EP1278035A2 - Composite shelf for refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances - Google Patents

Composite shelf for refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1278035A2
EP1278035A2 EP02011510A EP02011510A EP1278035A2 EP 1278035 A2 EP1278035 A2 EP 1278035A2 EP 02011510 A EP02011510 A EP 02011510A EP 02011510 A EP02011510 A EP 02011510A EP 1278035 A2 EP1278035 A2 EP 1278035A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
component
shelf
support surface
refrigerators
guide grooves
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02011510A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1278035B1 (en
EP1278035A3 (en
Inventor
Rosanna Martinoia
Enrico Brambilla
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool Corp
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whirlpool Corp filed Critical Whirlpool Corp
Publication of EP1278035A2 publication Critical patent/EP1278035A2/en
Publication of EP1278035A3 publication Critical patent/EP1278035A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1278035B1 publication Critical patent/EP1278035B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D25/00Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
    • F25D25/02Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B96/00Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
    • A47B96/02Shelves
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2325/00Charging, supporting or discharging the articles to be cooled, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2325/021Shelves with several possible configurations
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2325/00Charging, supporting or discharging the articles to be cooled, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2325/022Shelves made of glass or ceramic

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shelf for domestic refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators and the like.
  • the shelves of refrigerators and the like which can be constructed of the most varied materials, form simple resting surfaces for the foods to be refrigerated.
  • Foods such as cakes, cheeses, delicatessen products or sliced meat, which have a small height but a relatively considerable extension in the other two directions (depth and width) have often to be placed on these selves.
  • the food product concerned may hence occupy a considerable part and in certain cases the whole of the resting surface of the shelf, the shelf hence being badly used as such food products have necessarily to receive, placed thereon, other food products having a weight and/or shape which could negatively influence the appearance and use of the underlying food product, which could appropriately be defined as "flat".
  • the main object of the present invention is to provide a composite transformable shelf which is not only able to support "flat" food products but is also able to adequately protect them.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite transformable shelf which enables the "flat" food product positioned in one of its component parts to be seen.
  • flat refers to and comprises food products which have a relatively small height.
  • the composite shelf of the invention comprises a first component 1 and a second component 2.
  • the second component is carried by the first component, and can be moved relative to said first component, below which it is positioned.
  • the first component 1 comprises a panel 3 formed from a transparent rectangular sheet, for example of plastic material or glass, surrounded by a plastic frame 4 which is raised at its rear, at 5, and presents two downwardly directed lateral walls 6 of suitable height on each of its sides.
  • the lateral walls 6 present front and rear guide grooves 7a, 7b into which front and rear pins or projections 8a, 8b projecting from two corresponding sides of the lower component 2 guidedly extend.
  • the lower component is substantially flat and can be constructed either of metal, for example painted and stamped sheet metal or chromium plated rod, or of plastic (for example ABS).
  • the second component 2 is suitably bent frontally, at 2a, to offer a grip for the fingers of the hand by which the user can move the second component.
  • the shape of the guide grooves 7a, 7b is such (see Figures 2 and 3) that the second component 2 can be moved from its non-utilization position (Figure 3), in which it is close to or nearly touching the first component 1, to its utilization position ( Figure 2), in which it is spaced from the first component 1 to form a resting surface for "flat" food products and, together with the first component, a compartment 9 for containing and protecting these food products, which are visible through the transparent sheet 3 of the overlying first component 1.
  • the second component 2 can be returned from its utilization position ( Figure 2) to its non-utilization position (Figure 3).
  • the first component 1 presents, for example laterally, suitable known projections for its support by formations, such as ribs or recesses present on the sides of the preservation compartment of a refrigerator, the formations being arranged to prevent any undesirable movement of the composite shelf of the invention; b) that the guide grooves, especially the rear groove 7b, can present a lateral seat or concavity 10 in which the rear pin 8b of the second component becomes located to prevent undesired movements of the second component 2 when in its non-utilization position ( Figure 3); c) that the front guide groove is closed lowerly to form a support for the front pin 8a of the second component 2, in order to prevent its involuntary escape; d) that the fitting of the second component 2 into the first 1 is enabled by the intrinsic flexibility of the lateral walls 6; e) that the guide grooves 7a, 7b can be connected together at their upper side, in which case the radius between such a connection and the descending side of the rear guide groove 7b is such that

Abstract

A shelf for refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances comprising a substantially flat first component (1) providing a first support surface, and a substantially flat second component (2) supported by the first component below the relative support surface and movable relative to said first component (1) along an obligatory path between a non-utilization position close to the first component (1) and a utilization position spaced from said first component to form a second support surface and a containing compartment (Figure 2).

Description

  • The present invention relates to a shelf for domestic refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators and the like.
  • The shelves of refrigerators and the like, which can be constructed of the most varied materials, form simple resting surfaces for the foods to be refrigerated. Foods, such as cakes, cheeses, delicatessen products or sliced meat, which have a small height but a relatively considerable extension in the other two directions (depth and width) have often to be placed on these selves. The food product concerned may hence occupy a considerable part and in certain cases the whole of the resting surface of the shelf, the shelf hence being badly used as such food products have necessarily to receive, placed thereon, other food products having a weight and/or shape which could negatively influence the appearance and use of the underlying food product, which could appropriately be defined as "flat".
  • The main object of the present invention is to provide a composite transformable shelf which is not only able to support "flat" food products but is also able to adequately protect them.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite transformable shelf which enables the "flat" food product positioned in one of its component parts to be seen.
  • These and further objects which will be more apparent from the ensuing detailed description are attained by a shelf in accordance with the teachings of the accompanying claims.
  • The invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description provided by way of example and given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the composite shelf of the invention seen from its front side;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal section through the composite shelf of Figure 1 in its position for using "flat" food products; and
  • Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal section similar to Figure 2 showing the composite shelf in its position when "flat" food products are not in use.
  • It should firstly be noted that the term "flat" refers to and comprises food products which have a relatively small height.
  • The composite shelf of the invention comprises a first component 1 and a second component 2. The second component is carried by the first component, and can be moved relative to said first component, below which it is positioned. Specifically, the first component 1 comprises a panel 3 formed from a transparent rectangular sheet, for example of plastic material or glass, surrounded by a plastic frame 4 which is raised at its rear, at 5, and presents two downwardly directed lateral walls 6 of suitable height on each of its sides.
  • In their mutually facing sides, the lateral walls 6 present front and rear guide grooves 7a, 7b into which front and rear pins or projections 8a, 8b projecting from two corresponding sides of the lower component 2 guidedly extend. The lower component is substantially flat and can be constructed either of metal, for example painted and stamped sheet metal or chromium plated rod, or of plastic (for example ABS).
  • To facilitate its handling, the second component 2 is suitably bent frontally, at 2a, to offer a grip for the fingers of the hand by which the user can move the second component.
  • The shape of the guide grooves 7a, 7b is such (see Figures 2 and 3) that the second component 2 can be moved from its non-utilization position (Figure 3), in which it is close to or nearly touching the first component 1, to its utilization position (Figure 2), in which it is spaced from the first component 1 to form a resting surface for "flat" food products and, together with the first component, a compartment 9 for containing and protecting these food products, which are visible through the transparent sheet 3 of the overlying first component 1. By a reverse movement the second component 2 can be returned from its utilization position (Figure 2) to its non-utilization position (Figure 3).
  • For completion, it should be noted: a) that the first component 1 presents, for example laterally, suitable known projections for its support by formations, such as ribs or recesses present on the sides of the preservation compartment of a refrigerator, the formations being arranged to prevent any undesirable movement of the composite shelf of the invention; b) that the guide grooves, especially the rear groove 7b, can present a lateral seat or concavity 10 in which the rear pin 8b of the second component becomes located to prevent undesired movements of the second component 2 when in its non-utilization position (Figure 3); c) that the front guide groove is closed lowerly to form a support for the front pin 8a of the second component 2, in order to prevent its involuntary escape; d) that the fitting of the second component 2 into the first 1 is enabled by the intrinsic flexibility of the lateral walls 6; e) that the guide grooves 7a, 7b can be connected together at their upper side, in which case the radius between such a connection and the descending side of the rear guide groove 7b is such that passage of the second component from its non-utilization position to its utilization position takes place with the necessary fluidity.

Claims (6)

  1. A shelf for refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances comprising a substantially flat first component (1) providing a first support surface, and a substantially flat second component (2) supported by the first component below the relative support surface and movable relative to said first component (1) along an obligatory path between a non-utilization position close to the first component (1) and a utilization position spaced from said first component to form a second support surface and a containing compartment.
  2. A shelf as claimed in claim 1, wherein the obligatory path is imposed by a guided engagement between guide grooves (7a, 7b) of the first component (1) and projecting parts (8a, 8b) of the second component.
  3. A shelf as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the first component (1) comprises downwardly extending parallel lateral walls (6), in the facing surfaces of which the guide grooves (7a, 7b) are present.
  4. A shelf as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the first component (1) comprises a sheet of transparent material (3) surrounded by a frame of plastic material, of which the lateral walls (6) form part.
  5. A shelf as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the second component (2) is of chromium plated rod, of plastic material, or of stamped and painted sheet metal.
  6. A shelf as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the guide grooves (7a, 7b) have a shape such as to enable the second component (2) to be moved towards and away from the first component (1).
EP20020011510 2001-07-18 2002-05-22 Composite shelf for refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances Expired - Lifetime EP1278035B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI20010406 2001-07-18
IT2001MI000406U ITMI20010406U1 (en) 2001-07-18 2001-07-18 COMPOSITE SHELF FOR REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS AND SIMILAR APPLIANCES

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1278035A2 true EP1278035A2 (en) 2003-01-22
EP1278035A3 EP1278035A3 (en) 2003-05-07
EP1278035B1 EP1278035B1 (en) 2008-03-19

Family

ID=11447050

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20020011510 Expired - Lifetime EP1278035B1 (en) 2001-07-18 2002-05-22 Composite shelf for refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1278035B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60225636T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2301588T3 (en)
IT (1) ITMI20010406U1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101004315B (en) * 2006-01-18 2010-06-16 海尔集团公司 Combined rack in two layers in use for refrigerator
WO2015185093A1 (en) * 2014-06-02 2015-12-10 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Wire rack for a cooling unit
US11460242B1 (en) * 2021-07-30 2022-10-04 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Under-shelf storage bin for a refrigerator appliance

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010039622A1 (en) 2010-08-20 2012-02-23 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigeration device with intermediate bottom
DE102010039618A1 (en) 2010-08-20 2012-02-23 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigeration unit with storage for refrigerated goods
DE102010039624A1 (en) 2010-08-20 2012-02-23 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigerating appliance with storage area for storing refrigerated goods
TR201917582A2 (en) 2019-11-12 2021-05-21 Arcelik As COOLING DEVICE WITH FOLDABLE SHELF
US11852400B2 (en) 2021-08-13 2023-12-26 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Refrigerator appliance with improved storage

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2109052A (en) * 1935-09-28 1938-02-22 Peerless Wire Goods Co Inc Refrigerating apparatus
US2265790A (en) * 1939-10-19 1941-12-09 Leonard A Young Refrigerator shelf
US2795117A (en) * 1956-05-02 1957-06-11 Whirlpool Seeger Corp Household refrigerators
US3162416A (en) * 1963-05-27 1964-12-22 Amarillas Lorenzo Adjustable support
US3316044A (en) * 1965-10-14 1967-04-25 Gen Electric Apparatus for adjusting vertically spaced shelves
US4528825A (en) * 1984-08-20 1985-07-16 Whirlpool Corporation Fold-down multiple position shelf for refrigerator
US5362145A (en) * 1991-03-07 1994-11-08 Donnelly Corporation Molded refrigerator shelf
EP0922416A1 (en) * 1997-12-12 1999-06-16 Whirlpool Corporation A doubling shelf, particularly for domestic appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens and the like

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2109052A (en) * 1935-09-28 1938-02-22 Peerless Wire Goods Co Inc Refrigerating apparatus
US2265790A (en) * 1939-10-19 1941-12-09 Leonard A Young Refrigerator shelf
US2795117A (en) * 1956-05-02 1957-06-11 Whirlpool Seeger Corp Household refrigerators
US3162416A (en) * 1963-05-27 1964-12-22 Amarillas Lorenzo Adjustable support
US3316044A (en) * 1965-10-14 1967-04-25 Gen Electric Apparatus for adjusting vertically spaced shelves
US4528825A (en) * 1984-08-20 1985-07-16 Whirlpool Corporation Fold-down multiple position shelf for refrigerator
US5362145A (en) * 1991-03-07 1994-11-08 Donnelly Corporation Molded refrigerator shelf
EP0922416A1 (en) * 1997-12-12 1999-06-16 Whirlpool Corporation A doubling shelf, particularly for domestic appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens and the like

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101004315B (en) * 2006-01-18 2010-06-16 海尔集团公司 Combined rack in two layers in use for refrigerator
WO2015185093A1 (en) * 2014-06-02 2015-12-10 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Wire rack for a cooling unit
US11460242B1 (en) * 2021-07-30 2022-10-04 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Under-shelf storage bin for a refrigerator appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60225636T2 (en) 2009-04-16
ES2301588T3 (en) 2008-07-01
EP1278035B1 (en) 2008-03-19
ITMI20010406U1 (en) 2003-01-18
ITMI20010406V0 (en) 2001-07-18
EP1278035A3 (en) 2003-05-07
DE60225636D1 (en) 2008-04-30

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