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Refrigerator shelving assembly

a technology for refrigerators and shelving, applied in the field of refrigerators, can solve problems such as placing limits on product developmen

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-11-02
MAYTAG
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a shelving assembly for a refrigerator that includes a thin plastic liner with laterally spaced openings and a rigid insulation material between the liner and the outer shell. The shelving assembly includes a front frame and a rear frame that form an overall support frame with interconnected side frame members. The rear portion of the support frame is supported by protrusions that pierce the rear liner wall and rest upon recessed cavities in the insulation material. The front portion of the support frame is supported through support elements that engage corresponding ones of the side frame members. The technical effects of the invention include improved structural support for the plastic liner and efficient use of space within the refrigerator."

Problems solved by technology

In any case, the manufacturer is faced with design constraints that place limits upon product development.

Method used

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  • Refrigerator shelving assembly
  • Refrigerator shelving assembly
  • Refrigerator shelving assembly

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0018] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, a refrigerator 2 is shown to include an outer shell or cabinet 4 having arranged therein a thin plastic liner 6. As shown, liner 6 includes top, bottom, rear and opposing side walls 8-12 that collectively define a fresh food compartment 14. In the embodiment shown, refrigerator 2 includes a first door 17 and a second door 18 that are used to selectively seal fresh food compartment 14. Actually, first and second doors 17 and 18 establish French-style doors for fresh food compartment 14. First and second doors 17 and 18 include corresponding inner liners 21 and 22, each being adapted to support various storage bins or shelves (not shown). In a manner known in the art, first and second doors 17 and 18 are provided with handles 27 and 28. Refrigerator 2 also includes a third door 34 having a handle 36 that provides access to a freezer compartment 40.

[0019] As represented in FIG. 3, refrigerator 2 includes an insulation material 44 that fills ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a liner and a shelving assembly having a support frame defined by connected front, rear and side frame members. Each of the side frame members is interconnected with the front and rear frame members such that the first and second opposing pairs of frame members combine to form an overall support frame. A front portion of the support frame clips onto mounting elements projecting from side walls of the liner, while a rear portion of the support frame is supported through first and second protrusions that extend substantially perpendicularly from one of the second pair of opposing frame members and the rear frame member. The protrusions extend through openings in the liner and into recessed cavities formed in rigid insulation material provided between the liner and the cabinet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention pertains to the art of refrigerators and, more particularly, a refrigerator shelving assembly that is supported, at least in part, by rigid insulation material provided between an outer shell and inner liner of the refrigerator. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art [0004] Refrigerator manufacturers make available various refrigerator models which range from basic to high end models. The different models vary in numerous aspects, such as size, components utilized, features and, accordingly, price. In order to reduce manufacturing costs, it is desirable to produce some parts that are common to all or at least a few of the various refrigerator models. The parts are typically accessorized to distinguish between the various models. [0005] At present, most refrigerator cabinets are constructed by fixing a thin plastic liner in an outer shell. The liner typically includes specific molded features tha...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A47B96/04
CPCF25D25/021F25D23/067
Inventor MARTIN, DEAN ALANSVENBY, BRENT CHRISTIAN
Owner MAYTAG