Patent · US Active

Universal shelf module for a refrigerator

US7731316B2 · kind B2 · utility

36Cited by
23References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 9, 2006
Grant dateJun 8, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 13, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25D25/024
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a universal shelf assembly that can be mounted in either a stationary configuration or a sliding configuration. The shelf assembly includes a shelf unit having a base portion surrounded by a peripheral frame. The peripheral frame includes front, rear and opposing side frame members that include a mounting boss and a locating tab. When mounted in the stationary configuration, the shelf unit is mounted directly to a support unit through the mounting boss and locating tab. Conversely, when mounted in the sliding configuration, the shelf unit is mounted indirectly to a support unit. Arranged between the support unit and the shelf unit are glide members. The glide members include structure that cooperates with the mounting boss and locating tab that both secure the shelf unit and enable the shelf unit to shift relative to the support unit.

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