Shelf assembly for an appliance

Abstract

The present invention provides a shelf assembly for an appliance, including a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A first support and a second support are positioned below the shelf support. The first support and the second support are positioned on opposite sidewalls of the cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably supported on the shelf support between a rear position and a front position. A front shelf portion is positioned adjacent to the rear shelf portion and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A plurality of rotatable arms are configured to support the front shelf portion. Each of the plurality of rotatable arms is operably coupled at a first end to one of the first support and the second support and is also operably coupled at a second end to the front shelf portion. A connecting arm interconnects the rear shelf portion and the front shelf portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a shelf assembly and, more particularly, to a shelf assembly for an appliance. Background Art

[0002] The shelf assembly within the appliance may have a rear portion configured to support cargo. The shelf assembly may have various movable sections to increase the range of use for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a shelf assembly for appliances includes a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A first support and a second support are positioned below the shelf support. The first support and the second support are positioned on opposite side walls of the cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably supported on the shelf support between a rear position and a front position. A front shelf portion is positioned adjacent to the rear shelf portion and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A plurality of rotatable arms are configured to support the front shelf portion. Each of the plurality of rotatable arms is operably coupled to one of the first support and the second support at a first end and is also operably coupled to the front shelf portion at a second end. A connecting arm interconnects the rear shelf portion and the front shelf portion.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shelf assembly for appliances includes a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably coupled to the shelf support and is movable between a forward position and a rearward position. A front shelf portion is positioned forward of the rear shelf portion and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. At least one rotatable arm is configured to support the front shelf portion. The at least one rotatable arm is operably coupled to the cabinet liner at a first end and to the front shelf portion at a second end. A connecting arm is operably coupled to the rear shelf portion at a first end and to the front shelf portion at a second end.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shelf assembly for appliances includes a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably coupled to the shelf support between a first position and a second position. A front shelf portion is positioned in front of the rear shelf portion and is movable between a first position and a second position. When the front shelf portion is in the first position, the front shelf portion is substantially coplanar with the rear shelf portion. A plurality of rotatable arms interconnect the front shelf portion and the cabinet liner. A connecting arm interconnects the rear shelf portion and one of the plurality of rotatable arms.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate these and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure by referring to the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a refrigeration appliance according to various embodiments;

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line II of the refrigeration appliance of

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a perspective top view of the shelf assembly of

[0011] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a perspective bottom view of the shelf assembly of

[0012] Figure 5A is Figure 3 an exploded perspective top view of the shelf assembly of

[0013] Figure 5B is Figure 3 an exploded perspective bottom view of the shelf assembly of

[0014] Figure 6 is according to various embodiments of Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line VI of the shelf assembly of

[0015] Figure 7A is Figure 6 a side view of the shelf assembly of

[0016] Figure 7B is Figure 7A a side view of the shelf assembly of

[0017] Figure 8 a perspective top view of a shelf assembly including a bottle rack according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective top view of a refrigeration appliance according to various embodiments, wherein the side wall of the appliance is removed to illustrate the shelf assembly in a first position;

[0019] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a perspective top view of the refrigeration appliance of

[0020] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a shelf assembly, where the shelf assembly is in a first position; and

[0021] Figure 12 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of the shelf assembly, where the shelf assembly is in a second position.

[0022] The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The presently illustrated embodiments are directed primarily to combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a shelf assembly for an appliance. Accordingly, where appropriate, apparatus components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are relevant to an understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the details that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

[0024] For purposes of the description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in Figure 1 . Unless otherwise indicated, the term “front” refers to the surface of the element closer to the intended observer, and the term “rear” refers to the surface of the element farther from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that the present invention may assume various alternative orientations, unless otherwise explicitly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the drawings and described below are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting, unless otherwise explicitly stated in the claims.

[0025] The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by “including...” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0026] Now refer to Figures 1 to 12, reference numeral 10 generally denotes a shelf assembly for an appliance 12. The shelf assembly 10 includes a shelf support 14 operatively coupled to a cabinet liner 16. A first support 18 and a second support 20 are positioned adjacent to the shelf support 14. The first support 18 and the second support 20 are positioned on opposite side walls 22, 24 of the cabinet liner 16. A rear shelf portion 26 is slidably coupled to the shelf support 14. A front shelf portion 28 is positioned in front of the rear shelf portion 26 and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A plurality of rotatable arms 30 includes rotatable arms 30A - 30D, which are configured to support the front shelf portion 28 and rotatably guide the front shelf portion 28 between a first position and a second position. Each of the rotatable arms 30A - 30D of the plurality of rotatable arms 30 is operatively coupled to one of the first support 18 and the second support 20 at a lower end 32 and is also operatively coupled to the front shelf portion 28 at an upper end 34. A connecting arm 36 is operatively coupled to the front shelf portion 28 at a front end 38 and is operatively coupled to the rear shelf portion 26 at a rear end 40.

[0027] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the appliance 12 is illustrated as having a cabinet 50, which includes a cabinet liner 16 and an outer wrapper 54. The cabinet liner 16 defines a compartment 56, which is accessible through an access opening 58. A door 60 is configured to selectively cover the access opening 58 and seal the compartment 56. The appliance 12 is illustrated as a top - loading refrigerator. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, the cabinet 50 includes any suitable configuration, which may include a single door, multiple doors, French doors, drawers, etc. Thus, the cabinet liner 16 may define any suitable configuration of the internal compartment 56 based on the configuration of the cabinet 50. It is also contemplated that, without departing from or limiting the scope of the present disclosure, in various embodiments, the cabinet 50 may be configured as a cabinet for a refrigeration appliance (such as a vacuum - insulated refrigerator).

[0028] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 9 , the cabinet liner 16 may include mounts 70a, 70b, which extend inwardly from a first side wall 22 and a second side wall 24 of the cabinet liner 16 into the compartment 56. The mounts 70a, 70b may be vertically spaced apart in any arrangement to provide a predetermined shelf configuration within the compartment 56. As Figure 9 best shown, the mounts 70a, 70b are oriented in pairs such that a first mount 70a is positioned on the first side wall 22 of the cabinet liner 16 and is aligned with a second mount 70b positioned on the second side wall 24 of the cabinet liner 16. Each of the mounts 70a, 70b may be integrally formed with the cabinet liner 16 or may be operatively coupled to the cabinet liner 16. As Figure 2 andFigure 9 As shown, the mountings 70a and 70b can include a plurality of guide rails that are vertically spaced along opposite first and second side walls 22 and 24 of the cabinet liner 16 to support the shelf assembly 10 or other similar shelf assemblies in a fixed or slidable manner.

[0029] As Figure 9 shown, the shelf support 14 includes a first side member 74 and a second side member 76 connected by a rear member 78. When the shelf support 14 is positioned within the compartment 56, the first side member 74 and the second side member 76 each rest on and are supported by one or more of the mountings 70a, 70b (see Figure 2 and Figure 9 ). In various embodiments, the first side member 74 and the second side member 76 can be coupled to the first and second side walls 22 and 24 of the cabinet liner 16. In other embodiments, the first side member 74 and the second side member 76 can be coupled to a pair of the first mounting 70a and the second mounting 70b. The shelf support 14 is positioned such that the first side member 74 is substantially aligned with the first side wall 22 of the cabinet liner 16, the second side member 76 is substantially aligned with the second side wall 24 of the cabinet liner 16, and the rear member 78 is substantially aligned with the rear wall 200 of the cabinet liner 16.

[0030] Now referring to Figures 2 to 8 , an exemplary first embodiment of the shelf assembly 10 is illustrated, which includes a first support 18 and a second support 20 extending downwardly from the first side member 74 and the second side member 76, respectively. The shelf assembly 10 is positioned within the compartment 56 and includes a shelf support 14, a front shelf portion 28, and a rear shelf portion 26. In various embodiments, the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 are each at least partially supported by the shelf support 14. In other embodiments, the rear shelf portion 26 is supported by the shelf support 14 and the front shelf portion 28 is supported by the plurality of rotatable arms 30. The front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 can be referred to herein as the first and second portions of the shelf assembly 10.

[0031] As Figure 2 and Figure 8As shown, the first side member 74 may be integrally formed with the first support 18, and the second side member 76 may be integrally formed with the second support 20. Each of the first support 18 and the second support 20 may be substantially rectangular and may extend downward from the front end of the respective side member 74, 76. In this way, the first support 18 and the second support 20 define opposite front supports of the shelf assembly 10. The first support 18 and the second support 20 may be operatively coupled to the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 of the cabinet liner 16. Alternatively, the first support 18 and the second support 20 may be supported by the shelf support 14.

[0032] Each of the first side member 74 and the second side member 76 may include an inwardly extending support rail 86. The inwardly extending support rail 86 extends from the respective side member 74, 76 away from the respective side wall 22, 24 of the cabinet liner 16. The inwardly extending support rail 86 is sized to support one or both of the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 on its upper surface. In various embodiments, the inwardly extending support rail 86 may be configured to extend from the rear member 78 to the front end of the respective side member 74, 76. In other embodiments, the inwardly extending support rail 86 may be configured to extend along a portion of the respective side member 74, 76. The inwardly extending support rail 86 may extend to the respective support 18, 20 or may extend along at least a portion of the respective support 18, 20.

[0033] As Figure 5A and Figure 5B Best shown, the first support 18 defines a first pair of receiving wells 90 having a first receiving well 90A and a second receiving well 90B. The second support 20 defines a second pair of receiving wells 92 having a first receiving well 92A and a second receiving well 92B. The first pair of receiving wells 90 may be defined near the bottom edge of the first support 18, and the second pair of receiving wells 92 may be defined near the bottom edge of the second support 20. The second pair of receiving wells 92 may be defined to mirror the size, position, and spacing of the first pair of receiving wells 90. It will be understood that the first pair of receiving wells 90 and the second pair of receiving wells 92 may be defined at any position on any part of the first support 18 and the second support 20 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown, in both the first pair of receiving wells 90 and the second pair of receiving wells 92, the first receiving wells 90A, 92A are positioned in a forward position relative to the second receiving wells 90B, 92B.

[0034] As Figures 3 to 7BAs best shown, the rear shelf portion 26 is generally rectangular and includes a front edge 100, a rear edge 102, a first side edge 104, a second side edge 106, and upper surface 26A and a lower surface 26B. The rear shelf portion 26 is slidably coupled to the shelf support 14 and is movable between a forward position and a rearward position in the direction as indicated by arrow 27( Figures 7A to 7B ). For example, the first side edge 104 and the second side edge 106 of the rear shelf portion 26 may be slidably coupled to the inwardly extending support rails 86 of the shelf support 14, or may be coupled to a sliding assembly (not shown) that is coupled to or integrally formed with the inwardly extending support rails 86 and / or the first side member 74 and the second side member 76. When the rear shelf portion 26 is in the rearward position( Figures 2 to 4 ), the rear edge 102 of the rear shelf portion 26 is aligned with and / or abuts against the rear member 78 of the shelf support 14. When the rear shelf portion 26 is in the forward position( Figure 7B ), the rear edge 102 of the rear shelf portion 26 is spaced apart from the rear member 78 of the shelf support 14.

[0035] In various embodiments, one or both of the front edge 100 and the rear edge 102 of the rear shelf portion 26 may include a raised edge 110. The raised edge 110 may have a generally triangular cross-section. The cross-section is configured such that the angled portion of the raised edge 110 is oriented away from the respective edge 100, 102. When the rear shelf portion 26 is moved between the forward position and the rearward position, one or more raised edges 110 may improve the retention of any contents supported on the rear shelf portion 26. [[ID=IO]]

[0036] It will be understood that without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the rear shelf portion 26 and / or the front shelf portion 28 may be configured as any form of support surface. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the rear shelf portion 26 may include a rotatable plate 118 positioned on the upper surface 26A of the rear shelf portion 26. The rotatable plate 118 may include bearings, tracks, or any other mechanism configured to allow the rotatable plate 118 to rotate. The rotatable plate 118 is configured to allow easier access to the goods placed on the rear shelf portion 26 by rotating the rotatable plate 118 when the rear shelf portion 26 is in the forward or rearward position. It is contemplated that without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the rotatable plate 118 may be one of a plurality of plates positioned on the rear shelf portion 26 and the front shelf portion 28, may be positioned on the front shelf portion 28, or may be positioned at any location on the shelf assembly 10 to be accessed by the user. Additionally, as Figure 8As shown, the rear shelf portion 26 of the shelf assembly 10 can be configured as a bottle rack. It is contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the front shelf portion 28 can be configured as a bottle rack, or both the rear shelf portion 26 and the front shelf portion 28 can be configured as bottle racks.

[0037] Now referring Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the connecting bracket 120 can extend downward from the lower surface 26B of the rear shelf portion 26. The connecting bracket 120 can be coupled to the rear shelf portion 26, or the connecting bracket 120 can be integrally formed with the rear shelf portion 26. As Figures 6 to 7B best shown, the connecting bracket 120 can define a rear receiving space 124. It will be understood that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the connecting bracket 120 can be one of a pair of downwardly extending connecting brackets 120 adjacent to the opposite side edges 104, 106 of the rear shelf portion 26, or can be a single connecting bracket 120 extending downward from the lower surface 26B of the rear shelf portion 26.

[0038] As Figures 3 to 7B best shown, the front shelf portion 28 is substantially rectangular and includes a front edge 130, a rear edge 132, a first side edge 134, a second side edge 136, and upper surface 28A and lower surface 28B. It is contemplated that the front shelf portion 28 can have the same dimensions as the rear shelf portion 26, or can be smaller or larger than the rear shelf portion 26. In various embodiments, one or both of the front edge 130 and the rear edge 132 of the front shelf portion 28 can be a raised edge 140. The raised edge 140 can have a substantially triangular cross-section configured such that the angled portion of the raised edge 140 is oriented away from the respective edges 130, 132. It is contemplated that one or more raised edges 140 of the front shelf portion 28 can have the same dimensions and shape as one or more raised edges 110 of the rear shelf portion 26.

[0039] As Figure 5B best shown, the front shelf portion 28 can include a first set of rotating brackets 146 and a second set of rotating brackets 148 extending downward from the lower surface 28B of the front shelf portion 28. The first set of rotating brackets 146 includes a first rotating bracket 146A and a second rotating bracket 146B, the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket being positioned along the lower surface 28B of the front shelf portion 28 near the first side edge 134 of the front shelf portion. As Figure 5B shown, the first rotating bracket 146A is positioned in a forward position relative to the second rotating bracket 146B. As Figure 5BFurther shown, the second rotating bracket 146B is inserted inwardly relative to the first rotating bracket 146A. Similarly, the second set of rotating brackets 148 includes a first rotating bracket 148A and a second rotating bracket 148B, and the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket are positioned along the lower surface 28B of the front shelf portion 28 near the second side edge 136 of the front shelf portion. Thus, the first set of rotating brackets 146 and the second set of rotating brackets 148 are a pair of opposing sets of rotating brackets that are disposed on the lower surface 28B of the front shelf portion 28 on opposite sides of the front shelf portion and extend outwardly from the lower surface. As Figure 5B shown, the first rotating bracket 148A in the second set of rotating brackets 148 is positioned in a forward position relative to the second rotating bracket 148B. As Figure 5B Further shown, the second rotating bracket 148B in the second set of rotating brackets 148 is also inserted inwardly relative to the first rotating bracket 148A. Each pair of the first and second rotating brackets 146A, 146B and 148A, 148B is positioned in pairs, wherein the spacing between the first rotating bracket 146A and the second rotating bracket 146B of the first set of rotating brackets 146 is substantially the same as the spacing between the first pair of receiving wells 90 of the first support member 18. Similarly, the spacing between the first rotating bracket 148A and the second rotating bracket 148B of the second set of rotating brackets 148 is substantially the same as the spacing between the second pair of receiving wells 92 of the second support member 20. As Figure 5B shown, each of the first rotating bracket 146A and the second rotating bracket 146B of the first set of rotating brackets 146 includes a receiving hole 150 provided to pass therethrough. Similarly, each of the first rotating bracket 148A and the second rotating bracket 148B of the second set of rotating brackets 148 includes a receiving hole 152 provided to pass therethrough.

[0040] As described above, the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are configured to rotatably support the front shelf portion 28 between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of rotatable arms 30A to 30D in the plurality of rotatable arms 30 includes an upper end 34 and a lower end 32. The upper end 34 and the lower end 32 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective rotatable arms 30A to 30D. The upper end 34 may extend in the same direction as the lower end 32, or the upper end 34 may extend in a direction opposite to the direction of the lower end 32. As Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the plurality of rotatable arms 30 may be arranged as a first pair of rotatable arms 160, which is composed of a first rotatable arm 30A and a second rotatable arm 30B. The first rotatable arm 30A in the first pair of rotatable arms 160 is shown to be positioned in a forward position relative to the second rotatable arm 30B. The first pair of rotatable arms 160 is configured to be operatively coupled to the first support 18, as further described below. The plurality of rotatable arms 30 further includes a second pair of rotatable arms 162, which is composed of a first rotatable arm 30C and a second rotatable arm 30D. The first rotatable arm 30C in the second pair of rotatable arms 162 is shown to be positioned in a forward position relative to the second rotatable arm 30D. The second pair of rotatable arms 162 is configured to be operatively coupled to the second support 20, as further described below.

[0041] As Figure 4 and Figures 6 to 7BAs best shown, the upper ends 34 of the first pair of rotatable arms 160 among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are configured to be received in the receiving holes 150 of the first set of rotating brackets 146. Specifically, the upper end 34 of the first rotatable arm 30A is received in the receiving hole 150 of the first rotating bracket 146A, and the upper end 34 of the second rotatable arm 30B is received in the receiving hole 150 of the second rotating bracket 146B. Similarly, the upper ends 34 of the second pair of rotatable arms 162 among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are configured to be received in the receiving holes 152 of the second set of rotating brackets 148. Specifically, the upper end 34 of the first rotatable arm 30C is received in the receiving hole 152 of the first rotating bracket 148A, and the upper end 34 of the second rotatable arm 30D is received in the receiving hole 152 of the second rotating bracket 148B. Each upper end 34 of the rotatable arms 30A to 30D can rotate respectively within the corresponding receiving holes 150, 152. The lower ends 32 of the first pair of rotatable arms 160 among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are configured to be received in the first pair of receiving wells 90 of the first support member 18. Specifically, the lower end 32 of the first rotatable arm 30A is received in the first receiving well 90A of the first support member 18, and the lower end 32 of the second rotatable arm 30B is received in the second receiving well 90B of the first support member 18. Similarly, the lower ends 32 of the second pair of rotatable arms 162 among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are configured to be received in the second pair of receiving wells 92 of the second support member 20. Specifically, the lower end 32 of the first rotatable arm 30C is received in the first receiving well 92A of the second support member 20, and the lower end 32 of the second rotatable arm 30D is received in the second receiving well 92B of the second support member 20. Each lower end 32 of the rotatable arms 30A to 30D can rotate respectively within the corresponding receiving wells 90A, 90B, 92A, 92B. In the case where the second rotatable arms 30B, 30D are respectively coupled to the second rotating brackets 146B, 148B, the second rotatable arms 30B, 3OD are inserted inward relative to the corresponding first rotatable arms 30A, 30C.

[0042] The plurality of rotatable arms 30 allow the front shelf portion 28 to rotate along the downward and forward rotation path shown by the arrow 29 Figure 6 between the raised or first position as shown Figure 7B and the lowered or second position as shown. As Figure 6As shown, when the current shelf portion 28 is in the raised position, the rotatable arms 30A, 30B among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are substantially vertical, and the rear edge 132 of the front shelf portion 28 is substantially aligned with the front edge 100 of the rear shelf portion 26. Thus, when the front shelf portion 28 is in the raised position, the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 are substantially coplanar. Therefore, when the front shelf portion is in the raised position, the upper surfaces 28A, 26A of the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 provide a substantially continuous shelf assembly 10. In various embodiments, the rear edge 132 of the front shelf portion 28 may be in close contact with the front edge 100 of the rear shelf portion 26. When the front shelf portion 28 is in Figure 7A the intermediate position shown, the rotatable arms 30A, 30B among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are rotated to be inclined forwardly towards the access opening 58 of the compartment 56. When the front shelf portion 28 is in Figure 7B the lowered or second position shown, the rotatable arms 30A, 30B among the plurality of rotatable arms 30 may be substantially horizontal. In the lowered position, the front shelf portion 28 is lowered and protruded forwardly by the plurality of rotatable arms 30, such that the rear edge 132 of the front shelf portion 28 no longer contacts the front edge 100 of the rear shelf portion 26. Therefore, the front shelf portion 28 rotates downwardly and forwardly along the path shown by the arrow 29 from the raised position ( Figure 6 ) to the lowered position ( Figure 7B ). As Figures 6 to 7B shown, the front shelf portion 28 remains substantially horizontal throughout its rotation between its raised position ( Figure 6 ) and its lowered position ( Figure 7B ), such that an object supported on the upper surface 28A of the front shelf portion 28 will remain supported on the front shelf portion 28 in a substantially upright and close contact manner during this movement. Therefore, the front shelf portion 28 is substantially parallel to the rear shelf portion 26, and when the front shelf portion 28 is in the lowered position, the front shelf portion is vertically spaced apart from the rear shelf portion 26.

[0043] As Figures 6 to 7B shown, the shelf assembly 10 further includes a connecting arm 36. The connecting arm 36 interconnects the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 to provide synchronous movement between the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26. It is contemplated that the connecting arm 36 is a rigid member and includes a front end 38 and a rear end 40. The front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 defines a front hole 180 that is rotatably coupled to one of the rotatable arms 30A to 30D among the plurality of rotatable arms 30. In Figures 6 to 7B the embodiment shown, the front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 is coupled to the second rotatable arm 30B of the first pair of rotatable arms 160. The rear end 40 of the connecting arm 36 defines a rear hole 182 and is rotatably coupled to the rear shelf portion 26. In Figures 6 to 7BIn the illustrated embodiment, the rear end 40 of the connecting arm 36 is coupled to the connecting bracket 120 of the rear shelf portion 26. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the connecting arm 36 can be a single connecting arm or can be one of a pair of connecting arms.

[0044] The rotatable arms 30A to 30D configured to be coupled to the connecting arm 36 can define a through hole 188 between their upper end 34 and lower end 32. In Figures 6 to 7B this, the through hole 188 is shown as being provided in the rotatable arm 30B. The first fastener 190 is received by the front hole 180 and the through hole 188 to couple the front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 to the corresponding rotatable arm 30. It is also contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 can be coupled to the upper end 34 and / or the front shelf portion 28 of one of the plurality of rotatable arms 30.

[0045] The rear hole 182 is aligned with the rear receiving space 124 of the connecting bracket 120. The second fastener 192 extends through the rear hole 182 of the connecting arm 36 and through the rear receiving space 124 of the connecting bracket 120 to couple the connecting arm 36 to the rear shelf portion 26. It is contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the rear receiving space 124 can be a generally circular hole as shown or can be a slot.

[0046] Further referring Figures 6 to 7B , the connecting arm 36 of the shelf assembly 10 is configured to relate the movement of the front shelf portion 28 to the movement of the rear shelf portion 26 such that the forward position of the rear shelf portion 26 corresponds to the lowered position of the front shelf portion 28. Similarly, the rearward position of the rear shelf portion 26 corresponds to the raised position of the front shelf portion 28. When the front shelf portion 28 rotates from the raised position to the lowered position, the front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 moves downward and forward. The rear end 40 of the connecting arm 36 moves forward simultaneously, thereby pulling the rear shelf portion 26 from the rearward position toward the forward position in a generally horizontal direction as indicated by the arrow 27. This movement is configured to provide increased access to the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26. When the front shelf portion 28 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the connecting arm 36 pushes the rear shelf portion 26 from the forward position to the rearward position along the path indicated by the arrow 27. As Figures 6 to 7B shown, the connecting arm 36 can be a substantially linear member that directly connects the rear shelf portion 26 to the rotatable arm 30B.

[0047] Now referring Figures 9 to 12, illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the shelf assembly 10. The same numbers are used where the features of the second exemplary embodiment are the same as or similar to the features of the first exemplary embodiment previously discussed. It will also be understood that the various features of each exemplary embodiment may be combined or interchanged without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] In Figure 9 the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable arms 30A through 30D of the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are shown as being directly coupled to the first sidewall 22 and the second sidewall 24 of the cabinet liner 16. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26 may each be at least partially supported by the shelf support 14. In other embodiments, the rear shelf portion 26 is supported by the shelf support 14, while the front shelf portion 28 is supported by the plurality of rotatable arms 30. As previously discussed, each of the first side member 74 and the second side member 76 may include an inwardly extending support rail 86. The rear member 78 may also include an inwardly extending support rail 86 that extends away from the rear wall 200 of the cabinet liner 16.

[0049] The first sidewall 22 of the cabinet liner 16 defines a first pair of receiving wells 90 having a first receiving well 90A and a second receiving well 90B. The second sidewall 24 of the cabinet liner 16 defines a second pair of receiving wells 92 having a first receiving well 92A and a second receiving well 92B. The first pair of receiving wells 90 is positioned below the first side member 74 of the shelf support 14, and the second pair of receiving wells 92 is positioned below the second side member 76 of the shelf support 14. The second pair of receiving wells 92 is defined to mirror the size, position, and spacing of the first pair of receiving wells 90. It is contemplated that the first pair of receiving wells 90 and the second pair of receiving wells 92 may be reinforced with support inserts 202.

[0050] It will be understood that the rear shelf portion 26 and the front shelf portion 28 have the same Figures 2 to 8The same configuration as discussed, and the rear shelf portion 26 and the front shelf portion 28 may each include one or more raised edges 110, 140 and / or rotatable plates 118. The rear shelf portion 26 is slidably coupled to the shelf support 14 and is movable between a forward position and a rearward position. For example, the first side edge 104 and the second side edge 106 of the rear shelf portion 26 may be slidably coupled to the inwardly extending support rails 86 of the shelf support 14, or may be coupled to a rail assembly (not shown) that is coupled to or integrally formed with the inwardly extending support rails 86 and / or the first side member 74 and the second side member 76. When the rear shelf portion 26 is in the rearward position, the rear edge 102 of the rear shelf portion 26 is aligned with and / or abuts against the rear member 78 of the shelf support 14. When the rear shelf portion 26 is in the forward position, the rear edge of the rear shelf portion 26 is spaced apart from the rear member 78 of the shelf support 14.

[0051] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the connecting bracket 120 may extend downwardly from the rear shelf portion 26, as previously described, and may be coupled to the rear shelf portion 26. Alternatively, the connecting bracket 120 may be integrally formed with the rear shelf portion 26. The connecting bracket 120 defines a rear receiving space 124. It will be understood that the connecting bracket 120 may be one of a pair of brackets or may be a single bracket without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] The front shelf portion 28 includes a first set of rotating brackets 146 (having a first rotating bracket 146A and a second rotating bracket 146B) and a second set of rotating brackets 148 (having a first rotating bracket 148A and a second rotating bracket 148B), both of which extend downwardly from the lower surface 28B of the front shelf portion 28. The first set of rotating brackets 146 is positioned adjacent to the first side edge 134 of the front shelf portion 28, and the second set of rotating brackets 148 is positioned adjacent to the second side edge 136 of the front shelf portion 28, such that the first set of rotating brackets 146 and the second set of rotating brackets 148 are disposed on opposite sides of the front shelf portion 28. The spacing between the first rotating bracket 146A and the second rotating bracket 146B of the first set of rotating brackets 146 is substantially the same as the spacing between the receiving wells 90A, 90B of the first pair 90, and the spacing between the first rotating bracket 148A and the second rotating bracket 148B of the second set of rotating brackets 148 is substantially the same as the spacing between the receiving wells 92A, 92B of the second pair 92. Each of the first set of rotating brackets 146 and the second set of rotating brackets 148 defines a receiving hole 150, 152.

[0053] The rotatable arms 30A to 30D are configured to support the front shelf portion 28, as previously described with respect to Figures 2 to 8As previously discussed. As shown, the plurality of rotatable arms 30 may be arranged in a first pair 160 and a second pair 162. The upper ends 34 of the rotatable arms 30A, 30B of the first pair 160 are configured to be received by the receiving holes 150 of the first set of rotating brackets 146, and the upper ends 34 of the rotatable arms 30C, 30D of the second pair 162 are configured to be received by the receiving holes 152 of the second set of rotating brackets 148. Each upper end 34 is rotatable within the corresponding receiving holes 150, 152. The lower ends 32 of the rotatable arms 30A, 30B of the first pair 160 are configured to be received by the first pair of receiving wells 90 of the first sidewall 22 of the cabinet liner 16, and the lower ends 32 of the rotatable arms 30C, 30D of the second pair 162 are configured to be received by the second pair of receiving wells 92 of the second sidewall 24 of the cabinet liner 16. Each lower end 32 is rotatable within the corresponding receiving wells 90, 92.

[0054] As previously discussed, and as Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the positioning of the upper ends 34 within the corresponding receiving holes 150, 152 and the positioning of the lower ends 32 within the corresponding receiving wells 90, 92 provide support for the front shelf portion 28 and allow the front shelf portion 28 to move between a raised position and a lowered position. When the front shelf portion 28 is in the raised position, the rotatable arms 30A, 30B of the plurality of rotatable arms 30 are substantially vertical, and the rear edge 132 of the front shelf portion 28 is substantially aligned with the front edge 100 of the rear shelf portion 26. In various embodiments, the rear edge 132 of the front shelf portion 28 may contact the front edge 100 of the rear shelf portion 26. When the front shelf portion 28 is in the lowered position, the rotatable arms 30A, 30B of the plurality of rotatable arms 30 rotate to be inclined forwardly towards the access opening 58 of the compartment 56. In various embodiments, when the front shelf portion 28 is in the lowered position, the plurality of rotatable arms 30 may be substantially horizontal.

[0055] The shelf assembly 10 further includes a connecting arm 36. The connecting arm 36 is configured to couple the front shelf portion 28 with the rear shelf portion 26. The connecting arm 36 may be a linear and rigid member that includes a front end 38 and a rear end 40. The front end 38 defines a front hole 180 and is rotatably coupled to the front shelf portion 28, while the rear end 40 defines a rear hole 182 and is rotatably coupled to the rear shelf portion 26.

[0056] Still referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12, one of the rotary brackets 146A, 146B, 148A, 148B of the front shelf portion 28 further defines a through hole 204 that is configured to align with the front hole 180 of the connecting arm 36. The through hole 204 is defined behind the receiving holes 150, 152 of the corresponding rotary brackets 146A, 146B, 148A, 148B. The first fastener 190 is received by the front hole 180 and the through hole 204 to couple the front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 with the corresponding rotatable arm 30. Alternatively, the upper end 34 of one of the rotatable arms 30A to 30D of the plurality of rotatable arms 30 can be received by the front hole 180 of the connecting arm 36 to operably couple the connecting arm 36 with the front shelf portion 28.

[0057] The rear hole 182 aligns with the rear receiving space 124 of the connecting bracket 120. The second fastener 192 extends through the rear hole 182 of the connecting arm 36 and the rear receiving space 124 of the connecting bracket 120 to couple the connecting arm 36 with the rear shelf portion 26. It is contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the rear receiving space 124 can be a generally circular hole as shown, or can be a slot.

[0058] Now referring to Figures 2 to 12 , the connecting arm 36 of the shelf assembly 10 is configured to relate the movement of the front shelf portion 28 to the movement of the rear shelf portion 26 such that the forward position of the rear shelf portion 26 corresponds to the lowered position of the front shelf portion 28, and the rearward position of the rear shelf portion 26 corresponds to the raised position of the front shelf portion 28. When the front shelf portion 28 moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the front end 38 of the connecting arm 36 moves downward and forward. The rear end 40 of the connecting arm 36 moves forward simultaneously, thereby pulling the rear shelf portion 26 from the rearward position to the forward position in a generally horizontal direction as indicated by the arrow 27. This movement is configured to provide increased access to the front shelf portion 28 and the rear shelf portion 26. When the front shelf portion 28 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the connecting arm 36 pushes the rear shelf portion 26 from the forward position to the rearward position along the path indicated by the arrow 27.

[0059] According to one aspect, a shelf assembly for an appliance can include a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A first support and a second support are positioned below the shelf support. The first support and the second support are positioned on opposite sidewalls of the cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably supported on the shelf support between a rear position and a front position. A front shelf portion is positioned adjacent to the rear shelf portion and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A plurality of rotatable arms are configured to support the front shelf portion. Each of the plurality of rotatable arms is operably coupled at a first end to one of the first support and the second support and is also operably coupled at a second end to the front shelf portion. A connecting arm interconnects the rear shelf portion and the front shelf portion.

[0060] According to another aspect, when the front shelf portion is in the raised position, the front shelf portion can be substantially coplanar with the rear shelf portion.

[0061] According to another aspect, the front shelf portion can be substantially parallel to the rear shelf portion, and when the front shelf portion is in the lowered position, the front shelf portion can be vertically spaced apart from the rear shelf portion.

[0062] According to another aspect, the front shelf portion can rotate downwardly and forwardly from the raised position to the lowered position. As the front shelf portion moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the rear shelf portion can move from the rear position to the front position.

[0063] According to another aspect, the front shelf portion can include a first set of rotating brackets and a second set of rotating brackets that extend downwardly from a lower surface of the front shelf portion on opposite sides of the front shelf portion. The first set of rotating brackets can include a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly. The second set of rotating brackets can include a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly.

[0064] According to another aspect, the plurality of rotatable arms can include a first pair of rotatable arms and a second pair of rotatable arms. The first pair of rotatable arms can include a first rotatable arm and a second rotatable arm that are operably coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket of the first set of rotating brackets of the front shelf portion. The second pair of rotatable arms can include a first rotatable arm and a second rotatable arm that are operably coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket of the second set of rotating brackets of the front shelf portion.

[0065] According to another aspect, a shelf assembly for an appliance can include a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably coupled to the shelf support and is movable between a forward position and a rearward position. A front shelf portion is positioned forward of the rear shelf portion and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. At least one rotatable arm is configured to support the front shelf portion. The at least one rotatable arm is operably coupled to the cabinet liner at a first end and is operably coupled to the front shelf portion at a second end. A connecting arm is operably coupled to the rear shelf portion at a first end and is operably coupled to the front shelf portion at a second end.

[0066] According to another aspect, when the front shelf portion is in the raised position, the rear shelf portion can be in the rearward position.

[0067] According to another aspect, when the front shelf portion is in the lowered position, the rear shelf portion can be in the forward position.

[0068] According to another aspect, the shelf assembly can include a rotating bracket extending downward from the front shelf portion. The second end of the connecting arm can be operably coupled to the rotating bracket. The second end of the at least one rotatable arm is operably coupled to the rotating bracket.

[0069] According to another aspect, the rear shelf portion can include a connecting bracket extending downward. The first end of the connecting arm is operably coupled to the connecting bracket.

[0070] According to another aspect, a shelf assembly for an appliance can include a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner. A rear shelf portion is slidably coupled to the shelf support between a first position and a second position. A front shelf portion is positioned forward of the rear shelf portion and is movable between a first position and a second position. When the front shelf portion is in the first position, the front shelf portion and the rear shelf portion are substantially coplanar. A plurality of rotatable arms interconnect the front shelf portion and the cabinet liner. A connecting arm interconnects the rear shelf portion and one of the rotatable arms of the plurality of rotatable arms.

[0071] According to another aspect, the shelf assembly can include a connecting bracket positioned on the rear shelf portion. The first end of the connecting arm can be operably coupled to the connecting bracket.

[0072] According to another aspect, the shelf assembly can include a first support and a second support positioned on opposite sidewalls of the cabinet liner and operably coupled to a plurality of rotatable arms.

[0073] According to another aspect, the first support and the second support can be integrally formed with the shelf support as a single member.

[0074] According to another aspect, the front shelf portion may be substantially parallel to the rear shelf portion, and when the front shelf portion is in the second position, the front shelf portion may be vertically spaced apart from the rear shelf portion.

[0075] According to another aspect, the plurality of rotatable arms may include a first pair of rotatable arms and a second pair of rotatable arms, and the first pair of rotatable arms and the second pair of rotatable arms are coupled to opposite sides of the lining and opposite sides of the front shelf portion.

[0076] According to another aspect, when the front shelf portion is in the first position, the rear shelf portion may be in the first position.

[0077] According to another aspect, when the front shelf portion is in the second position, the rear shelf portion may be in the second position.

[0078] According to another aspect, the shelf assembly may include a rotatable plate that is operatively coupled to one of the front shelf portion and the rear shelf portion.

[0079] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the construction and other components of the described inventive concepts are not limited to any particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0080] For purposes of the present invention, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: couple, coupled, being coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such joining may be of a fixed nature or of a movable nature. Such joining may be accomplished by any additional intermediate member that integrally forms as a single body separate from the two components or by the two components together. Such joining may be of a permanent nature or may be removable or releasable, unless otherwise stated.

[0081] Equally important, it should be noted that only the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present invention shown in the exemplary embodiments are described. Although only several embodiments disclosed in the present invention are described in detail herein, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art who review the present invention that many modifications (e.g., changes in size, dimensions, structure, shapes and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting means, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the interface operation may be reversed or otherwise changed, the structure and / or length or width of the members or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be constructed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are included within the scope of this innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0082] It should be understood that any of the processes or steps in the processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures that are covered within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A shelf assembly for an appliance, comprising: a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner; a first support and a second support positioned below the shelf support, wherein the first support and the second support are positioned on opposite sidewalls of the cabinet liner; a rear shelf portion slidably supported on the shelf support between a rear position and a front position; a front shelf portion positioned adjacent to the rear shelf portion and movable between a raised position and a lowered position; a plurality of rotatable arms configured to support the front shelf portion, wherein each of the plurality of rotatable arms is operably coupled at a first end to one of the first support and the second support and further operably coupled at a second end to the front shelf portion; and a connecting arm interconnecting the rear shelf portion and the front shelf portion, wherein the front shelf portion includes a first set of rotating brackets and a second set of rotating brackets extending downwardly from a lower surface of the front shelf portion on opposite sides of the front shelf portion, wherein the first set of rotating brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly, and further wherein the second set of rotating brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly.

2. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the front shelf portion is in the raised position, the front shelf portion is substantially coplanar with the rear shelf portion.

3. The shelf assembly according to claim 2, wherein the front shelf portion is substantially parallel to the rear shelf portion and, when the front shelf portion is in the lowered position, the front shelf portion is vertically spaced from the rear shelf portion.

4. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, wherein the front shelf portion rotates downwardly and forwardly from the raised position to the lowered position, and further wherein as the front shelf portion moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the rear shelf portion moves from the rear position to the front position.

5. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rotatable arms includes a first pair of rotatable arms and a second pair of rotatable arms, wherein the first pair of rotatable arms includes a first rotatable arm and a second rotatable arm operably coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket of the first set of rotating brackets of the front shelf portion, and further wherein the second pair of rotatable arms includes a first rotatable arm and a second rotatable arm operably coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket of the second set of rotating brackets of the front shelf portion.

6. A shelf assembly for an appliance, comprising: a shelf support operably coupled to a cabinet liner; a rear shelf portion slidably coupled to the shelf support and movable between a front position and a rear position; A front shelf portion, the front shelf portion being positioned in front of the rear shelf portion and being movable between a raised position and a lowered position; At least one rotatable arm, the at least one rotatable arm being configured to support the front shelf portion, wherein the at least one rotatable arm is operatively coupled to the cabinet liner at a first end and is operatively coupled to the front shelf portion at a second end; and A connecting arm, the connecting arm being operatively coupled to the rear shelf portion at a first end and being operatively coupled to the front shelf portion at a second end, wherein the front shelf portion includes a first set of rotating brackets and a second set of rotating brackets, the first set of rotating brackets and the second set of rotating brackets extending downward from a lower surface of the front shelf portion on opposite sides of the front shelf portion, wherein the first set of rotating brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly, and further wherein the second set of rotating brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly.

7. The shelf assembly according to claim 6, wherein when the front shelf portion is in the raised position, the rear shelf portion is in the rear position.

8. The shelf assembly according to claim 7, wherein when the front shelf portion is in the lowered position, the rear shelf portion is in the front position.

9. The shelf assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the rear shelf portion includes a connecting bracket extending downward, and further wherein the first end of the connecting arm is operatively coupled to the connecting bracket.

10. A shelf assembly for an appliance, comprising: A shelf support, the shelf support being operatively coupled to a cabinet liner; A rear shelf portion, the rear shelf portion being slidably coupled to the shelf support between a first position and a second position; A front shelf portion, the front shelf portion being positioned in front of the rear shelf portion and being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the front shelf portion is in the first position, the front shelf portion is substantially coplanar with the rear shelf portion; A plurality of rotatable arms, the plurality of rotatable arms interconnecting the front shelf portion and the cabinet liner; and A connecting arm, the connecting arm interconnecting the rear shelf portion and one of the rotatable arms of the plurality of rotatable arms, wherein the front shelf portion includes a first set of rotating brackets and a second set of rotating brackets, the first set of rotating brackets and the second set of rotating brackets extending downward from a lower surface of the front shelf portion on opposite sides of the front shelf portion, wherein the first set of rotating brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly, and further wherein the second set of rotating brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket inserted inwardly.

11. The shelf assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: A connecting bracket, the connecting bracket being positioned on the rear shelf portion, wherein the first end of the connecting arm is operatively coupled to the connecting bracket.

12. The shelf assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being positioned on opposite side walls of the cabinet liner and being operatively coupled to the plurality of rotatable arms.

13. The shelf assembly of claim 12, wherein the first support member and the second support member are integrally formed as a single member with the shelf support member.

14. The shelf assembly of claim 10, wherein the front shelf portion is substantially parallel to the rear shelf portion and is vertically spaced from the rear shelf portion when the front shelf portion is in the second position.

15. The shelf assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of rotatable arms includes a first pair of rotatable arms and a second pair of rotatable arms, the first pair of rotatable arms and the second pair of rotatable arms being coupled to opposite sides of the cabinet liner and opposite sides of the front shelf portion.

16. The shelf assembly of claim 10, wherein the rear shelf portion is in the first position when the front shelf portion is in the first position.

17. The shelf assembly of claim 16, wherein the rear shelf portion is in the second position when the front shelf portion is in the second position.

18. The shelf assembly of any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising: a rotatable plate, the rotatable plate being operatively coupled to one of the front shelf portion and the rear shelf portion.

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