Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2~9~~221
1 ADJUSTABLE REFRIGERATOR SHELVING
BACKGROUND OF T'HE INVENTION
This invention relates to shelving for
refrigerators and the like.
A basic refrigerator cabinet is typically provided
with two compartments, namely a freezer compartment and a
refrigerator compartment. These compartments are commonly
arranged as either a "top mount°' or a "side-by-side"
cabinet. In the top_mount arrangement, the two compartments
are stacked vertically, one upon the other, and each
compartment extends fully across the width of the
refrigerator cabinet. In the side-by-side arrangement, each
of the compartments commonly extends the full height and
only partially across the width of the refrigerator cabinet.
The side-by-side arrangement is a relatively more recent
;;.:~ 1
development to enhance storage and provide a user with a
choice for refrigerated storage.
N
The use of shelving for refrigerators has
generally evolved from providing no shelving in the freezer
compartment and only fixed shelving in the refrigerated
compartment to the use of vertically adjustable, tempered
glass shelves, and the like, which are cantilevered from
adjustable shelf tracks mounted on a back wall of each
compartment. Typically, these shelves extend across the
full width of the respective compartment. Particularly in
top mount refrigerators, shelving and storage versatility
has been further enhanced with a variety of specialty
shelves, configured for specific storage tasks. The
simplest and most common of these adaptations is the use of
a center shelf track for supporting half width shelves in
either of a left or right half of the compartment.
While these prior advances in refrigerator
shelving design have enhanced refrigerated storage
versatility, there is still significant inefficiency when
tall beverage containers and the like are positioned on or
under the known refrigerator shelving. It is inherent that
the spacing between refrigerator shelves is dictated by the
tallest object placed on or under any given shelf. This
often results in one or a few tall containers dictating a
large shelf spacing with the common result of inefficient
use of refrigerated space because the remainder of that
shelf space is shared with shorter items. Alternatively,
shorter items may be stacked or balanced upon each other in
the remainder of that shelf space with the unavoidable
result that these stacked items will be jostled and fall
during the course of retrieval and replacement of items from
the refrigerator.
(2)
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1 The need was, therefore, apparent for a
refrigerator shelving system which would provide needed
adjustability with accompanying efficiency in utilization of
refrigerator or freezer compartment space for both large and
small, short and tall items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides an
adjustable shelf rail to support a partial shelf in a
refrigerator or freezer compartment for tiered storage of
short items next to tall items in the refrigerator or
freezer. The shelf rail is releasably mountable to the
horizontally spaced shelf tracks typically provided in a
refrigerator, at the plurality of vertically spaced
positions allowed by those shelf tracks. Further, the
partial shelf extends less than fully across the width of a
:=l
refrigerator compartment.
In one aspect of the invention, the partial shelf
may be positioned horizontally at any desired location along
a length of the shelf rail. In another aspect, the shelf
rail is positively locked in place on the shelf tracks.
Further, rotation of the shelf rail out of engagement with
the shelf tracks is limited by a stop hook. The shelf rail
is also provided with a wear member positioned between the
partial shelf and the shelf rail.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the
partial shelf has a molded, spill-resistant perimeter rim. r
The molded rim both maximizes spill retention capability of
the shelf and minimizes potential for inaccessible
entrapment of a spilled material between the perimeter rim
e;; ; 30
and a shelf panel of the partial shelf. In a further
aspect, the perimeter rim is molded around at least a
~,.'
E:.;' ~3)
l portion of a supporting shelf bracket to assure secure and
durable attachment with the shelf bracket. The shelf
support bracket is releasably connected with the shelf rail
by a locking hook which limits rotation of the partial shelf
relative to the shelf rail.
Thus, the present invention provides enhanced
refrigerator or freezer storage, overcoming inherent
limitations of prior shelving systems, arid furnishes a
shelving system which flexibly and efficiently stores both
large and small, short and tall items. This invention is
easily implemented in existing or in new shelving systems.
These and other objects, advantages and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of
the following specification in conjunction with the
I,'1 15 drawings .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first
refrigerator shelf arrangement according to the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the interior
of a side-by-side refrigerator showing the present
invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a shelf rail
according to the present invention;
Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the shelf
rail of Fig. 3 shown mounted on a typical shelf track of the
type used in refrigerator/freezer compartments;
Fig. 5 is an end elevational view similar to
Fig. 4 showing an alternative shelf rail end mounted on a
typical shelf track of the type used in refrigerator/freezer
compartments;
(4)
_ , ;,
.. \.
1 Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of a second
embodiment of a shelf rail according to the present
invention;
Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the shelf rail of
Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is an end elevation shown partially in
section of the shelf rail of Fig. 6 engaged with a shelf
track;
Fig. 8A is a view similar to that in Fig. 8
showing the shelf rail in a disengaged position;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
IX-IX of Fig. 6;
Fig. 10 is a partial sectional and partial side
elevational view taken along line X-X of Fig. 1;
Fig. 11 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view
~!e.'1
'~ztaken along line XI-XI of Fig. 1;
Fig. 12 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view
taken along line XII-XII of Fig. 1;
Fig. 12A is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
a shelf similar to that in Fig. 12, but showing a plastic
shelf support bracket;
Fig. 12B is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
a shelf similar to that in Fig. 12, but showing a plastic
shelf support bracket and the perimeter rirn molded in one
piece with a plastic shelf panel;
Fig. 12C is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
a shelf similar to that in Fig. 12, but showing the
perimeter rim molded in one piece with a plastic shelf
support bracket;
Fig. 12D is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
a shelf similar to that in Fig. 12, but showing the
(5)
,. , .
C
r
1 perimeter rim, a plastic shelf support bracket, and a
plastic shelf panel all molded in one piece;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a second
refrigerator shelf arrangement according to the present
invention;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a third
refrigerator shelf arrangement similar to that in Fig. 13,
but showing an alternative embodiment of the shelf rail;
Fig. 15 is a front elevational view of the
interior of a top mount refrigerator showing the present
invention;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a third, extended
length embodiment of a shelf rail according to the present
invention;
..
Fig. 17 is a front elevational view of the shelf
;., 1
rail of Fig. 16;
", Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the shelf rail of
Fig. 16;
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view along line XV-XV
of Fig. 17; and
Fig. 20 is a front elevational view of a fourth,
extended length embodiment of a shelf rail according to the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings in greater detail,
Fig. 1 shows a first shelf arrangement according to the
invention including a shelf rail 20, adjustable shelf tracks
22, a full shelf 24, and a partial shelf 26.
Adjustable shelf tracks 22 are common refrigerator
.. 30 or freezer hardware, vertically oriented, horizontally
spaced, and mounted on a back wall 28 of a refrigerator or
(6)
2~9'~~2~
1 freezer compartment by bolts or screws as is commonly known
(Figs. 2 and 15). Tracks 22 are typically U-shaped metal or
plastic channels which include vertically spaced, aligned
slots or holes 46 in their outwardly facing surfaces. The
slots or holes 46 provide releasable engagement with the
hook-shaped ends or flanges of shelf support brackets 30 and
32 for cantilever support of shelves 24 at various
vertically spaced locations.
Now referring to Figures 3 and 4, shelf rail 20 is
preferably formed from 14-gauge steel and subsequently
powder-coated as is commonly known in the trade for
refrigerator components. Shelf rail 20 has an elongated
body 34 with rearwardly extending flanges 36 and 38 at each
of two opposing ends. Each flange 36, 38 is provided with a
pair of vertically spaced mounting hooks 40 and 42 for
engaging the slots 46 provided in shelf tracks 22 (Fig. 4).
A positive locking tab 44 is also provided on mounting hook
40 (Figs. 3 and 4). Locking tab 44 projects generally
upward from mounting hook 40 to minimize accidental
disengagement of shelf rail 20 from slots 46 in shelf tracks
22.
In an alternative configuration of the ends-of
shelf rail 20 (Fig. 5), each flange 36, 38 is provided with
a mounting hook 48. An alternative locking tab 50 is also
provided on each flange 36, 38 spaced vertically below hook
48. Tab 50 engages arid substantially fills a track slot 46
or. is at least positioned near a top edge 52 of a track slot
46. Thus, tab 50 has a top surface 54 adjacent top edge 52
of slot 46 so that top surface 54 will abut top edge 52 if
shelf rail 20 is lifted vertically when tab 50 is engaged
with shelf track 22 to preclude lifting shelf rail 20 and
S,~ r ~;.
. " .. , .
the disengagement and removal of mounting hook 48 from shelf.
track 22.
Alternative locking tab 50 (Fig. 5) is also
provided with a stop hook 56 having a leg 58. Leg 58
extends away from tab top surface 54 for engaging a rung 60
of shelf tracks 22 and limiting rotation of shelf rail 20 to
a position in which alternative locking tab 50 is disengaged
from slot 46 and positioned adjacent to shelf track 22.
Further, a stop 62 may be formed on and project upward from
tab top surface 54 or may be omitted as shown in Figures 8
and 8A.
Stop 62 is positioned away from rail body 34 and
sized for force fit engagement of tab 50 with a slot 46 of
"y' shelf tracks 22. Thus, once shelf rail 20 is mounted on
;' 15 shelf tracks 22, stop 62 will resist disengagement of tab 50
'~ 1
from its respective slot 46. However, if shelf rail 20 is
;:..
rotated to farce stop 62 through slot 46 and disengage tab
'°.
50, leg 58 of stop hook 56 will engage the next lower
adjoining rung 60 of shelf track 22 to positively limit
E;-., further rotation of shelf rail 20 and position tab 50
adjacent to, but disengaged from, shelf track 22. Shelf
rail 20 can then only be removed by lifting the entire rail
and further rotating the rail to disengage tab 50 from slot
46 after which hook 48 may also be disengaged from the upper
slot.
In a further alternating embodiment of the
mounting hooks on end flanges 36, 38 shown in Figures 8, 8A,
the end flange configuration is basically similar to that
shown in Figure 5 and again has a mounting hook 48 near top
edge 66, a locking tab 50, and a stop hook 56 with a leg 58.
However, stop 62 is omitted thereby making installation of
(8)
1 shelf rail 20 easier, and also facilitating rotation of
shelf rail 20 from a fully engaged position (Fig. 8) to a
position where tab 50 is disengaged from shelf track 22 and
positioned adjacent to the shelf track (Fig. 8A).
In each embodiment, shelf rail 20 is also formed
with a stiffening ridge 64 extending between flanges 36 and
38 and projecting generally away from the mounting hooks
40,
42 (Fig. 4) or 48, 50 (Fig. 5). Alternatively, as explained
below, in connection with rail embodiment 90, an indented
~~~ stiffening dimple or channel may be used. Ridge 64 is
most
preferably positioned near, but spaced from, a top edge
66
of shelf rail 20. Top edge 66 may be formed by folding
a
portion of rail 20 forward, over upon itself (see Figs.
3,
4, 5, and 16). Shelf rail 20 is also stiffened by top
edge
''.i 66 and by forming a flange 68 along a bottom edge of
shelf
'1
rail 20. Flange 68 projects in the same general direction
as flanges 36 and 38 and extends along the length of
shelf
rail 20. Further, a recess 70 is defined between stiffening
ridge 64.and top edge 66.
A rub strip or wear member 72 is preferably
.::.
provided along the length of top edge 66 of shelf rail
i..::. 20
(Figs. 3 and 4). Rub strip 72 may be a generally U-shaped
or open-sided channel member having a pair of legs 74
and 76
extending in the same general direction from a bight
or web
portion 78. Rub strip 72 may be formed from a high density
polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, for example, or other suitable
material which is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved for food contact. Rub strip 72 is preferably
sized
for a snug slip fit over top edge 66 with top edge 66
seated
against the inside surface of bight portion 78 and shelf
(9)
1 rail body 32 extending outwardly from between legs 74 and
76. A ridge 80 and 82 is preferably formed at the end of
each leg 74 and 76, respectively, and extends the length of
rub strip 72. Each ridge 80 and 82 projects from its
respective leg 74 and 76 in a direction generally opposite
to and toward the other ridge 82, 80. Further, leg 74 is
sized so that ridge 80 aligns with a recess formed on a back
side of and corresponding to stiffening ridge 64 while leg
76 is sized to position ridge 82 in recess 70 between
stiffening ridge 64 and top edge 66. Rub strip 72 may thus
be snapped onto and is removably secured to rail 20.
In an alternative embodiment 90 of shelf rail 20,
also preferably made from 14-gauge steel as shown in Figures
6-9, a support 92 is bent out of and projects rearwardly
from an elongated body 94 of shelf rail 90. Support 92 is
sized in length to have a terminal end 96 closely adjacent
or just in contact with refrigerator back wall 28 when shelf
rail 90 is mounted on shelf tracks 22. Support 92 is
located near an inturned flange 68 on bottom edge 98 of
shelf rail 90 for supporting rail 90 to resist twisting or
:;.
racking forces which may be exerted by a partial shelf 26
mounted on shelf rail 90. Elongated stiffening dimp7.es 100
are also preferably provided near a top edge 102 of shelf
rail 90. As with shelf rail 20, alternative shelf rail 90
also has a pair of rearwardly extending flanges 104 and 106
located at opposing ends of rail body 94. Each flange 104,
106 may also be configured as discussed in greater detail
above for flanges 36 and 38 of shelf rail 20 and shown in
Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 8 and 8A, flanges 104
and 106 may also be configured in a modification of the
(10)
,-
-. . . : . ° .; ''~ ,: , , "~ . .
~0~'~~~~
1 alternative configuration shown in Figure 5 for_shelf rail
20 by omitting stop 62.
Now turning to partial shelf 26 and generally to
Figures l, 10, 11, and 12-12D, partial shelf 26 extends only
partially between shelf tracks 22. Partial shelf 26 may
have a generally planar shelf panel 120, a pair of support
brackets 122 and 124 and a molded, resinous perimeter rim
126. Partial shelf 26 is removably mounted on and
cantilevered forward from shelf rail 20 (Fig. 1).
As is best seen in Figures 11 and 12, shelf panel
120 may be a light-transmitting material, preferably
:;;:
'"~' optically clear tempered glass, to enhance light
distribution through the refrigerator compartment. Shelf
panel 120 has a perimeter edge 128 which is supported above
I'.
brackets 122 and 124 and positioned to overlap above
:1 inwardly projecting flange portions 130 of the brackets
(Fig. 12). Flange portions 130 project inwardly toward each
other from a top edge of generally vertical web portions 132
of each bracket 122 and 124. Thus, bracket 122, positioned
along one side of partial shelf 26, is a mirror image of
shelf bracket 124 positioned along the opposing side of
partial shelf 26 (Fig. 1).
Partial shelf 26 releasably engages shelf rail 20.
Thus, brackets 122 and 124 are provided with a locking hook
2~~"~~~~
134, having an elongated leg 136 which extends downwardly in
generally parallel and spaced relation to a back edge 138 of
bracket 122 (Fig. 10). When partial shelf 26 is mounted to
rail 20, leg 136 extends a sufficient distance along a side
140 of shelf rail 20, located opposite bracket 122, so that
leg 136 bears against side 140. Rail 20 is thus captured
between leg 136 and bracket 122 without rail 20 slipping
from between leg 136 and bracket 122 to preclude rotation of
partial shelf 26 relative to rail 20 when a front edge 142
of partial shelf 26 is slightly lifted for sliding partial
shelf 26 along rail 20 as described in greater detail below.
Finally, a lower portion 141 of bracket 122 is adapted for
abutting engagement with shelf rail 20, near flange 68, to
provide cantilever support of partial shelf 26 from shelf
rail 20.
1
Rim 126 is molded around the entire perimeter edge
128 of shelf panel 120 to form a liquid--tight seal between
rim 126 and shelf panel 120 and around flanges 130 of
brackets 122 and 124 for secure engagement and connection. of
shelf panel 120 with brackets 122 and 124 (Figs. 10-12).
Each of flanges 130 is most preferably provided with a
series of perforations 144 to ensure secure mechanical
connection between molded rim 126 and each support bracket
122 and 124 (Fig. 12). During assembly, shelf panel 120 and
support brackets 122 and 124 are held and positioned within
a mold while a moldable material from which rim 126 is made
is, injected and flows into the mold, around peripheral edge
128 of shelf panel 120, flanges 130, and through
perforations 144, encapsulating perimeter edge 128 and
flanges 130. The moldable material of which rim 126 is
comprised may include FDA approved copolymer plastics such
(12)
2~~'~2~~.
1 as a combination of ethylene and polypropylene or other
structural plastic such as ABS or polyvinylchloride, for
example. Further, an FDA approved coloration pigment may be
added to the material used fox molding rim 126 prior to
molding to provide desired colors for the rim. Titanium
dioxide may be added for a white coloration, for example.
As the moldable material cures, i.e. cools,
hardens, and sets up, it becomes a tough and resilient mass
extending continuously around perimeter edge 128 of shelf
panel 120 for holding shelf panel 120 in position above
flanges 130 of support brackets 122 and 124. The inward
extension of flanges 130 provides secure, stable support for
shelf panel 120. Rim 126 is molded to extend above the top
surface 146 of shelf panel 120 and is specifically molded to
define a continuous vertical wall 148 (Figs. 11 and 12) near
perimeter edge 128 of shelf panel 120 to form a spill dam
for containing spills which may occur upon shelf panel 120.
,
,; While the seal formed between rim 126 and shelf
,
1 :' panel 120 by molding rim 126 around shelf panel 120 performs
quite satisfactorily, depending upon the specific rim
material chosen, one may enhance the seal by coating
perimeter edge 128 and adjoining top 146 and bottom 150
surfaces of shelf panel 120, adjacent perimeter edge 128,
prior to molding rim 126 thereabout, with a primer layer or
coating of a heat-activatable material which promotes and
facilitates adhesion and bonding of the rim material to
shelf panel 120.
While the shelf support brackets 122 and 124
discussed above may be metal brackets as is shown in Figure
12 and formed from a steel, aluminum, or other metal as is
commonly known for adjustable shelf support brackets, shelf
(13)
,:.
2~~'~~~~
I support brackets 122 and 124 may also be separate molded
plastic members 124° as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.
Further, shelf support brackets 124 " may also be integrally
molded with perimeter rim 126 as shown in Figures 12C and
12D. Further yet, shelf panel 120' may also be a separate
molded member or may be molded in one piece with perimeter
rim as shown in Figures 12B and 12D. Figure 12D is noted as
showing all of the shelf panel, perimeter rim, and shelf
support bracket molded in one piece from the same molded
plastic material as discussed above.
Full shelf 24 extends fully between and mounts
directly on shelf tracks 22 (Fig. 1). Further, full shelf
24 may have a construction substantially similar to partial
shelf 26 as discussed in detail above. However, instead of
I5 a hook 134 and leg 136 as on partial width shelf 26, full
.:;1
shelf 24 preferably includes one of the embodiments of the
hooks and flanges shown and described in Figures 4-8A and
16-19 above.
As shown in Figures 13 and 15, shelf rail 20 may
also be used in a second shelving arrangement wherein the
full width of the refrigerated compartment is divided into
left and right portions by a "center°' shelf track 152. In
these arrangements, centered shelf track 152 may be actually
centered between the outer shelf tracks 22 with shelves 154
and 156 extending between one of the outer shelf tracks 22
(14)
1 and the center shelf track 152. Alternatively, center shelf
track 152 may be positioned nearer to one of shelf tracks 22
and further from the other of shelf tracks 22. Further,
center shelf track 152 may comprise one shelf track, similar
or identical to each shelf track 22; a pair of shelf tracks,
similar or identical to each shelf track 22, positioned next
to one another; a single, double wide shelf track 152 having
aligned pairs of slots or holes for receiving hooks on
support brackets as described and shown; or a single shelf
track with wide slots adapted to receive two rails 20 or two
brackets 30.
In the second shelving arrangement (Fig. 13),
shelf rails 20 may be staggered vertically, supporting
partial shelves 26 according to a user's requirements (Fig.
15). Two shelf rails 20 may also be positioned in line with
one another as specifically shown in Figure 13 so that a
...
partial shelf 26 may be positioned to straddle center shelf
track 152.
Alternatively, as specifically shown in Figure 14,
a single, extended length shelf rail 160, also preferably
formed from 14-gauge steel, may be used to span the full
width of the refrigerated compartment, overlaying center
shelf track 152 and mounting at its ends to shelf tracks 22.
Thus, shelf rail 160 is most preferably configured virtually
identically to shelf rail 20 with an elongated body 170 and
,_. rearwardly extending flanges 162 and 164 at each of two
opposing ends (Figs. 16-18). Likewise, each flange 162, 164
is most preferably provided with a pair of mounting hooks
166 and 168 for engaging the slots 46 provided in shelf
tracks 22 and a positive locking tab 169 as previously
discussed above regarding shelf rail 20 and Figure 4.
(15)
1 Further, each of the alternative rail end configurations
also discussed above regarding Figures 5 and 8 may also be
incorporated into rail 160.
Shelf rail 160 also includes an elongated body 170
having a stiffening ridge 172 extending along the length of
body 170 and locatEd near a top edge 1?4 of shelf rail 160.
Top edge 174 is preferably formed by bending or folding over
a portion of body 170 upon itself, also as discussed above
regarding top edge 66 of shelf rail 20. Top edge 174 thus
provides additional stiffness to shelf rail 160 as does a
flange 176 formed along a bottom edge 178 of shelf rail 160.
Further, a wear member or rub strip 180 as discussed in
greater detail above is preferably provided on and extends
along the length of top edge 174 of shelf rail 160.
Other than the extended length of shelf rail 160,
the only distinction between shelf rail 160 and shelf rail
is a provision in elongated body 170 of shelf rail 160
for interconnection of shelf rail 160 with center shelf
track 152 (Figs. 16 and 19). Specifically, a mounting hook
20 182 is bent rearwardly from body 170 for engagement with
center shelf track 152. Mounting hook 182 is therefore
positioned for alignment with a slot 46 in center shelf
track 152. A support leg 184 is also provided and
positioned in vertical alignment with mounting hook 182 and
spaced vertically below mounting hook 182. While support
leg 184 may be configured in a number of forms, including
forms which engage a slot 46 in center shelf track 152,
support leg 184 is most preferably configured for abutting
engagement with center shelf track 152. Support leg 184 may
thus be formed with a length sized for a terminal end 186 to
abut center shelf track 152 and is most preferably formed
(16)
1 with a laterally extending, terminal end flange 188
positioned for abutting engagement with center shelf track
152. With the combination of mounting hook 182 and support
leg 184 engaging center shelf track 152, shelf rail 160 is
strengthened to resist twisting or racking forces which may
be exerted by a partial shelf 26 mounted on shelf rail 160
and loaded.
In an alternative embodiment 190 (Fig. 20) of
shelf rail 160, preferably formed from 14-gauge steel, a
pair of spaced supports 192 are bent out of and project
generally rearwardly from the metal body portion 194 of the
shelf rail 190. In a similar manner as for support 92
having end 96 in shelf rail 90, each support 192 is sized in
length to have a terminal end closely adjacent or just in
contact with refrigerator back wall 28 when shelf rail 190
'.::-. 1
,,.,,
. is mounted on shelf tracks 22. Supports 192 thus support
shelf rail 190 against twisting or racking forces as
discussed in greater detail above regarding shelf rail 90.
As with the previous embodiments of the shelf rail, any of
the mounting hook embodiments 40 and 42, 48 and 50, or 166
and 168 can be used on rail 190.
In use, a shelf rail 20 may be mounted to a pair
of adjustable shelf tracks 22 (Figs. 1 and 2) or to an
adjustable shelf track 22 and a center shelf track 152
(Figs. 13 and 15) by inserting positive locking tabs 44 at
each end of shelf rail 20 into a cooperating slot 46 of the
adjustable shelf tracks (Fig. 4). With tabs 44 so engaged,
shelf rail 20 may be rotated in a generally downward
direction far insertion of mounting hooks,42 through
corresponding slots 46 spaced generally vertically
downwardly from the slots 46 which receive tabs 44. With
(1~)
1 tabs 44 and hooks 42 so engaged in corresponding slots 46,
shelf rail 20 may be slid generally downwardly for each of
mounting hooks 40 and 42 to engage a cooperating rung 60.
With shelf rail 20 mounted on the respective shelf
tracks 22 and 152, a partial shelf 26 may be hung or mounted
on shelf rail 20 simply by positioning leg 136 of each
bracket 122 and 124 to insert wear member 72 and top edge 66
of shelf rail 20 between leg 136 and bracket back edge 138.
With locking hook 134 and shelf rail 20 so engaged, lower
bracket portion 141 will abut shelf rail 20 near flange 68
for cantilever support of partial shelf 26 from shelf rail
20. A generally upward force applied at front edge 142
(Fig. 10) of partial shelf 26 will release bracket lower
portion 141 from abutting shelf rail 20 and allow lateral
,,~ 15 sliding of locking hook 134 along wear member 72 for lateral
positioning of partial shelf 26 along the length of shelf
rail 20.
In similar fashion, shelf rail 160 may be mounted
to adjustable shelf tracks 22 with mounting hook 182
engaging center shelf track 152 and support leg 184 abutting
center shelf track 152 (Fig. 19). Further, partial shelf 26
may similarly be releasably mounted on shelf rail 160.
The above description is considered that of the
;:::preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention,
including, but not limited to, extending bracket lower
portion 141 (Fig. 10) to extend around flange 68 for
example, or full width shelves 24, 154, 156 having a width
greater than the spacing between shelf tracks 22, such as
across the entire refrigerator compartment, or shelf rails
20, 90, 160 or 190 extending beyond shelf tracks 22' if those
tracks are not mounted at the extreme edges of the
,:1
(18)
2~~°~2~~
1 refrigerator compartment, will occur to those skilled in the.
art and to those who practice the invention. Therefore, it
is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and
described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is
defined by the following claims as interpreted according to
the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of
Equivalents.
15
25
