Quick shelf adjustment mechanism for a refrigerating appliance

A shelf adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes a plurality of support surfaces coupled to a shelf bracket. The shelf bracket is operable between a securing position and a recessed position. A bracket module rotationally receives the shelf bracket. The securing position of the shelf bracket is defined by a substantially horizontal orientation of the support surfaces with respect to the bracket module. An angled biasing surface is defined on the shelf bracket. The biasing surface is configured to engage a shelf as the shelf is moved vertically along the angled biasing surface. Engagement of the shelf with the angled biasing surface selectively operates the shelf bracket from the securing position to a recessed position.

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is in the field of refrigerating appliances, and more specifically, adjustable shelving supports disposed within refrigerating appliances.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect, a shelf adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes a plurality of support surfaces coupled to a shelf bracket. The shelf bracket is operable between a securing position and a recessed position. A bracket module rotationally receives the shelf bracket. The securing position of the shelf bracket is defined by a substantially horizontal orientation of the support surfaces with respect to the bracket module. An angled biasing surface is defined on the shelf bracket. The biasing surface is configured to engage a shelf as the shelf is moved vertically along the angled biasing surface. Engagement of the shelf with the angled biasing surface selectively operates the shelf bracket from the securing position to a recessed position.

In at least another aspect, an appliance includes a structural cabinet having an inner liner that defines a refrigerating compartment. A shelf is selectively disposed in a plurality of vertical positions within the refrigerating compartment. A shelf adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inner liner and defining the plurality of vertical positions of the shelf. The shelf adjustment mechanism includes opposing shelf brackets that are rotationally biased toward a securing position that is configured to alternatively and selectively support the shelf in one of a lower shelf position and an upper shelf position of the plurality of vertical positions. Operation of the opposing shelf brackets from the securing position to a recessed position defines a clearance space that provides for vertical movement of the shelf within the refrigerating compartment while a top surface of the shelf is maintained in a horizontal position. Operation of the opposing shelf brackets from the securing position to the recessed position is performed by the upward vertical movement of the shelf.

In at least another aspect, a shelf adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes opposing shelf brackets coupled to an inner liner. The opposing shelf brackets cooperate to define upper and lower support surfaces, wherein each shelf bracket of the opposing shelf brackets are biased toward a securing position where the upper and lower support surfaces are configured to be in a horizontal orientation relative to the inner liner. Opposing bracket modules hingedly support the opposing shelf brackets, respectively, wherein each shelf bracket is configured to selectively rotate within a respective bracket module of the opposing bracket modules between the securing position and a recessed position. A shelf is configured to selectively and alternatively rest on one of the upper and lower support surfaces in the securing position. The shelf is received on the lower support surface. Slidable operation of the shelf in an upward direction biases the opposing shelf brackets to the recessed position. The recessed position defines a clearance space that provides for vertical movement of the shelf over the opposing shelf brackets. When the shelf is slidably operated upward and above the opposing shelf brackets in the recessed position, the opposing shelf brackets are biased back to the securing position to define at least the upper support surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-8, a shelf adjustment mechanism10is incorporated within a refrigerating appliance12, where the refrigerating appliance12includes a structural cabinet14formed by an outer wrapper16and an inner liner18that are connected to define an insulating cavity20therebetween. Various operable panels22are coupled to the structural cabinet14and include a rotationally operable hinged door24that defines an interior storage space26within a portion of the hinged door24. The operable panels22can also include an operable drawer panel40that includes an interior storage space26defined by the inner liner18of the operable drawer28. According to the various embodiments, certain fixtures can be recessed within the inner liner18for maximizing storage space within an interior compartment of the appliance12, such as a refrigerating compartment30, pantry compartment, freezing compartment32and other similar interior compartments. These fixtures can be disposed within liner recesses34of the inner liner18without substantially interfering with the insulating capability and utility paths for serving the appliance12.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, the appliance12can include a shelf adjustment mechanism10, where the shelf adjustment mechanism10includes a plurality of support surfaces50that are coupled to at least one shelf bracket52. The various shelf brackets52are configured to be operable between a securing position54and a recessed position56. A bracket module58includes a bracket cavity60that rotationally receives at least one shelf bracket52. Each bracket module58can include multiple shelf brackets52as well. It is contemplated that the bracket module58is adapted to be inserted within a liner recess34defined within the inner liner18of the appliance12. It is also contemplated that the securing position54of the shelf bracket52is defined by a substantially horizontal position of the support surface50of the shelf bracket52with respect to the bracket module58. Accordingly, the securing position54of the shelf bracket52serves to define a supporting surface for a shelf62placed thereon.

According to the various embodiments, a particular bracket module58may include a plurality of support surfaces50, such that the shelf bracket52can be operated between the securing and recessed positions54,56to allow for vertical movement70of the shelf62between the various support surfaces50of the shelf adjustment mechanism10. In order to provide for the movement of the shelf bracket52between the securing and recessed positions54,56, one or more angled biasing surfaces72can be defined on one or more of the shelf brackets52. It is contemplated that the shelf62during vertical movement70is adapted to engage the angled biasing surface72as the shelf62is moved vertically along the angled biasing surface72. Engagement of the shelf62with one of the angled biasing surfaces72serves to operate the corresponding shelf bracket52from the securing position54to the recessed position56. Typically, each support surface50will include a corresponding angled biasing surface72.

As exemplified inFIG. 7, where the shelf62is disposed on a lower support surface80of the shelf bracket52, upward movement of the shelf62with respect to the shelf bracket52serves to engage the shelf62with the at least one angled biasing surface72of the upper support surface92. This engagement between the shelf62and the angled support surfaces50biases the shelf bracket52outward and into the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58to define the recessed position56. This movement of the shelf bracket52to the recessed position56provides clearance82for the shelf62to be moved upward and out of engagement with the shelf bracket52. It is contemplated that vertical movement70of the shelf62from below the shelf bracket52can serve to engage at least one angled biasing surface72of the lower support surface80of the shelf bracket52. This engagement can also serve to bias the shelf bracket52outward and at least partially into the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58to provide clearance82for the shelf62to pass by the lower support surface80of the shelf bracket52. Once the shelf62is moved past the angled biasing surface72and above the lower support surface80, a biasing mechanism90disposed between the shelf bracket52and the bracket module58biases the shelf bracket52outward to the securing position54. When the shelf62is moved to a position between the upper and lower support surfaces92,80, the biasing mechanism90is allowed to bias the shelf bracket52outward to the securing position54such that the shelf62can be disposed on the lower support surface80of the shelf bracket52. Accordingly, each of the upper and lower support surfaces80,82can have a corresponding upper and lower angled biasing surface72, respectively.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, a hinge100can extend from the bracket module58to the various shelf brackets52. It is contemplated that the hinge100defines a rotational axis102of a corresponding shelf bracket52. In such an embodiment, rotation of the at least one shelf bracket52about the corresponding rotational axis102defines the securing and recessed positions54,56of the shelf bracket52. In this embodiment, the biasing mechanism90can be a linear spring, coil spring, clock spring, constant force spring, torsion spring, and other similar biasing mechanisms90that serve to bias the shelf bracket52for rotational operation between the securing and recessed positions54,56. it is also contemplated that the shelf bracket52can be linearly operable between the securing and recessed positions54,56, such that the shelf bracket52is pressed in a substantially linear manner into the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58. In such an embodiment, a linear spring is compressed as the shelf bracket52is moved into the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58. Regardless of the type of biasing mechanism90or whether the shelf adjustment mechanism10includes the hinge100or is linearly operable, it is contemplated that the shelf bracket52is operable from the securing position54to the recessed position56by hand and without the use of tools.

Referring again toFIGS. 2-7, according to at least one aspect of the shelf adjustment mechanism10, the bracket module58is adapted to contain a single shelf bracket52with multiple bracket modules58spaced throughout the appliance12. In this embodiment, the shelf bracket52includes upper and lower support surfaces92,80. It is contemplated that each support surface50can have an angled biasing surface72disposed below each of the upper and lower support surfaces92,80. Accordingly, the shelf62can be moved from below the shelf bracket52to either of the lower and upper support surfaces80,92. This can be accomplished by progressively moving the shelf62upward into engagement with the angled biasing surface72proximate the lower support surface80, past the lower support surface80, into engagement with the angled biasing surface72below the upper support surface92, and then past the upper support surface92. Once the shelf62is above either of the upper or lower support surfaces92,80, the shelf62can only be moved in a downward direction through manual manipulation of the shelf bracket52, typically by hand and without the use of tools. This manual operation of the shelf bracket52to the recessed position56provides the clearance82to allow the shelf62to move downward either from the upper support surface92to the lower support surface80or from the lower support surface80to an area below the shelf bracket52.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, the various support surfaces50of the shelf bracket52can include elongated and continuous support surfaces that extend substantially the depth110of the inner liner18and along substantially the entire length of the opposing lateral edges112of the shelf62. This configuration provides for a bracket module58that is larger than the elongated configuration of the shelf bracket52. In such an embodiment, manipulation of the elongated support surfaces50can be done manually in two operations, where the user of the appliance12manipulates the shelf bracket52on a right side of the appliance12to the recessed position56, moves the shelf62downward, and then manipulates the shelf bracket52on the left side of the appliance12(or vice versa) to the other side of the shelf62to the desired position within the shelf bracket52.

Referring now toFIGS. 9-12, it is contemplated that the various support surfaces50of the shelf bracket52can be separated into front and rear supports120,122. In such an embodiment, a front support120is adapted to support a front portion124of the shelf62and a rear support122is adapted to support a rear portion126of the shelf62. It is contemplated that the front and rear supports120,122can be defined within a single shelf bracket52, as exemplified inFIGS. 9-12. In this embodiment, the shelf bracket52includes a central space128within the shelf bracket52, where the support surfaces50do not extend through the central space128. Rather, the support surfaces50are, as described above, split between the front and rear supports120,122.

As exemplified inFIG. 12, it is contemplated that only one of the support surfaces50within the shelf bracket52having upper and lower support surfaces92,80may include the angled biasing surface72. Accordingly, it is contemplated that only the upper support surface92includes a corresponding angled biasing surface72. In such an embodiment, the shelf62can be moved upward from the lower support surface80to the upper support surface92, simply by moving the shelf62in an upward direction and allowing the shelf62to engage the angled biasing surface72proximate the upper support surface92to bias the shelf bracket52from the securing to the recessed positions54,56.

Referring again toFIG. 12, it is contemplated that the lower support surface80is a blocking feature130that includes no angled biasing surface72below the lower support surface80. In such an embodiment, the shelf62cannot typically be moved vertically from below the shelf bracket52and into engagement with the lower support surface80without manually manipulating the shelf bracket52to move the lower support surface80into the recessed position56or by lowering the shelf62from above the shelf bracket52in the recessed position56. It is contemplated that such a configuration of the shelf bracket52having the blocking feature130serves to prevent the shelf bracket52from being moved below the shelf bracket52and potentially being dropped onto another portion of the appliance12or another item. Accordingly, vertical movement70of the shelf62within the various support surfaces50of the shelf bracket52can either be from above and downward to the upper or lower support surfaces92,80, or can be upward from the lower support surfaces80to upper support surface92through the shelf62biasing the shelf bracket52into the recessed position56as it is moved in a vertically upward direction.

According to the various embodiments of the device as exemplified inFIGS. 2-12, it is contemplated that each shelf bracket52can include upper and lower support surfaces92,80that define both the upper and lower support positions140,142of the shelf62, respectively, within that particular shelf bracket52.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-12, it is contemplated that each shelf62is supported by at least two shelf brackets52positioned on opposing lateral edges112of the shelf62. These shelf brackets52, as discussed above, are positioned within opposing walls of the appliance12, or within opposing sides of an interior storage space26of one of the operable panels22, such as a door dyke150. In the case of the shelf adjustment mechanism10within a door dyke150, the various shelf brackets52and bracket modules58can be positioned to provide a plurality of support surfaces50for shelves62, bins160, and other storage options within the interior cavity defined by the inner liner18of the operable panel22. It is contemplated that any of the embodiments described herein can be used in either of the interior cavity of the appliance12, or within any of the operable panels22of the appliance12. It is also contemplated that certain aspects of the shelf adjustment mechanism10can be used within different portions of a particular appliance12.

Referring now toFIGS. 14-20, it is contemplated that a single bracket module58can include multiple shelf brackets52. In such an embodiment, the shelf brackets52can be removed from a recessed position56that is defined by the shelf bracket52being flush with an outer edge170of the bracket module58and potentially an inward surface172of the inner liner18. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that each shelf bracket52can include a supporting portion180and an operating portion182. According to the various embodiments, the supporting portion180can include at least one support surface50that is adapted to receive a lateral edge112of the shelf62. The operating portion182of the shelf bracket52is adapted to be manipulated by the user to move the shelf bracket52from the recessed position56to the securing position54. It is contemplated that the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58can be adapted to provide for rotational operation of the shelf bracket52between the recessed and securing positions56,54. Where the securing position54is defined by the supporting portion180being moved outside of the bracket cavity60, the securing position54is also defined by the operating portion182being moved into the bracket cavity60. In this embodiment, the operating portion182and supporting portion180each rotate around the hinge100that extends from the bracket module58to each shelf bracket52. Accordingly, the operating portion182and supporting portion180each rotate around on opposing sides of the hinge100.

According to various embodiments, the hinge100can be positioned at a lower portion186of the shelf bracket52. In such an embodiment, the shelf bracket52can have a supporting portion180and an operating portion182that are defined within the same part of the shelf bracket52, such as in the various embodiments exemplified inFIGS. 29-38.

Referring again toFIGS. 14-20, it is contemplated that the bracket cavity60can have an upper portion184that substantially matches the shape of the supporting portion180of the shelf bracket52. This upper portion184of the bracket cavity60serves to limit the inward rotation of the supporting portion180to stop at the flush recessed position56. A lower portion186of the bracket cavity60can be a hollow space188that allows the operating portion182of the shelf bracket52to rotate inside the lower portion186of the bracket cavity60to define the securing position54.

Referring again toFIGS. 13-38, it is contemplated that the shelf bracket52having the securing position54and the operating portion182can be biased toward one of the recessed position56or the securing position54through a biasing mechanism90that rotationally biases the shelf bracket52to one of the securing and recessed positions54,56. The shelf bracket52can also be weighted or balanced relative to the hinge100such that the shelf bracket52can be retained, alternatively in the securing and recessed positions54,56. It is also contemplated that the shelf bracket52according to this and the various aspects of the device can be operated through a push-push interface. Through the push-push interface, the shelf bracket52is pushed once to move the shelf bracket52from the securing position54to the recessed position56. The shelf bracket52can then be pushed again to move the shelf bracket52from the recessed position56to the securing position54(or vice versa). Through the use of the push-push interface, a biasing mechanism90is incorporated to bias the shelf bracket52to one of the securing and recessed positions54,56. Typically, the biasing mechanism90serves to bias the shelf bracket52to the securing position54. The push-push mechanism also includes a latch mechanism that operates against the biasing mechanism90to retain the shelf bracket52in the recessed position56.

Referring again toFIGS. 13-19, it is contemplated that a shelf62can be supported within a particular shelf position by four separate shelf brackets52positioned around the four corners of the structural cabinet14within the inner liner18. It is contemplated that each shelf bracket52includes a dedicated bracket module58that receives one or more shelf brackets52. As exemplified inFIGS. 13-19, the bracket module58includes upper and lower shelf brackets210,212that are positioned around the four corners of each shelf62to define upper and lower shelf positions214,216with respect to each bracket module58. The use of the four separate bracket modules58within each shelf position minimizes the intrusion of the various bracket modules58within the liner recesses34defined within the inner liner18. This also minimizes the intrusion within the insulating capacity and interstitial space for running utilities through the structural cabinet14.

As will be described more fully below, in order to conveniently operate the various shelf brackets52spaced around the four corners of the interior compartment, a front and rear supports120,122defined within separate shelf brackets52can be linked through a linkage member230that allows for unified movement of each of the front and rear supports120,122through operation of only one of the front and rear supports120,122. In this manner, the front and rear supports120,122are disposed in communication with one another such that operation of the front support120automatically operates the rear support122. Similarly, operation of the rear support122serves to operate the front support120in a unified manner. Through the use of these linkage members230, as typically exemplified inFIGS. 40-43, movement of the shelf62by manual manipulation of the various shelf brackets52can be performed through only two manipulating operations of opposing left and right shelf brackets220,222. Without the linkage member230, it will be necessary to operate, independently, all four of the shelf brackets52to allow for vertical operation of the shelf62downward through the various support surfaces50.

Referring now toFIGS. 13-28, it is contemplated that the various bracket modules58installed within the refrigerating compartment30, interior storage space26or other interior compartment of the appliance12can include separate vertical positions of various bracket modules58that are independently positioned to define the various support positions of the shelves62. It is also contemplated that a single bracket module58can extend vertically and substantially along the entire height240(shown inFIG. 1) of the interior compartment. In such an embodiment, a single bracket module58can include a plurality of shelf brackets52that are positioned along various vertical positions of the bracket module58to define the various shelf support positions242for retaining one or more shelves62. It is contemplated that each shelf position within the bracket module58can include multiple support surfaces50within a shelf bracket52or within multiple shelf brackets52. Accordingly, each shelf position that is spaced vertically within the interior compartment can define multiple finite support positions (typically two) within that particular shelf position.

According to the various embodiments, the selection of whether to use a single full-height bracket module58that includes multiple shelf brackets52or multiple vertically spaced and smaller bracket modules58can be dictated through the particular design of the appliance12, the aesthetics desired for the appliance12, the types of shelving included within the appliance12, the positioning of the storage area within an interior compartment or proximate one of the door panels, and other various considerations.

Referring again toFIGS. 13-28, it is contemplated that within a single bracket module58, each shelf bracket52can include its own dedicated bracket cavity60within the shelf module. It is also contemplated that within a particular shelf position having the finite positions defined therein, the bracket module58can also include a single bracket cavity60that houses multiple shelf brackets52. Accordingly, within a single bracket cavity60, as exemplified inFIG. 28, the two shelf brackets52, defining upper and lower shelf brackets210,212, each define a corresponding upper and lower shelf position214,216. Each of the upper and lower shelf brackets210,212serve to define finite upper and lower shelf positions214,216within that portion of the bracket module58where the shelf62can be moved minimally upward or downward between the various finite positions. Where separate bracket cavities60are used, a portion of the bracket module58may extend between two separate shelf brackets52. Alternatively, where a single bracket cavity60is used to house multiple shelf brackets52, no division between the shelf brackets52will be seen other than the space between the respective shelf brackets52.

Referring now toFIGS. 29-36, it is contemplated that upper and lower shelf brackets210,212can be incorporated within a single bracket module58. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that each shelf bracket52can have its own dedicated hinge100that allows for separate and independent operation of each of the upper and lower shelf brackets210,212between the recessed and securing positions56,54. In such an embodiment, each of the upper and lower shelf brackets210,212can be biased outward in the securing position54and can also incorporate an aspect of the push-push mechanism, as described above. In this manner, the shelf62can be moved upward to engage the angled biasing surface72of each shelf bracket52to bias the shelf bracket52toward the recessed position56to allow for vertical movement70of the shelf62with respect to the shelf brackets52.

As discussed previously, once the shelf62passes the particular shelf bracket52, the biasing mechanism90moves the shelf bracket52back to the securing position54such that the shelf62can be rested upon a corresponding support surface50of that shelf bracket52.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that each of the upper and lower shelf brackets210,212can be operated through the push-push mechanism described above where each of the upper and lower shelf brackets210,212can be moved to a recessed position56and substantially flush with one or both of the bracket module58and/or the surface of the inner liner18. It is contemplated that the use of the push-push mechanism can be incorporated within aspects of the shelf adjustment mechanism10having four independently operable shelf brackets52used to support the four corners of each shelf62. Through the push-push mechanism, each of the shelf brackets52within the four corners can be pushed and locked into a recessed position56independently. When each of the shelf brackets52are moved to the recessed position56, the shelf62can be moved downward to a lower support position142within the bracket module58. Accordingly, the use of a push-push mechanism allows for convenient use of the shelf brackets52and bracket modules58without incorporating the linkage member230extending between the front and rear supports120,122. It is contemplated that the linkage member230can be used in conjunction with the push-push engagement mechanism for operating the various shelf brackets52within aspects of the shelf adjustment mechanism10. As described above, it is contemplated that each of the upper and lower shelf brackets210,212can include a single bracket cavity60or can have dedicated bracket cavities60within various portions of the bracket module58.

Referring now toFIGS. 37 and 38, it is contemplated that various aspects of the shelf adjustment mechanism10can include fixed support250of the lower shelf bracket212that is substantially fixed in position or is substantially incapable of moving within the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58. In such an embodiment, the shelf bracket52can be rotationally operable about the hinge100, where the hinge100is positioned proximate the fixed support250of the lower support surface80. With the hinge100so located, the lower support surface80can rotate about the hinge100, but cannot rotate within the bracket cavity60of the bracket module58. Accordingly, as the shelf bracket52is moved to the recessed position56, the upper support surface92is moved into the bracket cavity60to allow for downward movement of the shelf62to the lower support surface80. In this embodiment, the lower support surface80cannot be moved into the securing position54within the bracket cavity60. Accordingly, the shelf62cannot move below the bracket cavity60without being pulled out and moved below the lower support surface80. It is also contemplated that where separate shelf brackets52are included within a particular bracket module58, the fixed support250of the lower shelf bracket212can be in a fixed position and inoperable, such that the lower shelf bracket212is permanently in the securing position54. The upper shelf bracket210, alternatively, can be manipulated between the securing and recessed positions54,56to allow for movement of the shelf62between the lower support surface80and the upper support surface92.

Referring now toFIG. 39, according to various aspects of the device, the various shelf brackets52that are spaced around the corners of each shelf62can be independently operable between the securing and recessed positions54,56. Typically, in such a configuration where the shelf brackets52are independently operable, a push-push mechanism can be incorporated.

Referring now toFIGS. 40 and 41, shelf brackets52that define the front and rear supports120,122can also include a linkage member230that extends between the front and rear supports120,122. This linkage member230can extend between the front and rear supports120,122either exterior of the inner liner18or within a portion of the inner liner18, such that the linkage member230is fully concealed. Through the use of the linkage member230, the front and rear supports120,122are in communication and are jointly operable in unison between the securing and recessed positions54,56and back to the securing position54. The use of the linkage member230can either incorporate or be free of a push-push interface for allowing operation of the various support surfaces50between the recessed and securing positions56,54. It is contemplated that the linkage member230can be a plate or elongated member that is positioned on an outer surface of each of the front and rear supports120,122or can be a linkage bar260that extends through or attaches to an interior portion of each shelf bracket52that defines the front and rear supports120,122. In each of these configurations, it is contemplated that operation of the front support120serves to operate the rear support122automatically, and vice versa. Where the linkage member230is visible with the naked eye and is positioned outside of the inner liner18, it is contemplated that the inner liner18can include a linkage recess262that allows for the linkage member230to be stored in a substantially flush configuration with the inward surface172of the inner liner18and/or the bracket module58when the front and rear supports120,122of the various shelf brackets52are moved to the recessed position56. Accordingly, the linkage member230moves to the recessed position56with the shelf brackets52, and moves to the securing position54along with both of the front and rear supports120,122.

According to the various embodiments, as exemplified inFIGS. 1-44, the support surfaces50of the shelf brackets52serve to provide vertical support for the shelf62from below. It is also contemplated that the shelf62and the various support surfaces50can cooperate to define an at least partial and lateral support for the shelf bracket52to prevent inward and outward sliding movement of the shelf62when the shelf62is engaged in one of the shelf support positions242of the shelf adjustment mechanism10. It is contemplated that the lateral retaining feature270of the shelf62and the shelf adjustment mechanism10can include various protrusions272and recesses, magnetic engagements, clipping engagements, other magnetic and/or mechanical engagements between the shelf62and the shelf adjustment mechanism10. As exemplified inFIGS. 44 and 45, presented as a non-limiting example, the shelf62can include a downwardly extending protrusion272having angled sides274that are adapted to fit within a mating recess276defined within the support surface50of the shelf bracket52for the shelf adjustment mechanism10. The angled surfaces of the protrusion272allow for a self-correcting feature of the engagement between the shelf62and the corresponding support surface50. In this manner, placement of the shelf62near the mating recess276defined within the support surface50allows for engagement between the protrusion272and the mating recess276such that the protrusion272will slide into the recess and at least slightly manipulate the position of the shelf62laterally. In this manner, the protrusion272of the shelf62will slide into the mating recess276to bias the position of the entire shelf62, such that the protrusion272will entirely be disposed within the mating recess276.

It is also contemplated that the shelf62and the support surfaces50can include a magnetic retaining mechanism having opposing polarities disposed within the support surface50and the shelf62. As the shelf62approaches the appropriate shelf support position242, the opposing polarities of the magnetic attachment mechanism attracts to one another and serve to at least partially retain the shelf62in the desired support position. It is contemplated that the magnet within one of the shelf62and/or the shelf bracket52can be rotationally operable such that if the shelf62is rotated and matching polarities are achieved, one of the magnets can rotate to change polarities to the opposing polarity of the magnet positioned nearby.

According to the various embodiments, each of the various aspects of the shelf adjustment mechanism10disclosed herein can be incorporated within various appliances12. Such appliances12can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, coolers, ovens, other heating appliances, dishwashers, laundry-type appliances, and other similar appliances12and fixtures requiring adjustable shelving in residential and commercial settings.

According to the various embodiments, as exemplified inFIG. 1, it is contemplated that various aspects, or combinations of the various aspects of the shelf adjustment mechanism10can be included within a single refrigerating appliance12. The various shelf adjustment mechanisms10can be incorporated within the interior cavity for supporting shelving within a refrigerating compartment30and/or freezing compartment32. It is also contemplated that the shelf adjustment mechanism10can be incorporated within an interior storage space26defined by the inner liner18of an operable panel22such as a hinged door24or slidable drawer28of the refrigerating appliance12. It is further contemplated that the shelf adjustment mechanism10can be used to support shelves62, slidable bins160, various modules, and other storage solutions that can be disposed within an appliance12. It is further contemplated that various electrical interfaces can be incorporated between the engagement of the shelf62and the support surfaces50such that lighting, data, various communications, electricity, and other similar utilities can be run to a particular shelf62through the engagement of the shelf62with the various support surfaces50of the shelf adjustment mechanism10.