Encapsulated shelf for refrigerated compartments

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges;
• a shelf support supporting said panel;
• a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;
• said shelf support including a bracket positioned along one edge of said panel and coupled with said one edge of said panel by said one piece member, and wherein said shelf assembly includes a panel stiffening member located at a second edge of said panel.

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having a perimeter edge surrounding said panel and including two opposing panel edges;
• a shelf support supporting said panel said shelf support including top, bottom and opposing side surfaces;
• a one piece member encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;
• said one piece member including a layer of moldable material engaging a major portion of said top, bottom and side surfaces of said shelf support and encapsulating said perimeter edge including each of said two opposing panel edges to define a perimeter rim surrounding said panel.

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges:
• a shelf support supporting said panel;
• a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support:
• said panel having a perimeter edge incorporating said two opposing panel edges and surrounding said panel, and wherein said one piece member encapsulates said perimeter edge and defines a perimeter rim surrounding said panel;
• said shelf support including a third bracket, said third bracket being positioned between said two brackets, said third bracket being coupled with said perimeter edge of said panel by said one piece member.

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges;
• a shelf support supporting said panel;
• a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;
• said panel having a perimeter edge incorporating said two opposing panel edges and surrounding said panel, and wherein said one piece member encapsulates said perimeter edge and defines a perimeter rim surrounding said panel;
• said shelf support having at least one hole through said shelf support, and wherein said one piece member extends into said hole to mechanically fasten said shelf support and said one piece member together.

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges;
• a shelf support supporting said panel;
• a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;
• said shelf support having a support body with at least one hole through said support body, and wherein said one piece member extends into said hole to mechanically fasten said shelf support and said one piece member together.

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges;
• a shelf support supporting said panel;
• a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;
• said shelf support having at least one hole through said shelf support, and wherein said one piece member extends into said hole to mechanically fasten said shelf support and said one piece member together.

In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:

• a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges;
• a shelf support supporting said panel, said shelf support including top, bottom and opposing side surfaces;
• a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;
• said one piece member including a layer of moldable material engaging a major portion of said top, bottom and side surfaces of said shelf support and said opposing panel edges to secure said panel and shelf support together.