Patent Publication Number: US-10314393-B2

Title: Refrigerator appliance and variable shelf assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to domestic appliances, and more particularly to a variable shelf assembly to adjust the height of a shelf in a refrigerator appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Domestic appliances, such as refrigerator appliances, generally include a cabinet that defines an internal chamber. In the case of refrigerator appliances, a chilled chamber may be defined for receipt of food articles for storage. Refrigerator appliances can also include various storage components mounted within the chilled chamber and designed to facilitate storage of food items therein. Such storage components can include racks, bins, shelves, or drawers that receive food items and assist with organizing and arranging of such food items within the chilled chamber. 
     Some existing refrigerator appliances include one or more shelves for holding or supporting food items within the chilled chamber. The height or position of the shelf or shelves may be changed according to the needs of a user. For instance, a shelf may be removably supported on a bracket that is permanently fixed to the refrigerator. Multiple predetermined mounting heights may be defined on the bracket by slots that receive the shelf. In order to change the height of the shelf, the shelf must be removed from the bracket. Generally, this requires a user to pivot and/or lift the shelf relative to the bracket. Moreover, the shelf must be at least partially removed from the chilled chamber. 
     The steps required for adjusting the height of such existing systems can be undesirably complicated. For instance, any food items held or supported by the shelf must generally be removed before the shelf may be adjusted. If the food items are not first removed, a user risks spilling or dropping the items while the shelf is unsupported by the bracket. Even if all the food items are removed, properly aligning the shelf to the bracket may be difficult for some users. Furthermore, the shelf will have only a limited number of predetermined heights, as determined by the bracket. This, in turn, limits a user&#39;s options for configuring the shelf height, as well as the overall useable space within the chilled chamber. 
     Accordingly, an appliance with features for easily and reliably adjusting a shelf height within the appliance would be useful. In particular, a refrigerator appliance with features for easily varying the height of a shelf while mounted within a refrigerator appliance would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a liner positioned within the cabinet defining a refrigerated chamber, and a variable shelf assembly mounted within the refrigerated chamber. The variable shelf assembly may include a stationary support screw extending along a movement axis, a mated screw, a shelving bracket, and a bi-directional ratchet gear. The mated screw may include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface may be rototranslatably mounted on the stationary support screw to rotate about the movement axis during translation therealong. The mated screw may be coaxial with the stationary support screw. The shelving bracket may be coupled to the mated screw. The shelving bracket may be rotationally fixed to translate along the movement axis. The bi-directional ratchet gear may be operably coupled to the mated screw to motivate rototranslation of the mated screw. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a variable shelf assembly is provided. The variable shelf assembly may include a stationary support screw extending along a movement axis, a mated screw, a shelving bracket, and a bi-directional ratchet gear. The mated screw may include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface may be rototranslatably mounted on the stationary support screw to rotate about the movement axis during translation therealong. The mated screw may be coaxial with the stationary support screw. The shelving bracket may be coupled to the mated screw. The shelving bracket may be rotationally fixed to translate along the movement axis. The bi-directional ratchet gear may be operably coupled to the mated screw to motivate rototranslation of the mated screw. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the example refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1 , wherein refrigerator doors of the refrigerator appliance are in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber of the refrigerator appliance. 
         FIG. 3  provides a front view of a portion of the fresh food chamber of the example refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1 , including a variable shelf assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  provides a top perspective view of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  provides a bottom perspective view of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  provides a rear perspective view of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 , wherein a liner wall has been removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of a mounting plate of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 , including a drive assembly in a neutral position. 
         FIG. 9  is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 , including a drive assembly in a first gear position. 
         FIG. 10  is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 , including a drive assembly in a second gear position. 
         FIG. 11  is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 , wherein a lever of the drive assembly has been removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 12  is a magnified plan view of a portion of the example drive assembly of  FIG. 11 , wherein the drive assembly is in the neutral position of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13  is a magnified plan view of a portion of the example drive assembly of  FIG. 11 , wherein the drive assembly is in the first gear position of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 14  is a magnified plan view of a portion of the example drive assembly of  FIG. 11 , wherein the drive assembly is in the second gear position of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a mated screw of the example variable shelf assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the example mated screw of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Generally, the present disclosure provides an appliance that has a variable shelf assembly. When assembled, the variable shelf assembly may be raised or lowered without being removed from the appliance. The variable shelf assembly may include a stationary support screw on which a mated screw may rotate. As the mated screw is rotated, the mated screw may raise or lower along the stationary support screw. A shelving bracket may be attached to the mated screw. As the mated screw moves vertically, the shelving bracket may move simultaneously. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ,  FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance  100  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance  100  having multiple refrigerator doors  128  in the open position. As shown, refrigerator appliance  100  includes a cabinet or cabinet  120  that extends between a top  101  and a bottom  102  along a vertical direction V. Cabinet  120  also extends along a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T, each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T being mutually perpendicular to one another. In turn, vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T defines an orthogonal direction system. 
     Cabinet  120  includes a liner  121  that defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, liner  121  defines a fresh food chamber  122  positioned at or adjacent top  101  of cabinet  120  and a freezer chamber  124  arranged at or adjacent bottom  102  of cabinet  120 . As such, refrigerator appliance  100  is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a range appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration. 
     Refrigerator doors  128  are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet  120  for selectively accessing fresh food chamber  122 . In addition, a freezer door  130  is arranged below refrigerator doors  128  for selectively accessing freezer chamber  124 . Freezer door  130  is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber  124 . Refrigerator doors  128  and freezer door  130  are shown in the closed configuration in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance  100  also includes a dispensing assembly  140  for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Dispensing assembly  140  includes a dispenser  142  positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance  100 , e.g., on one of refrigerator doors  128 . Dispenser  142  includes a discharging outlet  144  for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism  146 , shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet  144  for operating dispenser  142 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser  142 . For example, dispenser  142  can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. A control panel  148  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel  148  includes a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. 
     Discharging outlet  144  and actuating mechanism  146  are an external part of dispenser  142  and are mounted in a dispenser recess  150 . Dispenser recess  150  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to open refrigerator doors  128 . 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber  122  to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include storage bins  166 , drawers  168 , and shelves  170  that are mounted within fresh food chamber  122 . Storage bins  166 , drawers  168 , and shelves  170  are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers  168  can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 through 6 , a variable shelf assembly  200  is illustrated within fresh food chamber  122 . Variable shelf assembly  200  is mounted to a portion of liner  121 , e.g., at a back wall of liner  121 . It is understood that variable shelf assembly  200  may include, or be provided as, one or more of shelves  170  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As shown, variable shelf assembly  200  includes a drive assembly  202  and a support assembly  204 . Drive assembly  202  defines a movement axis A (e.g., at a stationary support screw  228 ) along which support assembly  204  may move. Specifically, drive assembly  202  may motivate or at least partially control movement of support assembly  204  along movement axis A, e.g., relative to liner  121 . As will be described in detail below, drive assembly  202  may alternately translate support assembly  204  in an upward direction U and a downward direction N along movement axis A. Generally, upward direction U may extend above support assembly  204  while downward direction N extends below support assembly  204 . When assembled, movement axis A may be parallel to the vertical direction V. Thus, drive assembly  202  may adjust the height of support assembly  204  within fresh food chamber  122 . 
     In some embodiments, support assembly  204  includes a shelving bracket  206  attached to drive assembly  202 . Shelving bracket  206  may include a brace  208  that extends, e.g., perpendicular to movement axis A. When assembled, brace  208  may generally extend in the lateral direction L between two end portions  210 . One or more struts  212  may extend from brace  208 , e.g., away from liner  121  and/or toward the cabinet opening selectively covered by doors  128  (see  FIG. 2 ). As an example, a strut  212  may extend from brace  208  in the transverse direction T. In some such embodiments, a discrete strut  212  extends in the transverse direction T from each end portion  210  of brace  208 . 
     In example embodiments, support assembly  204  includes a shelf or storage surface  214  attached to shelving bracket  206 . When assembled, storage surface  214  is generally supported by shelving bracket  206 . For instance, storage surface  214  may rest on top of shelving bracket  206  to move therewith, e.g., relative to movement axis A. Optionally, storage surface  214  may be fixed to shelving bracket  206  via one or more suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or other attachment members. In example embodiments, storage surface  214  is a planar surface that extends orthogonal to movement axis A. In turn, storage surface  214  may include a flat plate formed from a suitable rigid material, such as tempered glass, plastic, or metal. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 , a mounting plate  216  is provided in some embodiments. Mounting plate  216  may be removably or selectively attached to cabinet  120 , e.g., at liner  121 . For instance, a retainer bar  218 , e.g., a pair of retainer bars  218 , may be fixed to liner  121 . Retainer bar  218  may define one or more predetermined height indexes  220  to which mounting plate  216  mount. In some such embodiments, mounting plate  216  includes one or more index mounts  222 , which selectively secure mounting plate  216  to a predetermined height index  220 . As an example, predetermined height index  220  may be a receiving slot while index mount  222  is an n-shaped hook that may be selectively supported within the receiving slot. It is noted that although the height index-index mount pairs are shown, suitable alternative configurations may be provided within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., wherein each height index  220  is a u-shaped hook and index mount  222  is a receiving slot). 
     Optionally, a plurality of height indexes  220  may be defined along retainer bar  218  such that an index mount  222  may be received at multiple discrete heights. In other words, mounting plate  216  may selectively attach higher or lower along a retainer bar  218 , according to a user&#39;s desire. Moreover, multiple index mounts  222  may be provided. For instance, two or more index mounts  222  may be laterally spaced (i.e., spaced in the lateral direction L) on mounting plate  216  and correspond to two or more similarly spaced retainer bars  218 . 
     In example embodiments, mounting plate  216  is generally configured to hold or restrain at least a portion of drive assembly  202 . Optionally, mounting plate  216  may include a pair of vertically-spaced tabs  224 ,  226 . An upper tab  224  may extend from mounting plate  216  at a top portion of mounting plate  216 , e.g., in the transverse direction T away from liner  121 . A lower tab  226  may extend from mounting plate  216  at a bottom portion of mounting plate  216 , e.g., in the transverse direction T away from liner  121 . As shown, upper tab  224  and lower tab  226  may be vertically aligned, e.g., such that tabs  224 ,  226  are in direct parallel alignment relative to the vertical direction V. Optionally, stationary support screw  228  may be mounted therebetween such that upper tab  224  and lower tab  226  are disposed at opposite ends along movement axis A. 
     Still referring now to  FIGS. 3 through 6 , drive assembly  202  includes a stationary support screw  228  that defines and/or extends along movement axis A. When assembled, stationary support screw  228  may be fixed relative to mounting plate  216 , e.g., between upper tab  224  and lower tab  226 . In turn, stationary support screw  228  may be prevented from moving (e.g., rotating and/or translating) with respect to mounting plate  216 . Thus, stationary support screw  228  is generally fixed relative to liner  121  when mounted within fresh food chamber  122 . As shown, stationary support screw  228  is provided as a generally cylindrical member. One or more threads  230  may extend about stationary support screw  228  along a helical path around movement axis A. 
     A sheath  232  is movably attached to stationary support screw  228 . Specifically, sheath  232  is disposed about stationary support screw  228  to translate along movement axis A. In some embodiments, sheath  232  includes one or more attachment wings  234  that extend in a radially from movement axis A. Optionally, a pair of attachment wings  234  extends in the lateral direction L relative to movement axis A. At least a portion of support assembly  204  may be attached to sheath  232 . In example embodiments, brace  208  of shelving bracket  206  is fixed (e.g., rotationally fixed) to sheath  232  at the pair of attachment wings  234 . As sheath  232  is translated along movement axis A and stationary support screw  228 , shelving bracket  206  is similarly translated (i.e., in non-rotating longitudinal translation). One or more suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or other attachment members may secure shelving bracket  206  to attachment wings  234 . 
     As shown, a handle  236  generally extends away from movement axis A. In some embodiments, handle  236  includes a shaft  238  that extends along the transverse direction T between a first end  240  proximate to stationary support screw  228  and a second end  242  distal to stationary support screw  228 . For instance, handle  236 , including shaft  238 , may extend along the transverse direction T below storage surface  214 . Moreover, second end  242  may extend to a front portion of planar surface  214 , e.g., an easily-accessible front portion of support assembly  204 . Optionally, handle  236  may rotate about shaft  238 , e.g., about a handle rotation axis H defined by shaft  238 . Sheath  232  may receive a pivot prong  286  of handle  236  at the first end  240 , e.g., to guide rotation of handle  236 . A rotational knob  244  may be fixed to the shaft  238  at the second end  242 . Rotation of knob  244 , e.g., by a user or separate motor (not pictured), at the second end  242  may thus rotate shaft  238  at the first end  240 . For example, rotational knob  244  may be selectively rotated in a first handle direction  246  and an opposite second handle direction  248 , as described below. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 through 16 , generally, drive assembly  202  includes a mated screw  250  that is mounted on the stationary support screw  228 . When assembled, mated screw  250  is disposed about movement axis A, coaxial with stationary support screw  228 . For instance, mated screw  250  may be rotatably mounted within sheath  232 . 
     As shown, mated screw  250  includes an interior surface  252  and an exterior surface  254 . Interior surface  252  is generally directed towards movement axis A (e.g., radially inward relative to movement axis A) while exterior surface  254  is directed away from movement axis A (e.g., radially outward relative to movement axis A). 
     In some embodiments, mated screw  250  is rototranslatably mounted on the stationary support screw  228 . Mated screw  250  may thus move along a generally helical path. In other words, mated screw  250  may rotate about movement axis A and stationary support screw  228  during or in conjunction with a longitudinal translation along movement axis A. 
     As shown, mated screw  250  is shaped to compliment stationary support screw  228 . Specifically, interior surface  252  includes one or more grooves  256  that correspond in size and shape to the thread(s)  230  of stationary support screw  228 . During use, interior surface  252  engages (e.g., directly contacts) a portion of an outer (e.g., radially outermost) surface of stationary support shaft  238 . In turn, rotation of mated screw  250  about stationary support screw  228  will serve to translate mated screw  250  along stationary support screw  228  (i.e., longitudinally along movement axis A). 
     In some embodiments, mated screw  250  is rotatably mounted within sheath  232 . Thus, sheath  232  may permit mated screw  250  to freely rotate therein, e.g., about movement axis A. Additionally, mated screw may be longitudinally fixed relative to sheath  232 . Longitudinal translation of pivot lever mated screw  250  may thus be transferred directly to and mirrored by sheath  232 , e.g., along movement axis A. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 through 16 , a plurality of gear teeth  258  are defined (e.g., in parallel to each other) along a portion of exterior surface  254  of mated screw  250 . For example, gear teeth  258  may be defined on a circumferential band along exterior surface  254 . In other words, discrete gear teeth  258  may be positioned at separate points along a circumferential path C defined about movement axis A. When assembled, gear teeth  258  may be disposed below at least a portion of support assembly  204 , e.g., brace  208 . As will be described below, gear teeth  258  may be engaged to motivate rotation of mated screw  250 . During rotation of mated screw  250 , engagement with stationary support screw  228  may motivate translation of mated screw  250 . 
     A bi-directional ratchet gear  260  is included with some embodiments of drive assembly  202 . Generally, bi-directional ratchet gear  260  is operably coupled to mated screw  250 . In the example embodiments of  FIGS. 8 through 13 , bi-directional ratchet gear  260  is supported on sheath  232  proximate to mated screw  250 . Additionally or alternatively, bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may have a semi-circular or elliptical cross-section profile, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to movement axis A. As shown, the semi-circular or elliptical cross-section profile includes plurality of ratchet teeth  262 . Specifically, one or more (e.g., two) ratchet teeth  262  may be included on each of two opposing lobes  264 ,  266 . Moreover, a gap  268  may be defined along the outer surface of bi-directional ratchet gear  260  between opposing lobes  264 ,  266 . 
     When assembled, ratchet teeth  262  generally face mated screw  250 . In some embodiments, ratchet teeth  262  are aligned with gear teeth  258  of mated screw  250  along movement axis A such that ratchet teeth  262  may selectively engage gear teeth  258 . For instance, ratchet teeth  262  and gear teeth  258  may be positioned below brace  208 . Bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may define a pivot axis P, e.g., parallel to movement axis A, about which bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may rotate in selective engagement with gear teeth  258  of mated screw  250 . 
     Turning specifically to  FIGS. 11 through 13 , ratchet teeth  262  of bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may selectively engage mated screw  250 , e.g., to motivate rototranslation of mated screw  250 . In some such embodiments, bi-directional ratchet gear  260  is pivotable between a first position ( FIG. 13 ) and a second position ( FIG. 14 ). A neutral third position ( FIG. 12 ) may additionally be provided between the first and second positions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , in the first position, ratchet teeth  262  formed on first lobe  264  engage a portion of the plurality of gear teeth  258  of mated screw  250 . Engagement in the first position may serve to rotate mated screw  250  in a first direction  270 , e.g., counter-clockwise about movement axis A. As described above, rotation of mated screw  250  in first direction  270  may cause mated screw  250  to translate along movement axis A, e.g., in the upward direction U. Moreover, upward translation of mated screw  250  will cause simultaneous upward translation of sheath  232  and/or support assembly  204 . By contrast, and as shown in  FIG. 14 , in the second position, ratchet teeth  262  at a second lobe  266  engage a portion of the plurality of gear teeth  258  of mated screw  250 . Engagement in the second position may serve to rotate mated screw  250  in second direction  272 , e.g., clockwise about movement axis A. As described above, rotation of mated screw  250  in a second direction  272  may cause mated screw  250  to translate along movement axis A, e.g., in the downward direction N. Moreover, downward translation of mated screw  250  will cause simultaneous downward translation of sheath  232  and/or support assembly  204 . Advantageously, the position (e.g., vertical position or height) of support assembly  204  may be varied within fresh food chamber  122  without requiring removal or disassembly of any portion of refrigerator appliance  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a neutral position of bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may be provided, e.g., between the first and second positions. In the neutral position, neither lobe  264  or  266  engages mated screw  250 . For instance, bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may be positioned such that gap  268  is proximate to or directly faces mated screw  250  and/or movement axis A. Opposing lobes  264 ,  266  may be held out of engagement or contact with gear teeth  258 . During use, bi-directional ratchet gear  260  may be repeatedly rotated (i.e., ratcheted) between one of the first position or the second position and the neutral position. Thus, bi-directional may selectively advance the mated screw  250  in either the first direction  270  or the second direction  272  (and thereby upward or downward), as desired. Advantageously, mated screw  250  may be advanced through an incomplete or relatively small range of motion. 
     Returning now to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , a pivot lever  274  is included in some embodiments of drive assembly  202 . For example, pivot lever  274  may be attached to sheath  232 , e.g., at and/or about pivot axis P. In example embodiments, pivot lever  274  includes opposing first and second faces  276 ,  278 . As shown, opposing first and second faces  276 ,  278  may be defined on an outer surface of pivot lever  274 , e.g., as parallel to pivot axis P. From pivot axis P, pivot lever  274 , including opposing first and second faces  276 ,  278 , may extend in a direction away from mated screw  250 , e.g., radially outward from mated screw  250 . Specifically, pivot lever  274  may extend from a position above brace  208  and perpendicular to movement axis A. 
     During use, pivot lever  274  may direct or control movement of bi-directional ratchet gear  260 . In some such embodiments, pivot lever  274  is fixed to bi-directional ratchet gear  260 . Rotational movement of pivot lever  274 , e.g., by a user or separate motor (not pictured), may thus be transferred directly to and mirrored by bi-directional ratchet gear  260 . In turn, pivot lever  274  may pivot the bi-directional ratchet gear  260  between the first gear position ( FIG. 9  and  FIG. 13 ), the second gear position ( FIG. 10  and  FIG. 14 ), and the neutral position ( FIG. 8  and  FIG. 12 ). Optionally, a coupling prong may extend through brace  208  between bi-directional ratchet gear  260  and pivot lever  274  (e.g., along the pivot axis P) to fix bi-directional ratchet gear  260  to pivot lever  274 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , example embodiments include handle  236  operably coupled to bi-directional ratchet gear  260 , e.g., at the first end  240 . For instance, in optional embodiments, handle  236  includes an articulating fork  280  to selectively direct or move the bi-directional ratchet gear  260 . In some embodiments, articulating fork  280  includes a first prong  282  and a second prong  284  positioned above shelving bracket  206 . A third (e.g., pivot) prong  286  may be rotatably mounted (e.g., to sheath  232 ) and define handle rotation axis H. Handle rotation axis H may be defined perpendicular to movement axis A. Optionally, third prong  286  may be coaxial with shaft  238 . Additionally or alternatively, third prong  286  may be positioned below shelving bracket  206 . During use, shelving bracket  206  may constrain or restrict rotation of first and second prongs  282 ,  284 , e.g., such that articulating fork  280  may be prevented from full 360° rotation about handle rotation axis H. 
     In some embodiments, first and second prongs  282 ,  284  may be positioned at opposite sides of pivot lever  274 . For instance, first prong  282  may be proximate first face  276  of pivot lever  274  while second prong  284  is proximate second face  276 ,  278  of pivot lever  274 . During use, handle  236  may rotate to engage pivot lever  274 . Specifically, first prong  282  may selectively contact first face  276  of pivot lever  274 , and second prong  284  may selectively contact second face  276 ,  278  of pivot lever  274 . As example, when pivot lever  274  is in the second position, handle  236  may be rotated about handle rotation axis H, bringing first prong  282  into engagement or contact with first face  276  of pivot lever  274 . Upon first prong  282  engaging or contacting first face  276  of pivot lever  274 , pivot lever  274  may be motivated about pivot axis P. Handle  236  may continue to rotate about handle rotation axis H until pivot lever  274  is brought to the neutral position and/or first position. From the first position or the neutral position, handle  236  movement may be reversed (i.e., rotated in the opposite direction about handle rotation axis H), and second prong  284  may motivate pivot lever  274  to the neutral position and/or second position, as desired. 
     As described above, rotation of pivot lever  274  may cause rotation of bi-directional ratchet gear  260 , and thus, longitudinal translation of mated gear  250  and shelving bracket  206  along movement axis A. Moreover, as further described above, rotational knob  244  may control the rotational position or movement of handle  236 . For instance, rotation knob  244  and be rotatable in a first handle direction  246  and a second handle direction  248 . Thus, in some embodiments, rotation of rotational knob  244  in the first handle direction  246  initiates sliding translation of shelving bracket  206  in one of the upward direction U or the downward direction N. Rotation of the rotational knob  244  in the second handle direction  248  initiates translation of shelving bracket  206  in the other of the upward direction U or the downward direction N. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.