US 5,441,338 A · Snap-on shelf

Abstract

A snap-on shelf for use in a refrigerator has a shelf panel with a perimeter edge and a perimeter rim molded about the perimeter edge. Attachment clips are molded in one piece with the perimeter rim and releasably couple with a support frame for supporting the shelf panel. In one embodiment, attachment clips may be arranged at front and back rim regions for a fixed shelf configuration. In an alternative embodiment, attachment clips may be arranged at left and right sides of the perimeter rim and slidingly engage the frame for a sliding shelf configuration. Further, the shelf panel may be a separate piece from the perimeter rim or may alternatively be molded in one piece with the perimeter rim and the attachment clips. As another option, a slide for receiving and supporting a separate member in sliding engagement under the shelf panel may be used. As a further option, the attachment clips and perimeter rim may be adapted for use with a preexisting support frame.

Claims70

Dependent claims

A refrigerator shelf assembly comprising:

a removable support frame;
a shelf panel supported by said frame, said shelf panel having a top surface to support an article set thereupon and having a perimeter edge;
a perimeter rim formed separately from said shelf panel, from a moldable material, and about said perimeter edge;
a liquid tight seal between said shelf panel and said rim, said seal resisting collection of material between said shelf panel and said rim;
and
a clip formed in one piece with said perimeter rim and removably coupled in snap fit engagement with said frame.

3 more elements

A refrigerator shelf comprising:

a frame having a first frame member extending along a first axis, between a left side of said frame and a right side of said frame, and having a second frame member extending along a second axis, between said left side of said frame and said right side of said frame, said second axis being one of spaced from or angled relative to said first axis;
a shelf panel supported by said frame, said panel having an edge incorporating a first panel edge and an opposing second panel edge;
a rim extending along a length of said edge;
a first clip formed in one piece with said rim, located at said first panel edge, and coupled with said first frame member;
a second clip formed in one piece with said rim, located at said second panel edge, and coupled with said second frame member;
each of said first clip and said second clip having a web portion and a pair of opposing flange portions defining an open-sided channel, a portion of said first frame member being removably received in said channel of said first clip and a portion of said second frame member being removably received in said channel of said second clip;
a third clip located at said first panel edge, each of said first and third clips being coupled with said first frame member;
and
a fourth clip located at said second panel edge, each of said second and fourth clips being coupled with said second frame member, each of said first and second clips being near said left side, each of said third and fourth clips being near said right side.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Snap-on shelf

Life of this patent

Snap-on shelf

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims70