Step assembly

By designing a combined structure supporting the step and the step cover in the step assembly of the refrigeration unit, and using elastic snaps and joint features, the problems of inconvenience and instability of the step assembly in the prior art are solved, and a stable and beautiful assembly effect is achieved.

CN119844964APending Publication Date: 2025-04-18WHIRLPOOL CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411453505.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-17
Filing Date
2024-10-17
Publication Date
2025-04-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The step assembly of the existing refrigeration unit has problems of inconvenience and instability during installation and assembly, especially during the engagement of the support step and the step cover.

Method used

A step assembly including a support step and a step cover is designed, the support step has a retaining hook, a mounting hole and a slot, and the step cover has a first and second engagement features, capable of operating between the disengaged and engaged states, and achieves stable assembly by elastic snapping aligning with the slot and the hole of the step cover.

Benefits of technology

Through this design, the step assembly achieves a stable installation and beautiful appearance on the doors of the refrigeration unit, while simplifying the assembly process and improving the ease of use.

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Abstract

A step assembly for a door of a refrigeration unit includes: a support step including a retaining hook and defining a plurality of mounting apertures and a plurality of slots distributed along a length of the support step; the plurality of elastic buckles are respectively received in the plurality of slots; and a stepped cover defining a plurality of apertures. A support step is mounted to the door of the refrigeration unit. The stepped cover has a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature, and is operable between a disengaged state and an engaged state. In the disengaged state, the second engagement feature is disengaged from the plurality of resilient buckles. In the engaged state, the first engagement feature is engaged with the retention hook, the second engagement feature is engaged with the plurality of resilient buckles, and the plurality of eyelets are aligned with the plurality of mounting eyelets, respectively.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a step assembly for a refrigeration unit. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a step assembly for a refrigeration unit including a step cover. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a step assembly for a door of a refrigeration unit includes a support step, which includes a retaining hook and defines a plurality of mounting eyelets and a plurality of slots distributed along the length of the support step. The support step is mounted to the door of the refrigeration unit. The step assembly also includes a plurality of elastic snaps respectively received in the plurality of slots defined by the support step. The step assembly also includes a step cover defining a plurality of eyelets. The step cover has a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature, and is operable between a disengaged state and an engaged state. In the disengaged state, the second engagement feature is disengaged from the plurality of elastic snaps. In the engaged state, the first engagement feature is engaged with the retaining hook, the second engagement feature is engaged with the plurality of elastic snaps, and the plurality of eyelets are aligned with the plurality of mounting eyelets, respectively.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a step assembly for a refrigeration unit includes: a support step, which includes a retaining hook and defines a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the length of the support step and defines a narrow slot; an elastic buckle received in the narrow slot; and a step cover, which includes a first engagement feature engaged with the retaining hook and a second engagement feature engaged with the elastic buckle to engage the step cover with the support step.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a step assembly for mounting a structure thereon includes: a support step defining a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the length of the support step and defining a narrow slot; a resilient buckle received in the narrow slot; and a step cover including an engagement feature portion, wherein the engagement feature portion engages with the resilient buckle in an engaged state of the step cover to engage the step cover with the support step.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the attached picture:

[0007] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a refrigeration unit including a cabinet, a door in an open position, and a step assembly secured to an inner liner of the door;

[0008] Figure 2 is an elevation view of a step assembly including a support step and a step cover;

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a step assembly showing a support step, a step cover, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of resilient clips;

[0010] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a step assembly showing a plurality of resilient snaps aligned with a plurality of slots defined by a support step and a step cover in a disengaged state in which a first engagement feature of the step cover is disengaged from a retaining hook of the support step and a second engagement feature of the step cover is disengaged from the plurality of resilient snaps;

[0011] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the step assembly showing a plurality of resilient catches received within a plurality of mounting apertures defined by the support step and the step cover in a disengaged state in which the first engagement feature is pivotally engaged with the retaining hook and the second engagement feature is disengaged from the plurality of resilient catches; and

[0012] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a step assembly showing the step cover in an engaged state with the first engagement feature engaging the retaining hook and the second engagement feature engaging the resilient snap received within a slot defined by the support step.

[0013] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The presently illustrated embodiments reside primarily in the combination of apparatus components associated with a step assembly for a refrigeration unit. Accordingly, apparatus components are represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the disclosed embodiments, lest the invention be obscured by details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0015] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that an article or device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such article or device. An element followed by "comprising..." does not, without more limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the article or device that includes that element.

[0016] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be taken alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be taken. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition may comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0017] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top and bottom", etc. are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0018] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (and all its forms) generally refers to the connection of two (electrical or mechanical) components directly or indirectly to one another. Such connection may be fixed or removable in nature. Such connection may be achieved through the two (electrical or mechanical) components and / or any additional intermediate components. Such connection may include the components being integrally formed (i.e., integrally coupled) with one another as a single entity, or may refer to the connection of two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connection may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that a described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" can mean values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0020] As used herein, the term "the," "a component" means "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one," unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Now refer to Figures 1 to 6, a step assembly 10 for a door 12 of a refrigeration unit 14 includes a support step 16. The support step 16 includes a retaining hook 18 and defines a plurality of mounting holes 20 distributed along the length of the support step 16. The support step 16 also defines a plurality of slots 22. The support step 16 is mounted to the door 12 of the refrigeration unit 14. A plurality of resilient snaps 24 are respectively received in the plurality of slots 22 defined by the support step 16. A step cover 26 defines a plurality of holes 28. The step cover 26 includes a first engagement feature 30 and a second engagement feature 32. The step cover 26 can be operated between a disengaged state and an engaged state. In the disengaged state, the second engagement feature 32 is disengaged from the plurality of resilient snaps 24. In the engaged state, the first engagement feature 30 is engaged with the retaining hook 18, the second engagement feature 32 is engaged with the plurality of resilient snaps 24, and the plurality of holes 28 are respectively aligned with the plurality of mounting holes 20.

[0022] Now refer to Figure 1 , the refrigeration unit 14 includes a cabinet 34. The cabinet 34 defines a storage compartment 36. In various implementations, the cabinet 34 may define a plurality of storage compartments 36, such as a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigeration unit 14 includes a door 12 coupled to the cabinet 34. The door 12 can be Figure 1 The refrigeration unit 14 can be operated between an open position shown, in which an access to a storage chamber 36 defined by the cabinet 34 is provided, and a closed position, in which the door 12 covers the storage chamber 36. The refrigeration unit 14 can include a liner 38. In various implementations, the refrigeration unit 14 can include a plurality of liners 38. For example, the cabinet 34 can include a liner 38 defining the storage chamber 36, and the door 12 can include a liner 38. In various implementations, in the closed position of the door 12, the liner 38 of the door 12 can communicate with the storage chamber 36 defined by the liner 38 of the cabinet 34.

[0023] The refrigeration unit 14 includes a step assembly 10. In various implementations, the step assembly 10 can be mounted to the door 12 and / or the cabinet 34 of the refrigeration unit 14. For example, the step assembly 10 can be secured to the lining 38 of the door 12 and / or the lining 38 of the cabinet 34 of the refrigeration unit 14. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the step assembly 10 is secured to the lining 38 of the door 12 of the refrigeration unit 14. The step assembly 10 is configured to support a structure 40 mounted to the step assembly 10. In various implementations, the structure 40 configured to be mounted to the step assembly 10 is selectively mounted. In other words, in various implementations, the structure 40 can be removed and reinstalled to the step assembly 10. The structure 40 configured to be mounted to the step assembly 10 can be a shelf 42. For example, in Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of shelves 42 are coupled to the step assembly 10, which is secured to the door 12 of the refrigeration unit 14. It is contemplated that the door 12 and / or cabinet 34 of the refrigeration unit 14 may include a plurality of step assemblies 10 that may be used to support the shelves 42.

[0024] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the step assembly 10 includes a support step 16. The support step 16 can be coupled to the lining 38 of the refrigeration unit 14. For example, in some embodiments, the support step 16 can be secured to the lining 38 of the door 12 of the refrigeration unit 14 via a plurality of fasteners 44. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the step assembly 10 includes a plurality of fasteners 44 in the form of bolts that extend through apertures defined by the support steps 16 .

[0025] Still refer to Figures 2 to 4 The support step 16 defines a plurality of mounting holes 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of mounting eyelets 20 are distributed along the length of the support step 16. The mounting eyelets 20 are configured to receive coupling features (not shown) of a structure 40 (e.g., a shelf 42) that are configured to be mounted to the step assembly 10. The support step 16 also defines a slot 22. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in various implementations, the support step 16 defines a plurality of slots 22. The slots 22 are configured to receive resilient buckles 24, as further described herein. Figure 4 As shown, the support step 16 includes a retaining hook 18. The retaining hook 18 is configured to selectively engage with an engagement feature 46 of the step cover 26, as further described herein.

[0026] Now refer to Figures 3 to 6 , the step assembly 10 includes a resilient snap 24. In various embodiments, the step assembly 10 includes a plurality of resilient snaps 24. The resilient snaps 24 are configured to be received in the slots 22 defined by the support step 16, such as Figure 5 In some implementations, the resilient snap 24 can be elastically deformed to allow the resilient snap 24 to be inserted into the slot 22 defined by the support step 16. In some embodiments, the resilient snap 24 is operable to be removed from the slot 22 via, for example, elastic deformation of the resilient snap 24.

[0027] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient snap 24 includes a base 48, an extension 50 extending from the base 48 through at least one of the plurality of slots 22, and a protrusion 52 extending outwardly from the extension 50. In various embodiments, the protrusion 52 is configured to engage with the engagement feature 46 of the step cover 26, as further described herein.

[0028] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the support step 16 defines a plurality of slots 22, and the step assembly 10 includes a plurality of resilient snaps 24. As shown, the plurality of resilient snaps 24 are received in the plurality of slots 22 defined by the support step 16, respectively.

[0029] Now refer to Figures 2 to 6 , the step assembly 10 includes a step cover 26. The step cover 26 defines a plurality of apertures 28. The plurality of apertures 28 are configured to align with a plurality of mounting apertures 20 defined by the support step 16, respectively, in an engaged state of the step cover 26, as further described herein. The apertures 28 defined by the step cover 26 are configured to receive coupling features of a structure 40 (e.g., a shelf 42) that is configured to be mounted to the step assembly 10. In various implementations, the coupling features are received within both the apertures 28 defined by the step cover 26 and the corresponding mounting apertures 20 defined by the support step 16.

[0030] Now refer to Figures 4 to 6 , the step cover 26 includes an engagement feature 46. The engagement feature 46 can be configured to engage with the retaining hook 18 of the support step 16 and / or the resilient catch 24 of the step assembly 10. In various embodiments, the step cover 26 includes a plurality of engagement features 46. For example, in Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the step cover 26 includes a first engagement feature 30 and a second engagement feature 32 .

[0031] The first engagement feature 30 is configured to engage with the retaining hook 18 of the support step 16. In some implementations, the first engagement feature 30 is pivotally engaged with the retaining hook 18. In various implementations, the pivotal movement of the step cover 26 relative to the support step 16 can be facilitated by the engagement of the first engagement feature 30 and the retaining hook 18. The engagement of the first engagement feature 30 and the retaining hook 18 can be selective engagement. For example, in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement feature 30 is disengaged from the retaining hook 18. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement feature 30 engages with the retaining hook 18 of the support step 16 .

[0032] The second engagement feature 32 of the step cover 26 is configured to engage with a resilient snap 24 that is received within the slot 22 defined by the support step 16. In various implementations, the second engagement feature 32 may engage with a plurality of resilient snaps 24. Figure 6 As shown, the second engagement feature 32 engages with the protrusion 52 of the resilient snap 24. In some implementations, the engagement of the second engagement feature 32 and at least one resilient snap 24 can be a selective engagement.

[0033] Now refer to Figures 4 to 6 , the step cover 26 can be operated between a disengaged state and an engaged state. In the disengaged state, the second engagement feature 32 is disengaged from the elastic buckle 24. The first engagement feature 30 can be disengaged or engaged with the retaining hook 18 in the disengaged state of the step cover 26, respectively. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the engaged state of the step cover 26 , the first engagement feature 30 is engaged with the retaining hook 18 and the second engagement feature 32 is engaged with the at least one resilient snap 24 .

[0034] In various implementations, the first engagement feature 30 is operable to pivotally engage with the retaining hook 18 in the disengaged state of the step cover 26 to facilitate the step cover 26 to be disengaged from the step cover 26. Figure 5 The disengagement state shown is Figure 6 In some implementations, at least one of the step cover 26 and the at least one elastic catch 24 is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover 26 to enter the engaged state from the disengaged state. In some implementations, the at least one elastic catch 24 is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover 26 to enter the engaged state due to the forced contact between the step cover 26 and the at least one elastic catch 24. For example, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the second engagement feature 32 of the step cover 26 includes an inclined surface 54, which coincides with a corresponding inclined surface 56 of the protrusion 52 of the resilient snap 24 as the step cover 26 pivots toward the engaged state via the pivotal engagement of the first engagement feature 30 and the retaining hook 18. As the corresponding inclined surfaces 54, 56 of the second engagement feature 32 and the protrusion 52 of the resilient snap 24 are forced into contact, the angles of the inclined surfaces 54, 56 cause the resilient snap 24 to elastically deform, which allows the step cover 26 to enter the engaged state. In the engaged state, the second engagement feature 32 and the protrusion 52 of the resilient snap 24 engage to restrict the step cover 26 from disengaging, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of apertures 28 defined by the step cover 26 are aligned with the plurality of mounting apertures 20 defined by the support step 16 , respectively.

[0035] The support step 16 of the present disclosure can provide various advantages. First, the step cover 26 can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a portion of the step assembly 10 that is easily visible to a user of the refrigeration unit 14. Second, the pivotal engagement between the first engagement feature 30 and the retaining hook 18 ensures intuitive, convenient assembly of the step cover 26 to the support step 16. Third, the use of a plurality of resilient snaps 24 allows for a snap-fit ​​solution for assembling the step cover 26 of the step assembly 10 to the support step 16 without requiring the support step 16 to be formed of a resiliently deformable material.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a step assembly for a door of a refrigeration unit includes a support step, which includes a retaining hook and defines a plurality of mounting eyelets and a plurality of slots distributed along the length of the support step. The support step is mounted to the door of the refrigeration unit. The step assembly for the door of the refrigeration unit also includes a plurality of elastic snaps respectively received in the plurality of slots defined by the support step. The step assembly for the door of the refrigeration unit also includes a step cover defining a plurality of eyelets. The step cover has a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature, and can be operated between a disengaged state and an engaged state. In the disengaged state, the second engagement feature is disengaged from the plurality of elastic snaps. In the engaged state, the first engagement feature is engaged with the retaining hook, the second engagement feature is engaged with the plurality of elastic snaps, and the plurality of eyelets are aligned with the plurality of mounting eyelets, respectively.

[0037] According to another aspect, at least one of the plurality of resilient snaps comprises a base, an extension extending from the base through at least one of the plurality of slots, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the extension. The second engagement feature engages with the protrusion in an engaged state of the step cover.

[0038] According to another aspect, at least one of the step cover and the at least one resilient snap is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter the engaged state from the disengaged state.

[0039] According to another aspect, the at least one resilient snap is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter an engaged state due to forced contact between the step cover and the at least one resilient snap.

[0040] According to another aspect, the first engagement feature is operable to pivotally engage with the retaining hook in the disengaged state of the step cover to facilitate pivotal movement of the step cover from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

[0041] According to another aspect, the support step is secured to the inner lining of the door via a plurality of fasteners.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a step assembly for a refrigeration unit includes: a support step, which includes a retaining hook and defines a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the length of the support step and defines a narrow slot; an elastic buckle received in the narrow slot; and a step cover, which includes a first engagement feature portion engaged with the retaining hook and a second engagement feature portion engaged with the elastic buckle to engage the step cover with the support step.

[0043] According to another aspect, a step assembly is configured to be mounted to a door of the refrigeration unit.

[0044] According to another aspect, the step cover defines a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of apertures are respectively aligned with a plurality of mounting apertures defined by the support step.

[0045] According to another aspect, the step cover can be operated between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state of the step cover, the first engagement feature is engaged with the retaining hook and the second engagement feature is engaged with the elastic buckle. In the disengaged state of the step cover, the second engagement feature is disengaged from the elastic buckle.

[0046] According to another aspect, the first engagement feature is operable to pivotally engage with the retaining hook in the disengaged state of the step cover to facilitate pivotal movement of the step cover from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

[0047] According to another aspect, the resilient buckle includes a base, an extension extending from the base through the slot, and a protrusion extending outward from the extension. The second engagement feature engages with the protrusion in an engaged state of the step cover.

[0048] According to another aspect, the resilient snap is configured to be resiliently deformed to allow the step cover to enter the engaged state from the disengaged state.

[0049] According to another aspect, the resilient snap is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter an engaged state due to forced contact between the second engagement feature of the step cover and the protrusion of the resilient snap.

[0050] According to another aspect, the support step is secured to the inner lining of the door via a plurality of fasteners.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a step assembly for mounting a structure thereon includes: a support step defining a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the length of the support step and defining a narrow slot; a resilient buckle received in the narrow slot; and a step cover including an engagement feature that engages with the resilient buckle in an engaged state of the step cover to engage the step cover with the support step.

[0052] According to another aspect, the support step includes a retaining hook, and the step cover includes a plurality of engagement features including a first engagement feature that engages with the retaining hook and a second engagement feature that is an engagement feature that engages with the resilient snap.

[0053] According to another aspect, the step cover can be operated between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state of the step cover, the first engagement feature is engaged with the retaining hook and the second engagement feature is engaged with the elastic buckle. In the disengaged state of the step cover, the second engagement feature is disengaged from the elastic buckle.

[0054] According to another aspect, the first engagement feature is operable to pivotally engage with the retaining hook in the disengaged state of the step cover to facilitate pivotal movement of the step cover from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

[0055] According to another aspect, the structure is a shelf of a refrigeration unit.

[0056] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the described disclosure and other components of construction are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0057] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure shown in the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the narrated subject matter. For example, an element represented as being integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts, or an element represented as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interface can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other element of the system can be changed, and the nature or quantity of the adjustment position between the elements provided can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be composed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, with any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all of these modifications should be included within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, other replacements, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0058] It should be understood that any process described or any step in the process described can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting.

Claims

1. A step assembly for a door of a refrigeration unit, the step assembly comprising: a support step including a retaining hook and defining a plurality of mounting eyelets and a plurality of slots distributed along a length of the support step, wherein the support step is mounted to the door of the refrigeration unit; a plurality of resilient snaps respectively received in the plurality of slots defined by the support steps; and A stepped cover defines a plurality of eyelets, the stepped cover having a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature, and being operable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, in which the second engagement feature is disengaged from the plurality of resilient snaps, and in which the first engagement feature is engaged with the retaining hook, the second engagement feature is engaged with the plurality of resilient snaps, and the plurality of eyelets are respectively aligned with the plurality of mounting eyelets.

2. The ladder assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of elastic buckles comprises: base; an extension portion extending from the base through at least one of the plurality of slots; as well as A protrusion extends outwardly from the extension portion, wherein the second engagement feature engages the protrusion in the engaged state of the step cover. 3 . The step assembly according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the step cover and the at least one resilient snap is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter the engaged state from the disengaged state. 4 . The step assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one elastic snap is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter the engaged state due to forced contact between the step cover and the at least one elastic snap.

5. The step assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first engagement feature is operable to pivotally engage with the retaining hook in the disengaged state of the step cover to facilitate pivotal movement of the step cover from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

6. The step assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support step is secured to the inner lining of the door via a plurality of fasteners.

7. A step assembly for a refrigeration unit, comprising: a support step including a retaining hook and defining a plurality of mounting eyelets distributed along a length of the support step and defining a slot; a resilient snap fastener received in the slot; and A step cover includes a first engagement feature engaged with the retaining hook and a second engagement feature engaged with the resilient snap to engage the step cover with the support step.

8. The step assembly of claim 7, wherein the step cover defines a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of apertures are respectively aligned with the plurality of mounting apertures defined by the support step.

9. The step assembly of claim 7, wherein the step cover is operable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein in the engaged state, the first engagement feature is engaged with the retaining hook and the second engagement feature is engaged with the elastic snap, and in the disengaged state, the second engagement feature is disengaged from the elastic snap.

10. The step assembly of claim 9, wherein the first engagement feature is operable to pivotally engage the retaining hook in the disengaged state of the step cover to facilitate pivotal movement of the step cover from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

11. The ladder assembly according to claim 10, wherein the elastic buckle comprises: base; an extension extending from the base through the slot; as well as A protrusion extends outwardly from the extension portion, wherein the second engagement feature engages the protrusion in the engaged state of the step cover. 12 . The step assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the resilient buckle is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter the engaged state from the disengaged state. 13 . The step assembly of claim 12 , wherein the resilient snap is configured to be elastically deformed to allow the step cover to enter the engaged state due to forced contact between the second engagement feature of the step cover and the protrusion of the resilient snap.

14. The step assembly of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the step assembly is configured to be mounted to a door of the refrigeration unit.

15. The step assembly of claim 14, wherein the support step is secured to the door lining via a plurality of fasteners.

16. A step assembly for mounting a structure thereon, comprising: a support step defining a plurality of mounting eyelets distributed along a length of the support step and defining a slot; a resilient snap fastener received in the slot; as well as A step cover includes an engagement feature that engages with the elastic snap in an engaged state of the step cover to engage the step cover with the support step.

17. The step assembly of claim 16, wherein the support step includes a retaining hook and the step cover includes a plurality of engagement features, the plurality of engagement features including: a first engagement feature engaging with the retaining hook; as well as A second engagement feature is provided as an engagement feature that engages with the resilient snap.

18. The step assembly of claim 17, wherein the step cover is operable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein in the engaged state, the first engagement feature engages with the retaining hook and the second engagement feature engages with the resilient snap, and in the disengaged state, the second engagement feature disengages from the resilient snap.

19. The step assembly of claim 18, wherein the first engagement feature is operable to pivotally engage the retaining hook in the disengaged state of the step cover to facilitate pivotal movement of the step cover from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

20. A step ladder assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the structure is a shelf of a refrigeration unit.