.0 rim 118 downwardly (Fig. 4). Further, as shown in Fig. 4, a
decorative trim piece 152 may be molded into rim 118 slang
the front edge 154 of shelf member 11.2. A decorative trim .
piece 156 may also be molded into rim 118 along the. rear
edge 158 of shelf member 112 (Fig. 8).
As is best seen in Fags. 2 and 6, a generally
V-shaped channel is preferably molded into the outwardly
facing side surface of each side portion 160 and 162 of rim
7.18 to define slide guides 166. A corresponding, generally
V-~sh.aped ridge 167 is formed along the top edges 126 of each
support bracket 114 and 116 defining slide rails 130 for
sliding engagement with the slide guides.
The support brackets 114 and 116 of shelf assembly
110 are mirror image replicas of each other, having rear
ends 140 and 142 identical to bracket ends 40 and 42 of
brackets 14 and 16, and preferably adapted for releasable
engagement with shelf tracks 44. Tracks 44 are provided on
rear wall 20 of the refrigerator as is commonly practiced
for vertically adjustable shelf positioning of the shelf
assembly 110 along tracks 44. A pair of cross braces 132
and 134 connecting between webs 128 and 130 of support
brackets 114 and 116 are provided for holding the support
(11)
~l.~~i,~.a
1 brackets in spaced relation to each other. Brace 132 is
connected to each web 128 and 130 near the forward ends 135
and 138 of brackets 114 and 116. Brace 134 is connected to
each web 128 and 130 at a position approximately onewthird
to one-half of the length of brackets 114 and 116 forward of
ends 140 and 142. Cross braces 132 and 134 are required in
sliding shelf assembly 110 to stabilize the support brackets
114 and 116 and to maintain the proper positioning of front
ends 136 and 138 of the brackets, precluding the front ends
l0 from spreading apart as a load is applied to 'the shelf
assembly 110. Shelf assembly 110 also includes one of
several embodiments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 or 710 of a
shelf stop to precluude the inadvertent overextension of the
slidable shelf.
A first alternative embodiment of a shelf stop is
shown in Figs. 10-13 comprising a lever 210 mounted on a
pivot rod 212 and a pair of pivot rod mounts 214 and 216
projecting downward from the rear edge 158 of shelf member
112, near bottom surface 150. Lever 210 has a top end 218
20 which projects above the perimeter rim 118 for manipulation
by a user. Lever 210 also has a lower end 220 defining a
catch 222 for engagement with cross braces 132 and 134. As
the shelf member 112 is slid forward, the catch 222
approaches and engages 'the brace 134 precluding further
25 extension of the shelf. The relative position of brace 134
controls the extension o:~ shelf member 112 and is preferably
approximately one-'third to one-half the length of brackets
114 and 116 forward of ends 140 and 142. The shelf stop may
be released by sliding the shelf rearward sufficiently to
move catch 222 away from brace 134 and moving the lever 210
'to a release position as shown in phantom ire Fig. 13. Lever
(12)
1 210 is easily pivoted to the release position by pressing
rearward on face 219 of lever 21G near its top end 218.
With the lever in the release position, the catch 222 can
slide above and past the brace 134. Tf the lever 210 is
released to pass brace 134 and allowed to return to Sts
latch position, the catch 222 will engage the other brace
132 as the shelf member 112 is extended. By keeping the
lever 210 in the release position, shelf member 112 can be
fully removed. A return spring 217 may be mounted with
ZO lever 210 to bias the lever to the latch position.
Alternatively, lever 210 may be designed so that the force
of gravity is sufficient to bias the lever to the latch
position.
A second, alternative shelf stop ambadiment is
shown in Figs. 14 and 15 comprising a slot 310 cut into at
least one slide rail 168 and 170 and a cooperating stop pin
312 mounted in a fixed position and projecting from
perimeter rim 118 at the corresponding slide guide 164 and
166 into the slot 310. The slot 310 has a front end wall
2U 314 and a rear end wall (not shown to limit the movement of
pin 312 for limiting the extension and retraction of shelf
assembly 110. The length and position of the slot 310 in
combination with the position of the stop pin 312 will
dictate the length of extension fox shelf member 112, which
is preferably in the rangy of one-third to one-half the
length of the shelf support brackets 114 and 116. Use of
this shelf stop embodiment generally precludes the removal
of the shelf member 112 from the support brackets 114 and
116, but does not inhibit the removal of the entire shelf
3o assembly 110 from the refrigerator compartment. Brackets
114 and 116 must be assembled to shelf member 112 with stop
(13)
to
~i u.
,.
1 pins 312 received in slots 310 before mounting the entire
assembly on 'tracks 44.
A third, alternative embodiment of a shelf stop is
shown in Figs. 15 and 17 comprising a formed metal clip 410
mounted to the bat~eom surface 172 of the perimeter rim 118
along at least one side partian 174 and 176 of the rim 7.18.
The clip 410 is configured with an inclined front abutting
surface 412 for engagement with a cross brace 132 ar 134 to
limit the extension of the shelf member 112. The relative
position of clip 410 will determine the extension of shelf
member 112. Clip 410 is preferably bent from a strap of
steel or formed from other .resilient material so that t:he
clip 410 will deform when forced past the cross brace and
will resume its original configuration once past the cross
brace. Clip 410 is preferably removably mounted to the
perimeter rim 118 by a screw 414 so that it can be removed
rather than requiring that it be forced past the cross brace
during assembly and disassembly of the shelf assembly 110.
Alternately, the shelf assembly can be removed from tracks
zp 44 and disassembled.
A fourth, alternative embodiment of a shelf stop
is shown in Figs. 18-20 comprising a detent 510 pressed cut
of the side 178 of at least one of the slide rails 168 and
170 and a corresponding groove ar channel 512 cut or molded
into the side of the corresponding slide guide 164 and 166.
The relative position of detent 510 and the relative
position and length of channel 512 will control 'the
extension of shelf member 112. Again, the brackets with
slide rails 168 and 170 are assembled to shelf 112 such that
detent 510 is received in channel 512 prior to mauwting the
entire assembly in tracks 44.
(14)
A fifth, alternative shelf stop is shown in Figs.
21-23 comprising a detent 610 projecting from the end of a
flexible finger 612 formed in at least ons: of 'the slide
rails 168 and 170 and a notch 614 cut or molded into the
side of the corresponding slide guide 164 and 166. Again,
the relative positioning of the deten~t an<3 notch will
determine the extension of shelf member 1:L2. Also, shelf
member 112 can be removed from the support brackets 114 and
116 by forcing the notch 614 past the resa.lient detent 610.
1p A sixth, alternative shelf stop embodiment is
shown in Figs. 24°26 comprising a groove 710 formed in at
least one of slide rails 168 and 170 and a cooperating
protrusion 712 formed on the corresponding slide guide 164
and 166. An inclined caroming surface 714 with an end wall
1~ 716 projecting into the groove 710 is formed over a portion
of 'the length of the groove 710. The protrusion 712 is
molded with a cooperating inclined caroming surface 718 and
upstanding end wall 720 so that the shelf member 112 can be
assembled by sliding the shelf member 112 into the front
20 ends 140 and 142 of support brackets 114 and 116 and forcing
protrusion 712 past the stop wall 716 in the groove. The
perimeter rim 118 material of which the protrusion 712 is
formed is suffiaiewtly flexible and resilient so that
protrusion 712 will deform as its caroming surface 718
2~ engages and slides over the caroming surface 714 of the rail
groove 710 and will resume its undeformed configuration once
end wall 720 is past the stop end wall 716. Removal of
shelf member 112 must be accomplished by removal of the
entire assembly from tracks 44 followed by removing brackets
114 and 116 from 'the slide rails 168 and 170.
3 p
X15)
~~'i~riG~~~~
1 Now generally referring to drawing figures 27-34,
a third alternative embadiment of a shelf assembly 820
according to the. present invention includes a shelf panel
822 having a front rim portion 824, and a back rim portion
826, and preferably a pair of slides 828 ('Fig. 27).
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 27, shelf assembly
820 further includes a pair of support brackets 830 which
may cantilever forward from a rear wall 20 of a
refrigerator. Brackets 830 are preferably elongated members
l0 which extend along at least a portion of opposing sides 834
and 836 of shelf assembly 820. Most preferably, brackets
830 releasably engage shelf tracks 44 provided on rear wall
20, far vertical adjustment of shelf assembly 820. Brackets
830 therefore have hooks 840 formed at a back end of
brackets 830 for engaging rungs in tracks 44 (Figs. 29 and
30).
Shelf panel 822 is supported by brackets 830 and
may be contoured to facilitate a variety of specific
purposes, but generally provides a planar surface to support
items placed thereon for storage in a refrigerator. Most
preferably, shelf panel 822 is circumscribed by a perimeter
rim 842 which incorporates front portion 824 and back
portion 826 (Figs. 27, 31 and 32). Brackets 830 may be
separate plastic or metal components or molded in one piece
with perimeter rim 842.
Shelf panel 822 may be formed from a
light~transmitting material, preferably optically Clear,
tempered glass, to enhance light distribwtion through the
refrigerator compartment, as discussed in greater detail
above. Tn the present embodiment as shown in Fig. 2'7,
however, shelf panel 822, brackets 830, and perimeter r:~.m
842 are most preferably one piece, molded in a convenient
(16)
1 One-step process. During this process, a moldable material
is infected and flows into a continuous cavity mold,
defining entire shelf assembly 820. mhe moldable material
may be any of a variety of suitable plastic materials,
including copolymer plastics such as combination of ethylene
and polypropylene or other structural, resinous plastics
such as ABS or polyvinyl chloride far example. Further, a
coloration pigment to provide desired colors may be added to
the moldable plastic material. A whitening coloration such
l0 as titanium dioxide may be used fox example.
As the moldable material cures, that is cools,
hardens, or sets up, it becomes a rough and resilient mass,
farming shelf panel 822, perimeter rim 842, and support
brackets 830 in one piece. Perimeter rim 842 may be molded
to project above the surface of shelf panel 822 and foam a
spill dam as shown in the embodiment of Figures 27-34, or
may be made flush with the 'top surface of the shelf panel,
similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 35. Zn either
embodiment, perimeter rim 842 includes at least a lower
portion 844 which extends below shelf panel 822 (Figs.
30-32).
A front slide receptacle 846 is preferably defined
in lower portion 844 of front rim portion 824 during the
molding process and may be provided at any desired location
along front rim portion 824 and at a desired number of
locations, including, but not limited to, adjacent each side
834 and 836 or shelf assembly 820 for example (Figs. 28 and
32). Each front slide receptacle 846 comprises a recess
(17)
1 defined in a rear surface 848 of the lower portion 844 of
front xim portion 824 and extending generally parallel to
shelf 822. Each front slide receptacle 846 is a generally
rectangular recess having a height and a taidth which is
greater than its height. Further, each faront slide
receptacle 846 has an angled side wall 850 (Figs. 28 and
32). Wall 850 is angled to accommodate the addition and
removal of slide 828 which is discussed further below.
Similarly, a back slide receptacle 852,
corresponding to each front slide receptacle 846, may
likewise be defined in lower portion 844 of back rim portion
826 (Figs. 29~-31). alternatively, each back slide
receptacle 852 is preferably defined between a forward
projecting portion 854 of back rim portion 826 which extends
below shelf panel 822, and a cooperating tab 856 which
projects forward from back rim portion 826 and is spaced
below portion 854. Each back slide receptacle 852 is a
generally rectangular slot extending generally parallel to
shelf 822 and having a height and a width greater than its -
height. Further, each back slide receptacle 852 has an open
side 858 located away from the adjoining shelf assembly side
834, 836. Back slide receptacle 852 also includes a
retainer 860 formed by a protrusion or half-cylinder
projection at open side 858 (Fig. 33).
A plurality of cooperating front and back slide
receptacles 846, 852 may also be provided along each of
front rim portion and back rim portion 824, 826,
respectively, so that slides 828 may be positioned along the
length of front and back rim portions 824 and 826. ':f'hus, a
slide member supported by slides 828 may selectively be
(18)
~,~~~'~
positioned along the width of the shelf assembly 820, and
1.
slide members of various widths may be accommodated.
Slide 828 is an elongated member with opposing
:Front and back ends 864 and 866, respectively (Fig. 30). A
tab 868 extends from front end 864 and forms a front
attachment member having a generally rectangular
cross-sectional shape corresponding to front slide
receptacle 846. Likewise, a bank tab 870 extends from back
end 866, forming a back attachment member having a generally
l0 rectangular orass~sectional shape corresponding to back
slide receptacle 852.
A body portion of slide 828 is defined by a
generally vertically oriented plate portion 872 and a pair
of vertically spaced rails 874 and 876 projecting generally
perpendicular to vertical plate 872 and toward the name
general direction from one side of vertical plate 872 (Fig.
34). Vertical plate 872 and the rails 874, 876 define an
open--sided, open--ended slide track 878 for receiving and
supporting a cooperating slide member 880 of a storage bin,
drawer, pan, or other separate member for use in the
zo
refrigerator. Rail 876 includes downwardly curved ends so
that the supported slide member, bin, or drawer can more
easily be slid iwto place. The upper rail 874 merges with
front and back 'tabs 868 and 870 at each of the ends 864, 866
of slide 828, respectively. Thus, slide 828 is symmetrical
ZJ
end to end and eliminates the need for left- and right-hand
counter parts.
Tn use, a slide 828 is easily installed by
positioning the front and back tabs 868, 870 of slide 828
parwllel ta, adjacent, and under shelf panel 822, inserting
front tab 868 into a front slide receptacle 846, and
(19)
swinging back tab 870 through open side 858, past retainer
860, and into a corresponding back slide receptacle 852. As
bank tab 870 is swung past retainer 860, slide 828 snaps
into place generally parallel with bracket 830. Slide 828
is. simply removed by reversing the installation steps.
Since slide 828 is preferably symmetrical end to end so that
left-hand and right-hand side slides are not necessary, an
identical unit may be installed in either a left-hand or
right-hand position.
A fourth alternative embodiment, shelf assembly
920, according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 35
and includes a shelf panel 922, a front rim portion 924, a
back rim portion 926 and a pair of slides 828. Shelf
assembly 920 is preferably used as a bottom refrigerator
shelf and may be positioned in a cooperating recess 930
provided a~t the bottom of a refrigerator as shown in Fig.
35, or may be supported by other methods commonly known in
the refrigerator shelf field.
Shelf assembly 920 is most preferably molded in
one piece from a moldable material as discussed above. In
~U
shelf assembly 920, a perimeter rim 942, including front
portion 924 and back portion 926, may be molded to project
above a top surface of shelf panel 922 to form a spill dam.
Alternately and preferably, the rim is molded flush with the
top surface of shelf panel 922 as shown in Figure 35. In
either rim embodiment, perimeter rim 942 includes at least a
lower port~.on 944 which eattends below shelf panel 922. As
shown in Figures 30-33 and discussed above regarding shelf
assembly 820, shelf assembly 920 also includes front slide
receptacles 846 and back slide receptacles 852 defined in
3U
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front rim portion 924 and back rim portion 926,
.respectively, for releasably coupling with slide 828.
.'~ fifth alternative embodiment of a shelf assembly
950 is shown in Figure 37. Shelf assembly 950 includes a
shelf panel 952, a front rim 954, and a back rim 956. Shelf
assembly 950 may be used as a bottom refrigerator shelf and
supported by a variety of methods in a botaom shelf
position, including a cooperating recess 930 provided at 'the
bottom of a refrigerator as shown in Fig. 37 far example.
l0 Shelf panel 952 is preferably optically clear
tempered glass ar other light-txansmi~tting material to
enhance light distribution through the refrigerator
compartment. Shelf panel 952 has a perimeter ec'ige 958 which
is preferably encapsulated by a perimeter rim 960 (Fig. 38).
Rim 960 incorporates front rim 954 and beak rim 956 and is
rcvolded around perimeter edge 958 of shelf panel 952. Shelf
panel 952 is held in position within a mold during assembly
while a moldable material is injected and flaws into the
maid around perimeter edge 958 as discussed in greater
detail above. Rim 960 is molded to extend above shelf panel
952, specifically to form a spill dam for containing spills
which may occur upon shelf member 950 (Figs. 37 and 38).
Rim 960 includes a lower portion 962 which extends
below shelf panel 952. Shelf assembly 950 also includes
front slide receptacles 846 and back slide receptacles 852
z5
defined in front rim 954 and back rim 956, respectively, for
releasably coupling with slide 828 as discussed in greater
detail above regarding shelf assembly 820.
~7hile alternative embodiments of the invention
have been shown and described, other forms wall nocv be
apparent to one skilled in the art and to those who make or
(21)
use the invention. Therefore, it will be understood 'that
the embodiments shaven in the clrawinc~s and described above
are merely fox illustrative purposes and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the
claims which follow.
15
25
(22~
