Refrigerator shelf assembly

Abstract: A snap-on shelf (1090) for use in a refrigerator has a shelf panel (1002) with a perimeter edge about which is moulded a perimeter rim. Attachment clips (1008) are provided on the perimeter rim (1006) and releasably couple with a support frame (1010) for supporting the shelf panel. The attachment clips are arranged at front and back rim regions (1044,1046) for a fixed shelf configuration. Alternatively the attachment clips may be arranged at left and right sides of the perimeter rim and slidingly engage the frame for a sliding shelf configuration.

Description: The present invention relates to shelving for refrigerators and similar appliances. As is the nature of articles containing liquids which are stored in a refrigerator or freezer, many such articles are spillable and do spill. Such a spill will typically soak into other items or contaminate other foods in the refrigerated compartment. Extensive cleanup efforts are required since the spill will commonly flow down, through the compartment, from shelf to shelf. Therefore, it is desirable to provide containment measures for limiting the area of such a spill. One such measure is a spill-resistant shelf. Such a shelf will contain a spill to the shelf and minimise, if not preclude, the downward flow of the spill through the compartment. However, known spill-resistant shelves are commonly assemblies of a number of components as is disclosed in US-A-4,934,541 (issued on June 19, 1990, to Bussan et al ). Therein, a refrigerator shelf is disclosed having a two-piece plastic "picture frame" circumscribing the periphery of a glass plate to provide a spill-resistant refrigerator shelf. For liquid spill resistance, a silicon seal should be provided between the upper frame member and the glass plate. Thus, effectiveness of many of the known spill-resistant shelves is dependent upon proper assembly of the shelf's components. Furthermore, the components may require complicated and expensive manufacture. Another problem common to these shelf structures is that spilled items can seep between the glass plate shelf member and the surrounding frame members where it is difficult if not virtually impossible to remove or otherwise clean. Thus, an unsanitary condition easily develops when foodstuffs become trapped between shelf members and frame members. These structures also do not typically lend themselves to ready modification or adaption to a variety of applications or installations. To the contrary, once the components for the shelf assembly are designed and the tooling prepared to produce these components, reconfiguration of the shelf assembly is typically an expensive proposition requiring new tooling to adapt one, another, or all of the components to meet the new configuration. FR-A-2,466,724 discloses a refrigerator shelf assembly. The attachment clips of this shelf are formed as an integral portion of the rim but the rim itself does not form a liquid-tight seal with the shelf panel. EP-A-507455 relates to a moulded refrigerator shelf including a planar shelf member having a rim moulded around its perimeter edge. The reference, which is relevant under Article 54(3) EPC, does not disclose the presence of attachment clips moulded in one piece with the rim. Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a refrigerator shelf assembly comprising: a shelf panel having a top surface to support an article thereon and a perimeter edge; a perimeter rim formed separately from the shelf panel by moulding around the entire perimeter edge of the shelf panel; and one or more attachment clips moulded in one piece with the rim and adapted to be removably coupled with a frame and/or bracket for supporting the panel. The shelf assembly may additionally comprise a support frame for supporting the shelf panel, and so the or each clip that is moulded in one piece with the perimeter rim is adapted to be removably coupled with the frame. The frame will preferably be metallic. It will suitably comprise a plurality of rods or other suitable elongate members. The frame may have portions that extend in a substantially parallel direction to sides of the panel, and the clips may be adapted to allow the shelf panel to slide with respect to (usually along) the frame (or brackets, where appropriate). Suitably the or each attachment clip would have a first flange, a web connected with the first flange at a first edge, the web extending generally perpendicularly away from the first flange to a second edge. A second flange may extend away from the web at a second edge, the second flange being generally parallel to the first flange. Thus, the first flange, web and second flange may define an open-sided channel, and may allow a portion of the frame to be removably received in the channel. At least one of the first and second flanges may be provided with a retainer, to resist removal of the frame from the channel. The retainer may be a separate member which releasably engages at least one of the flanges and may block at least a portion of the open side of the channel. Advantageously the channel will have a seat adjacent to the web and a throat extending from the seat to define the open side. The throat may be smaller than the seat so that the frame can be forced through the throat to snap into the seat can so be retained in the seat. The perimeter rim may comprise a front rim region and an opposing back rim region, at least one of the clips being located at the front rim region and/or back rim region. In preferred embodiments the frame may include a front frame member extending between a left side of the frame and a right side of the frame as well as a back frame member extending between the left side and right sides of the frame. Suitably one of the clips is adapted to be coupled with the front frame member and/or back frame member. The shelf assembly can be provided with one or more clips. If a plurality is present, then it is preferred that one of such clips (e.g. a second) is located at either the front rim region or the back rim region and is adapted to be coupled with the front frame member or back frame member, respectively. The shelf assembly may be provided with at least one slide for receiving and supporting a separate (e.g. sliding) member in sliding engagement with a panel (such as underneath it). Such a sliding member may be a drawer or other container for containing items to be kept in the refrigerator. The slide may removably couple with the front member and/or with the back member. Suitably the front rim region extends below the panel and defines at least one front receptacle. Similarly, the back rim region may extend below the panel and define at least one back receptacle, corresponding to the front receptacle. The slide may thus be adapted to removably couple with the front receptacle and back receptacle. In some embodiments the frame may be provided with a left and right bracket. The left bracket may be defined by a first perimeter wire frame, the right bracket being defined by a second perimeter wire frame. Both the left and right bracket amy alternatively be in the form of a (first and second) generally planar plate members. The shelf assembly may be provided with one or more slides. For example, if two slides are provided, one slide may be fastened to each of the left and right brackets. Preferably the panel comprises tempered glass. The perimeter rim and the or each clip may comprise plastics materials, and may suitably be moulded, such as by injection moulding. Suitably the perimeter rim and the or each clip are moulded in one piece from a plastics material. The perimeter rim may be configured so that it projects above a top surface of the panel to define a spill dam so that any liquid spilt or disposed upon the top surface can be contained by the perimeter rim. Thus, in preferred embodiments the frame has a left bracket and a right bracket; the panel has opposing left and right sides; at least one of the clips is located on the left side and is adapted to removably couple with the left bracket in sliding engagement so that the panel slides relative to the frame; and at least one of the clips is located at the right side and is adapted to be removably coupled with the right bracket in sliding engagement so that the panel slides relative to the frame. Suitably the perimeter rim may include a left side and an opposing right side, and at least one of the attachment clips can be located at the left side while at least a second of the attachment clips can be located at the right side. In preferred embodiments each of the clips have a web portion and a pair of opposing flange portions defining an open-sided channel, so that a portion of the frame can be removably received in the channel. At least one of a pair of flanges may have the retainer which resists removable of the frame from the channel. Suitably the frame includes a front frame member extending between a left side of the frame and a right side of the frame. It may additionally include a back frame member similarly extending between the left and right side. The perimeter rim may thus be provided with two pairs of attachment clips, one of the two pairs of clips being located at the front rim region and adapted to be coupled with the front frame member, the other of the two pairs of clips being located at the back rim region and adapted to be coupled with the back frame member. One clip of each of the two pairs of clips may be provided near the left side, the other of each of the two pairs of clips being near the right side. Thus, the invention provides a refrigerator shelf assembly wherein the or each attachment clip is a snap-fit with the frame and/or bracket. The or each clip may be adapted to allow the shelf panel to slide along with the frame and/or bracket. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a simplified, snap-on shelf which may be easily adaptable during manufacture to provide a compact moulded perimeter rim which may maximise spill retention while minimising inaccessible entrapment of spilled items. The snap-on shelf may be easily configured during manufacture as a sliding shelf panel or a fixed position shelf panel. Thus, the present invention provides a refrigerator shelf having a shelf panel with a perimeter edge. A perimeter rim is moulded about the perimeter edge of the panel. The shelf panel can be supported in a refrigerator by a frame and clips are moulded in one piece with the perimeter rim to removably couple the shelf panel with the support frame. In one embodiment the clip defines an open-sided channel in which a portion of the frame can be removably received. A retainer may be included with the clip to resist removal of the frame from the channel. In another embodiment clips may be located at a front rim region and a back rim region of the shelf and removably couple with front and back frame members which extend between left and right sides of the support frame. Alternatively, clips may be located along left and right sides of the shelf and removably couple with left and right brackets of the frame in sliding engagement so that the shelf may be a sliding shelf. In a further embodiment, a removable slide may be coupled with the shelf perimeter rim or with the support frame for receiving and supporting a separate member, such as a meat pan, storage bin, or drawer for example, in sliding engagement under the shelf panel. The invention also extends to a refrigerator that is provided with the shelf assembly of the present invention. In this specification refrigerator includes any chamber or container adapted to keep food drink or other edible substances cool or to cool them, and includes a freezer. Other preferred features and characteristics of the refrigerator provided in the shelf assembly are as set out in connection with the shelf assembly itself mutatis mutandis . These objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figs. 1 to 38 are provided as background information to the invention. Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the interior of a refrigerator having a shelf; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the interior of a refrigerator having a sliding shelf; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section along line III-III of the front edge of the shelf of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section along line IV-IV of the front edge of the shelf of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section along line V-V of a side edge of the shelf of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section along line VI-VI of a side edge of the shelf of Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary section along line VII-VII of the rear edge of the shelf of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section along line VIII-VIII of the rear edge of the shelf of Fig. 2; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the rear end of a support bracket; Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 2 partially extended and showing a first embodiment; Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section along line XI-XI of the shelf stop of the shelf of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a rear elevation of the shelf stop of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary section along line XIII-XIII of the shelf stop of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation of the shelf of Fig. 2 showing a second embodiment of a shelf stop; Fig. 15 is a fragmentary section along 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 embodiment of a shelf stop; Fig. 17 is a fragmentary section along line XVII-XVII of Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a fragmentary side elevation of the shelf of Fig. 2 showing a fourth embodiment of a shelf stop; Fig. 19 is a fragmentary section along line XIX-XIX of Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a fragmentary section along line XX-XX of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a fragmentary side elevation of the shelf of Fig. 2 showing a fifth embodiment of a shelf stop; Fig. 22 is a fragmentary section along line XXII-XXII of Fig. 21; Fig. 23 is a fragmentary section along line XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a fragmentary side elevation of the shelf of Fig. 2 showing a sixth embodiment of a shelf stop; Fig. 25 is a fragmentary section along line XXV-XXV of Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is a fragmentary section along line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 25; Fig. 27 is a perspective view of another example of a shelf assembly located in a refrigerator; Fig. 28 is a plan of the shelf assembly of Fig. 27; Fig. 29 is a side elevation of the shelf of Fig. 27; Fig. 30 is a section along line XXX-XXX of Fig. 27; Fig. 31 is an enlarged view of detail XXXI of Fig. 28; Fig. 32 is a fragmentary section along line XXXII-XXXII of Fig. 31; Fig. 33 is a fragmentary section along line XXXIII-XXIII of Fig. 27; Fig. 34 is a section of the slide of the shelf assembly taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV of Fig. 30; Fig. 35 is a perspective view of another example of a shelf assembly; Fig. 36 is a section along line XXXVI-XXXVI of Fig. 35; Fig. 37 is a perspective view of still another example of a shelf assembly; Fig. 38 is a section along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII of Fig. 37; Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a shelf assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 40 is a plan of the shelf assembly of Fig. 39; Fig. 41 is a section along line XLI-XLI of Fig. 40; Fig. 42 is similar to Fig. 41 but shows an alternative one-piece shelf panel and perimeter rim; Fig. 42 is a section along line XLII-XLII of Fig. 40; Fig. 42A, 42B, 42C and 42D are similar to Fig. 42 but show a first, a second, a third and a fourth embodiment of a clip, respectively; Fig. 43 is a section along line XLIII-XLIII of Fig. 40; Fig. 44 is a section along line XLIV-XLIV of Fig. 40; Fig. 45 is a section along line XLV-XLV of Fig. 40; Fig. 46 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a shelf according to the present invention; Fig. 47 is a plan of the shelf of Fig. 46; Fig. 48 is a side elevation of the shelf of Fig,47, showing an optional slide by broken lines; Fig. 48A is similar to Fig. 48 but shows an alternative side support bracket; Fig. 49 is a section along line IL-IL of Fig. 47; Fig 49A is similar to Fig. 49 but shows an alternative one-piece shelf panel and perimeter rim; Fig. 50 is a section along line L-L of Fig. 47; Figs. 50A and 50 B are similar to Fig. 50 but show a first and second embodiment of a clip arrangement; Fig. 51 is a fragmentary section along line LI-LI os Fig. 48, showing an optional slide by broken lines; Fig. 52 is a fragmentary section along line LII-LII of Fig. 48A, showing an optional slide by broken lines; Fig. 53 is a section along line LIII-LIII of Fig. 47, showing an optional slide; Fig. 53A is similar to Fig. 53 but shows an alternative embodiment of the optional slide; Fig. 54 is a fragmentary section along line LIV-LIV os Fig. 47; and Fig. 55 is a longitudinal section of an alternative embodiment of the shelf of Fig. 46, showing the shelf adapted for use with a preexisting support frame. As already mentioned above, Figs. 1 to 38, and the corresponding description provided hereafter of the embodiments shown in those figures, are provided as background information to the invention. Referring now to the drawings in greater detail and Figure 1 in particular, a refrigerator shelf assembly 10 comprises a generally planar shelf member 12, metal support brackets 14 and 16 and a moulded, 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 22 (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 project inwardly toward each other at the top edge of generally vertical web portions 30 of each bracket 14 and 16. Thus, the brackets 14 and 16 are mirror images 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 Figure 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 10 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 to provide for proper circulation around the shelf. Furthermore, the length of shelf assembly 10 is determined to provide air circulation space between the front edge 54 and the door (not shown) of the refrigerator. Rim 18 is moulded 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). Each 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 16 are held and positioned within a mould while a mouldable material from which rim 18 is made is injected and flows into the mould around the peripheral edge 22 of shelf member 12 and flange portions 26 and through perforations 24, encapsulating the edge 22 and flange portions 26. The mouldable material of which rim 18 is comprised may include copolymer plastics materials such as a combination of ethylene and polypropylene or other structural, resinous plastics such as ABS or polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, a colouration pigment added to the mouldable plastic may be used for moulding rim 18 prior to moulding to provide desired colours to the rim. For example, titanium dioxide may be added for a white colouration. As the mouldable material cures, I.E., cools, hardens and sets up, it becomes a tough 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 26 provides secure, stable support for shelf 12. Rim 18 is moulded to extend above the top surface 46 of shelf member 12 and is specifically moulded to define a continuous vertical wall 48 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 moulding 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 moulding 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 12. As shown in Figure 3, a decorative trim piece 52 may be moulded into rim 18 along the front edge 54 of shelf member 12. Likewise, a decorative trim piece 56 may be moulded into rim 18 along the rear edge of shelf member 12 (Fig. 7). An alternative slidable shelf assembly 110 is shown in Figure 2 and comprises a slidable shelf member 112, metal support brackets 114 and 116, and a moulded, resinous perimeter rim 118. Shelf assembly 110 is also preferably cantilevered forward by brackets 114 and 116 from 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-transmitting material, preferably optically clear tempered glass, to enhance light distribution through the refrigerated compartment. Shelf panel 113 has a perimeter edge 122 which is encapsulated by perimeter rim 118 (Fig. 6). Rim 118 is moulded around the perimeter edge 122 of shelf panel 113. During assembly, shelf panel 113 is held in position within a mould while a mouldable material is injected and flows into the mould around perimeter edge 122. Again, the mouldable material may be a copolymer plastics material or other structural plastics. Also, a colouration pigment, as discussed above, may be added to the plastic used for moulding rim 118. Rim 118 is also moulded to extend above the top surface 146 of shelf panel 113 and is specifically moulded to define a continuous vertical wall 148 near the perimeter edge 122 of shelf panel 113 forming a spill dam 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 previously described. A shelf pull 180 is moulded along the front edge 154 of shelf member 112 by extending the lower edge 178 of rim 118 downwardly (Fig. 4). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a decorative trim piece 152 may be moulded into rim 118 along the front edge 154 of shelf member 112. A decorative trim piece 156 may also be moulded into rim 118 along the rear edge of shelf member 112 (Fig. 8). As is best seen in Figures 2 and 6, a generally V-shaped channel is preferably moulded into the outwardly facing side surface of each slide portion 160 and 162 of rim 118 to define slide guides 166. A corresponding, generally V-shaped ridge 167 is formed along the top edges 126 of each support bracket 114 and 116 defining slide rails 170 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 brackets in spaced relation to each other. Brace 132 is connected to each web 128 and 130 near the forward ends 136 and 138 of brackets 114 and 116. Brace 134 is connected to each web 128 and 130 at a position approximately one-third to one-half of the length of brackets 114 and 166 forward of ends 140 and 142. Cross braces 132 and 134 are required in sliding shelf assembly 110 to stabilise 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 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 preclude the inadvertent overextension of the slidable shelf. A first embodiment of a shelf stop is shown in Figures 12 to 13 and comprises 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 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 extension of the shelf. The relative position of brace 134 controls the extension of shelf member 112 and is preferably approximately one-third to one-half the length of brackets 114 and 166 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 by broken lines in Figure 13. Lever 210 is easily pivoted to the release position by pressing rearward on face 219 of lever 210 near its top end 218. With the lever in the release position, the catch 222 can slide above and past the brace 134. If the lever 210 is released to pass brace 134 and allowed to return to its 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 moved. A return spring 217 may be mounted with 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 embodiment of a shelf stop is shown in Figures 14 and 15 and comprises 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 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 for shelf member 112, which is preferably in the range 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 assembly 110 from the refrigerator compartment. Brackets 114 and 116 must be assembled to shelf member 112 with stop pins 312 received in slots 310 before mounting the entire assembly on tracks 44. A third embodiment of a shelf stop is shown in Figures 16 and 17 and comprises a formed metal clip 410 mounted to the bottom surface 172 of the perimeter rim 118 along at least one side portion 174 and 176 of the rim 118. The clip 410 is configured with an inclined front abutting surface 412 for engagement with a cross brace 132 or 143 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 the 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. Alternatively, the shelf assembly can be removed from tracks 44 and disassembled. A fourth embodiment of a shelf stop is shown in Figures 18 to 20 and comprise a detent 510 pressed out of the side 178 of at least one of the slide rails 168 and 170 and a corresponding groove or channel 512 cut or moulded into the side of the corresponding slide guide 164 and 166. The relative position of the 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 mounting the entire assembly in tracks 44. A fifth shelf stop is shown in Figures 21 to 23 and comprises a detent 610 projecting from the end of a flexible finger 612 formed in at least one of the slide rails 168 and 170 and a notch 614 cut or moulded into the side of the corresponding slide guide 164 and 166. Again, the relative positioning of the detent and notch will determine the extension of shelf member 112. Also, shelf member 112 can be removed from the support brackets 114 and 116 by forcing the notch 614 past the resilient detent 610. A sixth embodiment of a shelf stop is shown in Figures 24 to 26 and comprises 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 camming surface 714 with an end wall 716 projecting into the groove 710 is formed over a portion of the length of the groove 710. The protrusion 712 is moulded with a cooperating inclined camming 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 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 sufficiently flexible and resilient so that protrusion 712 will deform as its camming surface 718 engages and slides over the camming 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. Now generally referring to Figures 27 to 34, a third example of a shelf assembly 820 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 example shown in Figure 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 elongate members 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 for 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 moulded in one piece with perimeter rim 842. Shelf 822 may be formed from a light-transmitting material, preferably optically clear, tempered glass, to enhance light distribution through the refrigerator compartment, as discussed in greater detail above. In the present example as shown in Figure 27, however, shelf panel 822, brackets 830, and perimeter rim 842 are most preferably one piece, moulded in a convenient one-step process. During this process, a mouldable material is injected and flows into a continuous cavity mould, defining entire shelf assembly 820. The mouldable material may be any of a variety of suitable plastics materials, including copolymer plastics materials such as a combination of ethylene and polypropylene or other structural, resinous plastics such as ABS or polyvinyl chloride for example. Furthermore, a colouration pigment to provide desired colours may be added to the mouldable plastics material. A whitening colouration such as titanium dioxide may be used for example. As the mouldable material cures, that is cools, hardens, or sets, it becomes a tough resilient mass, forming shelf panel 822, perimeter rim 842, and support brackets 830 in one piece. Perimeter rim 842 may be moulded to project above the surface of shelf panel 822 and form a spill dam as shown in the example of Figures 27 to 34, or may be made flush with the top surface of the shelf panel, similar to the example shown in Figure 35. In either example, perimeter rim 842 includes at least a lower portion 844 which extends below shelf panel 822 (Figs. 30 to 32). A front slide receptacle 846 is preferably defined in lower portion 844 of front rim portion 824 during the moulding 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 of shelf assembly 820 for example (Figs 28 and 32). Each front slide receptacle 846 comprises a recess defined in a rear surface 848 of the lower portion 844 of front rim portion 824 and extending generally parallel to shelf 822. Each front slide receptacle 846 is a generally rectangular recess having a height and a width which is greater than its height. Furthermore, each front slide receptacle 846 has an angles side wall 859 (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 846, may likewise be defined in lower portion 844 of back rim portion 826 (Figs 29 to 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. Furthermore, 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. Thus, a slide member supported by slides 828 may selectively be positioned along the width of the shelf assembly 820, and slide members of various widths may be accommodated. Slide 828 is an elongate 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 back tab 870 extends from back end 866, forming a back attachment member having a generally rectangular cross-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 same general direction from one side of vertical plate 872 (Fig. 34). Vertical plate 872 and the rails 874, 876 define an open-sides, 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 refrigerator. Rail 876 includes downwardly curved ends so that the supported slide member, bin, or drawer can more easily be slid into 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 end to end and eliminates the need for left- and right-hand counter parts. In use, a slide 828 is easily installed by positioning the front and back tabs 868, 870 of slide 828 parallel to, adjacent, and under shelf panel 822, inserting front tab 868 into a front slide receptacle 846, and swinging back tab 870 through open side 858, past retainer 860, and into a corresponding back slide receptacle 852. As back 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, identical unit may be installed in either a left-hand or right-hand position. A fourth example of a shelf assembly 920 is shown in Figure 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 at the bottom of a refrigerator as shown in Figure 35, or may be supported by other methods commonly known in the refrigerator shelf field. Shelf assembly 920 is most preferably moulded in one piece from a mouldable material as discussed above, In shelf assembly 920, a perimeter rim 942, including front portion 924 and back portion 926, may be moulded to project above a top surface of shelf panel 922 to form a spill dam. Alternatively and preferably, the rim is moulded 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 portion 944 which extends below shelf panel 922. As shown in Figures 30 to 33 and discussed above regarding shelf assembly 820, shelf assembly 920 also includes front slide receptacles 846 and back slide receptacles 852 defined in front rim portion 924 and back rim portion 926, respectively, for releasably coupling with slide 828. A fifth example 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 bottom shelf position, including a cooperating recess 930 provided at the bottom of a refrigerator as shown in Figure 37 for example. Shelf panel 952 is preferably optically clear tempered glass or other light-transmitting material to enhance light distribution through the refrigerator compartment. Shelf panel 952 has a perimeter edge 958 which is preferably encapsulated by a perimeter rim 960 (Fig. 38). Rim 960 incorporates from rim 954 and back rim 956 and is moulded around perimeter edge 958 of shelf panel 952. Shelf panel 952 is held in position within a mould during assembly while a mouldable material is injected and flows into the mould around perimeter edge 958 as discussed in greater detail above. Rim 960 is moulded 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 960 which extends below shelf panel 952. Shelf assembly 950 also includes from slide receptacles 846 and back slide receptacles 852 defined in front rim 954 and back rim 956, respectively, for releasably coupling slide 828 as discussed in greater detail above regarding shelf assembly 820. Referring generally to Figures 39 to 45, a first embodiment of a sliding shelf assembly 1000 (Fig. 39) according to the present invention includes shelf panel 1002 a having a perimeter edge 1004 (Figs. 42 to 45) and a perimeter rim 1006 moulded about the perimeter edge. Attachment clips 1008 are moulded in one piece with perimeter rim 1006 and removably couple in sliding engagement with a support frame 1010 for sliding between a retracted position (Figs. 40 and 41) and an extended position (Fig. 39). Support frame 1010 is most preferably a rigid perimeter wire frame forming a left bracket 1012 and a right bracket 1014 with a front frame member 1016 and a back frame member 1018 extending between left and right sides of the frame and connected between left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014 (Fig. 39). Each of left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014 is formed with a top rail 1020. Frame 1010 is preferably made from steel wire about 4.7 mm (3/16 inch) in diameter, but may also use a tubular material or other structurally suitable material. Furthermore, frame 1010 may have a plastic construction using a suitable structural plastic of the kinds discussed in greater detail above. While shelf assembly 1000 may be supported in a fixed position in a refrigerator, shelf assembly 1000 is most preferably vertically adjustable. Each of left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014 are therefore adapted at a back end for releasably coupling with adjustable shelf tracks 44 provided on refrigerator back wall 20 (Figs. 39 and 41). Each of left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014 therefore preferably have cooperating hooks 1022 and tabs 1024 for engaging shelf tracks 44. Shelf panel 1002 may be formed from a light-transmitting material, preferably optically clear, tempered glass, to enhance light distribution through the refrigerator compartment, as discussed in greater detail above. A glass shelf panel 1002" may be held in position within a mould while a mouldable material is injected and flows into the mould around perimeter edge 1004 (Fig. 41). The mouldable material may be any of a variety of suitable plastic materials which are structurally suitable for the application as discussed in greater detail above, including plastic materials having a colouration pigment to provide a desired colour for the plastic. Perimeter rim 1006 is most preferably moulded to project above the surface of shelf panel 1002 and form a spill dam 1026 (Figs. 42 to 45), but may also be moulded flush with the top surface 1028 of shelf panel 1002. In either embodiment of perimeter rim 1006 being moulded flush with the top surface 1028 of shelf panel 1002 or projecting above shelf panel 1002, perimeter rim 1006 is preferably formed with a left side 1040, a right side 1042, a front region 1044, and a back region 1046 and includes a lower portion 1048 which extends below shelf panel 1002. In the embodiment shown in Figure 39, preferably two clips 1008 are moulded in one piece with each of left side 1040 and right side 1042 of perimeter rim 1006. Each clip 1008 defines an open-sided channel 1050 with a web 1052 interposed between two flanges 1054 and 1056 (Figs 42 to 42D). Furthermore, channel 1050 is most preferably downwardly opening and may be configured with a seat 1058 adjacent web 1052 and a throat 1060 which is smaller than seat 1058, defining the open side of channel 1050 so that top rail 1020 of the respective bracket 1012 or right bracket 1014 is forced through throat 1060, snaps into seat 1058, and is thereby retained in clip 1008. Seat 1058 is sized relative to top rail 1020 so that top rail 1020 is retained in seat 1058 in sliding engagement. Alternatively, a separate member may block at least a portion of the open side of channel 1050 and define a retainer for clip 1008. As shown in Figure 42A, a generally U-shaped retainer 1062 snaps around each of flanges 1054 and 1056 and blocks the open side of channel 1050 to retain top rail 1020. A similar retainer 1064 is shown in Figure 42B which is inserted into the ends of flanges 1054 and 1056 to block channel 1050 and retain rail 1020. A pin 1066 is shown in Figure 42C piercing one flange 1054, extending through channel 1050 and engaging the opposing flange 1056 to block channel 1050 and retain top rail 1020. In Figure 42D, a tab 1068 pivots about a pin 1070 to block channel 1050 and retain top rail 1020. At least one stop 1072 and preferably a pair of stops 1072 are provided along and moulded in one piece with back region 1046 of perimeter rim 1006 (Figs 40 and 45). Stop 1072 abuts back member 1018 to position the shelf assembly when the shelf assembly is slid from an extended position to its fully retracted position. Stop 1072 preferably defines an open-sided channel 1074 with a web 1076 interposed between two flanges 1078 and 1080. However, stop 1072 may also be provided as a downward projecting portion of rim back region 1046 by the elimination of flange 1080. In practice, panel 1002 and perimeter rim 1006 provide a simplified snap-on panel assembly. Perimeter wire frame 1010 requires minimal manufacturing capability and is easily adapted in the manufacturing process to alternative configurations at minimal cost. Using clips 1008 moulded in one piece with perimeter rim 1006, the snap-on panel assembly is easily connected with frame 1010 by pressing top rail 1020 through throat 1060 to snap top rail 1020 into seat 1058, and provides a durable and serviceable sliding refrigerator shelf assembly 1000. With reference generally to Figures 46 to 54, a second embodiment of a fixed shelf assembly 1090 according to the present invention is provided by minimal modification to sliding shelf assembly 1000 by relocating clips 1008 from rim left side 1040 and right side 1042 to front region 1044 and back region 1046 (Fig. 46). Otherwise, shelf assembly 1090 preferably still includes shelf panel 1002 which may be an optically clear, tempered glass panel 1002" with a moulded perimeter rim 1006 as discussed in greater detail above. Furthermore, the same perimeter wire frame 1010 is also preferably used. Each clip 1008 as configured for shelf assembly 1090 still defines open-sided channel 1050 with web 1052 interposed between two flanges 1054 and 1056 (Figs. 49 to 50). Again, channel 1050 is preferably configured with a seat 1058 adjacent web 1052 and a throat 1060 which is smaller than seat 1058, defining the open side of channel 1050. However, now rather than releasably coupling in sliding engagement with top rail 1020 of each of left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014, clip 1008 as used in shelf assembly 1090 preferably releasably couples with frame front member 1016 at rim front region 1044 and frame back member 1018 at rim back region 1046 (Figs 46 and 49 to 50). Most preferably in the configuration of shelf assembly 1090, clip 1008 does not releasably couple in sliding engagement with frame 1010, but firmly engages frame 1010 to minimise any tendency for side-to-side shifting of the snap-on panel assembly relative to frame 1010. Furthermore, while clip 1008 has generally been shown and described as having a downwardly opening channel 1050, as shown in Figures 50A and 50B, clip 1008 may also be configured with a rearward opening channel 1050' when located at back rim region 1046 and the clips 1008 located on rim front region 1044 are configured with a downwardly opening channel 1050 or may be configured with a forward opening channel 1050'' when located at back region 1046 and the clips 1008 located on front region 1044 are configured with downwardly opening channels 1050. Conversely, the alternative configurations of a rearward opening clip 1008A or a forward opening clip 1008B may be located on rim front region 1044 when used in combination with a downwardly opening clip 1008 located at rim back region 1046. While support frame 1010 is most preferably configured with a perimeter wire frame, including left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014, the support frame may also be configured with generally triangular plate-type brackets 1092 as shown in Figures 48A and 52 with frame front member 1016 and back member 1018 extending and interconnecting between the plate-type brackets 1092. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 48 and 51, a slide 1094 for receiving and supporting a separate member, such as a meat pan, storage bin, or drawer for example, in sliding engagement under panel 1002 may optionally be fastened with each of left bracket 1012 and right bracket 1014 (Figs 48 and 51) by use of tabs 1095 connected with top rail 1020 and a fastener 1093, such as a rivet or screw or by heat stacking for example. Slide 1094 may also be used with an fastened to the alternative frame brackets 1092 (Fig. 52). As another option, front receptacles 846 and back receptacles 852, discussed in greater detail with reference to Figs. 27 to 38 above, may also be provided in rim lower portion 1048 of each of front region 1044 and back region 1046, respectively, for optional use of slide 828, also discussed above, with shelf assembly 1090 (Fig. 53). Furthermore, a slide 1096 which is a modification of slide 828 by adding a clip 1008 to each of from tab 868 and back tab 870 of the 828 slide for releasably coupling the resulting slide 1096 with frame front member 1016 and back member 1018 (Fig. 53A) may also be used to receive and support the separate member discussed above. To accommodate placement of slide 1096 between perimeter rim 1006 and support frame 1010, a notch 1098 is made in rim lower portion 1048 of each front region 1044 and back region 1046 at each location where use of slide 1096 is desired (Fig. 54). As shown, notch 1098 is formed with sidewalls 1100 which preclude lateral sliding of slide 1098 and the potential for a pair of slides 1098 to slide apart along frame front member 1016 and back member 1018. Finally, one-piece moulding of attachment clips 1008 with perimeter rim 1006 of shelf assembly 1090 allows simplified adaptability during manufacturing of the snap-on panel assembly to a preexisting shelf support frame 1102 as shown in Figure 55. In the particular application to preexisting shelf support frame 1102 as shown, a clip 1008F with a forward opening channel 1050'' is provided at rim back region 1046 and releasably couples with preexisting frame back member 1018. Rim front region 1044 is modified to accommodate preexisting frame front members 1016' and 1016'' in this embodiment with a modified forward opening channel 1050'''. The snap-on panel assembly is easily assembled with frame 1102 by sliding clip 1008F over back member 1018' to seat back member 1018' in channel 1050''. Rim front region 1044 is positioned between front members 1016' and 1016'' so that front member 1016' engages channel 1050'''. Thus, convenient and cost-effective retrofitting of an effective spill-resistant shelf to a prior shelf unit, such as a nonspill-resistant glass panel or wire rack for example, is accommodated.

Claims: A refrigerator shelf assembly comprising: a shelf panel (1002) having a top surface to support an article thereon and a perimeter edge (1004); a perimeter rim (1006) formed separately from the shelf panel by moulding around the entire perimeter edge of the shelf panel; and one or more attachment clips (1008,1008E,1008F) moulded in one piece with the rim and adapted to be removably coupled with a frame (1010) and/or bracket (1012,1014) for supporting the panel. A refrigerator shelf assembly according to claim 1 additionally comprising such a support frame (1010) for supporting the shelf panel. A shelf assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein: the or each attachment clip (1008) has a first flange (1054), a web (1052) connected with the first flange at a first edge, the web extending generally perpendicularly away from the first flange to a second edge, and a second flange (1056) extending away from the web at a second edge, the second flange being generally parallel to the first flange; the first flange, web, and second flange defining an open-sided channel (1050); and so that a portion of the frame (1010) can be removably received in the channel. A shelf assembly according to claim 3 wherein at least one of the first and second flanges (1054,1056) has a retainer (1064) and the retainer resists removal of the frame (1010) from the channel (1050). A shelf assembly according to claim 4 wherein the retainer (1064) is a separate member which releasably engages at least one of the flanges (1054,1056) and blocks at least a portion of the open side of the channel (1050). A shelf assembly according to any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the channel (1050) has a seat (1058) adjacent the web (1052) and has a throat (1060) extending from the seat to define the open side, the throat being smaller than the seat so that the frame (1010) can be forced through the throat to snap into the seat and so be retained in the seat. A shelf assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the perimeter rim (1006) comprises a front rim region (1044) and an opposing back rim region (1046) and at least one of the clips (1008) is located at the front rim region and/or back rim region. A refrigerator shelf assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the or each attachment clip (1008) is a snap-fit with said frame (1010) and/or bracket (1012,1014). A refrigerator shelf assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the or each clip (1008) is adapted to allow the shelf panel (1002) to slide along the frame (1010) and/or bracket (1012,1014). A refrigerator shelf assembly according to any preceding claim including at least one slide (828,1094,1096) for receiving and supporting a separate member in sliding engagement under the panel. A refrigerator shelf assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the perimeter rim (1006) projects above the top surface of the shelf panel (1002) to define a spill dam so that liquid disposed upon the top surface is contained by the perimeter rim. A refrigerator shelf assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the perimeter rim (1006) includes a left side (1040) and an opposing right side (1042); at least one of the attachment clips (1008) being located at the left side, and at least a second of the attachment clips being located at the right side. A refrigerator provided with a shelf assembly according to any preceding claim. A refrigerator shelf assembly as claimed in claim 1 including a pair of such attachment clips (1008).

Inventors: GILBERT DONALD CHARLES, HERRMANN ROBERT SCOTT, KANE EDMUND JOHN, GILBERT, DONALD CHARLES, HERRMANN, ROBERT SCOTT, KANE, EDMUND JOHN
Applicants: GEMTRON CORP, GEMTRON CORPORATION
Application year: 1993
Main classification: F25D25
IPC codes: F25D25