Patent · US Expired

Lighted shelf assembly for a refrigerator

US7338180B2 · kind B2 · utility

39Cited by
14References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 21, 2005
Grant dateMar 4, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 24, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01R13/701
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a vertically and/or laterally adjustable lighted shelf assembly. The shelf assembly is supported by a shelf support rail arranged in the refrigerator. First and second contact strips are mounted to the shelf support rail and electrically connected to a voltage source in the refrigerator. The shelf assembly includes a mounting member for attaching the shelf to the shelf support rail. The mounting member includes a first terminal strip and a second terminal strip. With this arrangement, when the shelf member is supported by the shelf support rail, the first and second terminal strips automatically engage with the first and second contact strips to complete an electrical circuit for powering the light unit. The electrical connection remains intact upon laterally shifting the shelf assembly on the shelf support rail.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.