Adjustable refrigerator shelving

• US 5,454,638 A
• Filed: 02/21/1995
• Issued: 10/03/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gemtron Corporation (SSW Holding Company Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Bird, Kevin C., Herrmann, Robert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Anderson, Gerald A.
• Application Number:
  US08/391,640
• Time in Patent Office: 224 Days
• Field of Search: 271/94, 271/193, 271/190, 271/94.5, 108/108, 248/243, 312/408, 312/400, 312/116
• US Class Current: 312/408
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 57/42 the shelf supports being cantilever brackets
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 96/025 Shelves with moving elements, e.g. movable extensions or link elements cabinets, racks or shelf units enabling enlargement in height, length or depth A47B45/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 96/027 Cantilever shelves
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 96/061 Cantilever brackets
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14377 using an additional insert, e.g. a fastening element
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/845 by moulding material on a relative small portion of the preformed parts
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2325/022 Shelves made of glass or ceramic
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2331/803 Bottles
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 25/02 by shelves
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 25/025 Drawers
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2500/02 Geometry problems

Abstract

Adjustable refrigerator shelving includes a shelf rail for supporting a partial width shelf within a refrigerated compartment on first and second, spaced shelf tracks vertically oriented in the compartment. The tracks releasably engage with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of one or more shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations. The shelf rail is adapted for releasable engagement with the shelf tracks and is interposed between the partial shelf and the shelf tracks for horizontally adjustable support of the partial shelf. The shelf rail includes rearwardly projecting hooks at each of two opposing ends for releasable engagement with the shelf tracks. Locking tabs may be included on the hooks to retain the shelf rail on the tracks, while a rub strip is provided between the partial shelf and the shelf rail, along a top edge of the shelf rail.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being adapted to couple in releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

first shelving in said compartment, extending substantially across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, having a support bracket coupled with said first shelf track, and having another support bracket coupled with said second shelf track;

a shelf rail in said compartment, extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said shelf rail having an elongated body with integral coupling portions engaging said first shelf track and said second shelf track, said shelf rail being vertically spaced from said first shelving; and

a partial shelf in said compartment, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said partial shelf having support members coupling said partial shelf with said shelf rail, said shelf rail having a cooperating support engaging said support members to support said partial shelf.

2. The refrigerator defined in claim 1, wherein said integral coupling portions are rigidly, non-releasably mounted on said body of said shelf rail, said integral coupling portions extending toward said first and second shelf tracks from said body of said shelf rail and engaging said first and second shelf tracks.

3. The refrigerator defined in claim 2 wherein said coupling portions include a first hook with a leg releasably engaging said first shelf track and a second hook with a leg releasably engaging said second shelf track, said first hook and said second hook being spaced along a length of said shelf rail.

4. The refrigerator defined in claim 3 wherein one of said first hook and said second hook includes a tab extending in a direction generally opposite to said leg, said one of said first hook and said second hook engaging a corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, said tab engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to lock said one of said first hook and said second hook in engagement with said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

5. The refrigerator defined in claim 4 wherein:

said shelf rail is rotatable about an axis of rotation to couple said shelf rail with and to disengage said shelf rail from each of said first and second shelf tracks, said axis of rotation extending generally along said length of said shelf rail; and

said tab includes a stop member, said stop member releasably engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to limit rotation of said shelf rail to a position in which said tab is disengaged from and adjacent to said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

6. The refrigerator defined in claim 3 wherein each of said first hook and said second hook includes a tab extending in a direction generally opposite to said leg, each of said first hook and said second hook engaging a corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, each said tab engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to lock each of said first hook and said second hook in engagement with said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, each said tab including a stop member, each said stop member engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to limit rotation of said shelf rail to a position in which each said tab is disengaged from and adjacent to said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

7. The refrigerator defined in claim 1 wherein said partial shelf support members and said cooperating support of said shelf rail releasably engage to support and cantilever said partial shelf.

8. The refrigerator defined in claim 7 wherein said partial shelf engages said shelf rail at a plurality of horizontal locations.

9. The refrigerator defined in claim 1 wherein said partial shelf engages said shelf rail at a plurality of horizontal locations.

10. The refrigerator defined in claim 9 wherein said partial shelf has at least one locking hook releasably engaging said shelf rail.

11. The refrigerator defined in claim 10 wherein said locking hook has an elongated leg defining a space between said leg and said partial shelf to receive a portion of said shelf rail, said leg extending along and adjacent to a side of said shelf rail opposite said partial shelf, said leg bearing against said side to limit rotation of said partial shelf relative to said shelf rail.

12. The refrigerator defined in claim 9 further including a wear member interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail.

13. The refrigerator defined in claim 9 further including a wear member interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail.

14. The refrigerator defined in claim 1 further including a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track, opposite said first shelf track, to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted to couple in releasable supporting engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

and wherein said shelf rail extends at least fully across said first width and said second width, said shelf rail including projecting members to releasably engage at least said first shelf track and said third shelf track.

15. The refrigerator defined in claim 1 wherein said partial shelf has at least one locking hook releasably engaging said shelf rail, said locking hook having an elongated leg defining a space between said leg and said partial shelf to receive a portion of said shelf rail, said leg extending along and adjacent to a side of said shelf rail opposite said partial shelf, said leg bearing against said side to limit rotation of said partial shelf relative to said shelf rail.

16. In a refrigerator having a refrigerated compartment with at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations, the improvement of refrigerator shelving comprising the combination of:

a full shelf extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said full shelf having a support bracket coupled with at least one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to support said full shelf;

a shelf rail mounted on said first and second shelf tracks and extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said shelf rail including projecting members for releasable engagement with said first and second shelf tracks at said plurality of vertically spaced locations, said shelf rail having an elongated body, said projecting members extending from said elongated body and having a first hook for releasable engagement with said first shelf track and a second hook for releasable engagement with said second shelf track, said second hook being spaced along a length of said shelf rail from said first hook;

a partial shelf mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said full shelf being in vertically spaced relation to said partial shelf when mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf being cantilevered from said shelf rail and including releasable engagement members for releasably engaging said shelf rail, said shelf rail having means for cooperating releasable engagement with said releasable engagement members of said partial shelf, said partial shelf engaging said shelf rail at a plurality of horizontal locations; and

a wear member interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail, said shelf rail having a top edge extending substantially along said length of said shelf rail, said wear member defining an open-sided channel extending along said top edge, said shelf rail extending through said open side with said top edge seated within said channel.

17. The refrigerator defined in claim 16 wherein said partial shelf has:

a shelf panel with a top surface for receiving and supporting an article set thereupon and a perimeter edge thereabout;

a rim molded from a resinous material about said perimeter edge to provide a liquid-tight seal between said shelf panel and said rim, said liquid-tight seal being formed during molding; and

at least one support bracket for supporting said partial shelf.

18. The refrigerator defined in claim 17 wherein said rim projects above said top surface to define a spill dam whereby a liquid disposed upon said top surface is contained by said rim and does not flow around said edge of said shelf panel.

19. The refrigerator defined in claim 18 wherein said rim is molded around at least a portion of said support bracket so that said shelf member and said support bracket are secured together by said rim.

20. The refrigerator defined in claim 17 wherein said refrigerator further includes a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track on the opposite side of said second shelf track from said first shelf track to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted for releasable engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

and wherein said shelf rail extends across said first width and said second width, said shelf rail having at least a third hook for releasable engagement with said third shelf track, said third hook being spaced along said length of said shelf rail from said first hook and said second hook.

21. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said refrigerated compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilever support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a shelf rail in said refrigerated compartment, said rail extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said shelf rail having an elongated body with integral rigid coupling members engaging said first shelf track and said second shelf track in releasable supporting engagement, said coupling members being spaced along a length of said shelf rail; and

a partial shelf releasably supported by said shelf rail in said refrigerated compartment, said partial shelf having a width less than said width between said first and second shelf tracks, and being supported by said shelf rail, said partial shelf further including a shelf panel with a top surface for receiving and supporting an article thereon and a peripheral edge thereabout, a rim molded from a moldable material along said perimeter edge to define a spill dam to contain any liquid disposed on said shelf panel, and a support engaging said shelf rail for supporting said shelf panel on said shelf rail, said partial shelf also having at least one locking hook releasably engaging said shelf rail, said locking hook having an elongated leg defining a space between said leg and said partial shelf to receive a portion of said shelf rail, said leg extending along and adjacent to a side of said shelf rail opposite said partial shelf, said leg bearing against said side to limit rotation of said partial shelf relative to said shelf rail.

22. In a refrigerator having a refrigerated compartment with at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations, the improvement of refrigerator shelving comprising the combination of:

a full shelf extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said full shelf having at least one support bracket coupled with at least one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to support said full shelf;

a shelf rail mounted on said first and second shelf tracks and extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks; and

a partial shelf mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said full shelf being in vertically spaced relation to said partial shelf when mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf having a shelf panel with a top surface for receiving and supporting an article set thereupon and a perimeter edge thereabout, having a rim molded from a resinous material about said perimeter edge to provide a liquid-tight seal between said shelf panel and said rim, said liquid-tight seal being formed during molding, and having at least one support bracket for supporting said partial shelf.

23. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilever support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a shelf rail in said compartment, said rail extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said shelf rail having an elongated body with integral rigid coupling members engaging said first shelf track and said second shelf track in releasable supporting engagement, said coupling members being spaced along a length of said shelf rail; and

a partial shelf in said compartment, said partial shelf having a width less than said width between said first and second shelf tracks, and being releasably supported by said shelf rail; and

a wear member interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail.

24. In a refrigerator having a refrigerated compartment with at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations, the improvement of refrigerator shelving comprising the combination of:

a full shelf extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said full shelf having at least one support bracket coupled with at least one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to support said full shelf;

a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track on a side of said second shelf opposite said first shelf track to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and define a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted for releasable engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a shelf rail mounted on said first and third shelf tracks and extending at least fully across said first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track, and said second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said shelf rail including projecting members for releasable engagement with at least said first shelf track and said third shelf track; and

a partial shelf mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track, said full shelf being in vertically spaced relation to said partial shelf mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf having a shelf panel with a top surface for receiving and supporting an article set thereupon and a perimeter edge thereabout;

having a rim molded from a resinous material about said perimeter edge to provide a liquid-tight seal between said shelf panel and said rim, said liquid-tight seal being formed during molding, and having at least one support bracket for supporting said partial shelf.

25. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a refrigerator shelving shelf rail having an elongated body extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said body including a first rigid portion releasably engaging said first shelf track, a second rigid portion spaced along a length of said shelf rail from said first rigid portion and releasably engaging said second shelf track, an upper edge and a lower edge extending along a length of said shelf rail, a generally vertical surface extending between said upper and lower edges and first and second rigid portions, a stiffener extending along said length of said shelf rail in said generally vertical surface intermediate said upper and lower edges, and a support along said length of said shelf rail to receive and support a shelf, said support including at least portions of said upper edge and said generally vertical support surface.

26. The refrigerator defined in claim 25 wherein said first rigid portion has at least a first hook with a leg releasably engaging said first shelf track, and wherein said second rigid portion has at least a second hook with a leg releasably engaging said second shelf track.

27. The refrigerator defined in claim 26 wherein one of said first hook and said second hook includes a tab extending in a direction generally opposite to said leg, said first tab engaging a corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to lock said one of said first hook and said second hook in engagement with said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

28. The refrigerator defined in claim 27 wherein:

said shelf rail is rotatable about an axis of rotation to couple said shelf rail with and to disengage said shelf rail from each of said first and second shelf tracks, said axis of rotation extending generally along said length of said shelf rail; and

said tab includes a stop hook, said stop hook releasably engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to limit rotation of said shelf rail to a position in which said tab is disengaged from and adjacent to said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

29. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a refrigerator shelving shelf rail having an elongated body extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said body including a first rigid portion releasably engaging said first shelf track, including a second rigid portion spaced along a length of said shelf rail from said first rigid portion and releasably engaging said second shelf track, including a stiffener extending along said length of said shelf rail, and including a support along said length to receive and support a shelf;

said first rigid portion having at least a first hook with a leg releasably engaging said first shelf track;

said second rigid portion having at least a second hook with a leg releasably engaging said second shelf track;

each of said first hook and said second hook including a tab extending in a direction generally opposite to said leg, each of said first hook and said second hook engaging a corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, each said tab engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to lock each of said first hook and said second hook in engagement with said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, each said tab including a stop hook, each said stop hook releasably engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to limit rotation of said shelf rail to a position in which said tab is disengaged from and adjacent to said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

30. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilever support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a shelf rail in said compartment, said rail extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said shelf rail having an elongated body with integral, rigid coupling members engaging said first shelf track and said second shelf track in releasable supporting engagement, said coupling members being spaced along a length of said shelf rail;

said coupling members including at least a first hook with a leg releasably engaging said first shelf track, and at least a second hook with a leg releasably engaging said second shelf track, said first hook and said second hook being spaced along said length of said shelf rail;

a partial shelf in said compartment, said partial shelf having a width less than said width between said first and second shelf tracks, and being releasably supported by said shelf rail, said partial shelf having at least one locking hook releasably engaging said shelf rail; and

a wear member interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail.

31. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a refrigerator shelving shelf rail having an elongated body extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said body including a first rigid portion releasably engaging said first shelf track, including a second rigid portion spaced along a length of said shelf rail from said first rigid portion and releasably engaging said second shelf track, including a stiffener extending along said length of said shelf rail, and including a support along said length to receive and support a shelf;

said first rigid portion having at least a first hook with a leg releasably engaging said first shelf track;

said second rigid portion having at least a second hook with a leg releasably engaging said second shelf track;

a partial shelf, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track, said partial shelf including support members, said support members releasably engaging said shelf rail, said support of said shelf rail cooperating in releasable engagement with said support members of said partial shelf to support said partial shelf.

32. The refrigerator defined in claim 31 wherein said shelf rail receives said partial shelf at a plurality of horizontal locations.

33. The refrigerator defined in claim 32 wherein a wear member is interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail.

34. The refrigerator shelving shelf rail defined in claim 33 wherein said shelf rail has a top edge extending substantially along said length of said shelf rail and wherein said wear member defines an open-sided channel extending along said top edge, said shelf rail extending through said open side of said wear member with said top edge of said shelf rail seated within said channel.

35. The refrigerator defined in claim 32 wherein said refrigerator further includes a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track, opposite said first shelf track, to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted to couple in releasable supporting engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

wherein said shelf rail extends at least fully across said first width and said second width; and

wherein said shelf rail has at least a third hook with a leg releasably engaging said third shelf track, said third hook being spaced along said length of said shelf rail from each of said first hook and said second hook.

36. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a refrigerator shelving shelf rail having an elongated body extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said body including a first rigid portion releasably engaging said first shelf track, including a second rigid portion spaced along a length of said shelf rail from said first rigid portion and releasably engaging said second shelf track, including a stiffener extending along said length of said shelf rail, and including a support along said length to receive and support a shelf; and

a partial shelf, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track, said partial shelf including support members, said support members releasably engaging said shelf rail, said support of said shelf rail cooperating in releasable engagement with said support members of said partial shelf to support said partial shelf.

37. The refrigerator defined in claim 36 wherein said shelf rail releasably receives said partial shelf at a plurality of horizontal locations.

38. The refrigerator defined in claim 36 wherein a wear member is interposed between said partial shelf and said shelf rail.

39. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilevered support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a refrigerator shelving shelf rail having an elongated body extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said body including a first rigid portion releasably engaging said first shelf track, including a second rigid portion spaced along a length of said shelf rail from said first rigid portion and releasably engaging said second shelf track, including a stiffener extending along said length of said shelf rail, and including a support along said length to receive and support a shelf; and

said refrigerator further including a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track, opposite said first shelf track, to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted to couple in releasable supporting engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

wherein said shelf rail extends at least fully across said first width and said second width; and

wherein said shelf rail has a third rigid portion releasably engaging said third shelf track, said third rigid portion being spaced along said length of said shelf rail from each of said first rigid portion and said second rigid portion.

40. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerated compartment;

at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontally spaced relation to each other and defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track also being adapted for releasable supporting engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilever support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations;

a shelf rail in said compartment, said rail extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks, said shelf rail having an elongated body with integral, rigid coupling members engaging said first shelf track and said second shelf track in releasable supporting engagement, said coupling members being spaced along a length of said shelf rail; and

a partial shelf in said compartment, said partial shelf having a width less than said width between said first and second shelf tracks, and being releasably supported by said shelf rail, said partial shelf further including a shelf panel with a top surface for receiving and supporting an article thereon and a peripheral edge thereabout, a rim molded from a moldable material along said perimeter edge to define a spill dam to contain any liquid disposed on said shelf panel, and a support engaging said shelf rail for supporting said shelf panel on said shelf rail.

41. The refrigerator defined in claim 40 wherein, said coupling members include at least a first hook with a leg releasably engaging said first shelf track, and at least a second hook with a leg releasably engaging said second shelf track, said first hook and said second hook being spaced along said length of said shelf rail.

42. The refrigerator defined in claim 41 wherein one of said first hook and said second hook includes a tab extending in a direction generally opposite to said leg, said one of said first hook and said second hook engaging a corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, said tab engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to lock said one of said first hook and said second hook in engagement with said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

43. The refrigerator defined in claim 42 wherein:

said shelf rail is rotatable about an axis of rotation to couple said shelf rail with and to disengage said shelf rail from each of said first and second shelf tracks, said axis of rotation extending generally along said length of said shelf rail; and

said tab includes a stop hook, said stop hook releasably engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to limit rotation of said shelf rail to a position in which said tab is disengaged from and adjacent to said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

44. The refrigerator shelving defined in claim 41 wherein each of said first hook and said second hook includes a tab extending in a direction generally opposite to said leg, each of said first hook and second hook engaging a corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, each said tab engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf rail and said second shelf rail to lock each of said first hook and said second hook in engagement with said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track, each said tab including a stop hook, each said stop hook releasably engaging said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track to limit rotation of said shelf rail to a position in which each said tab is disengaged from and adjacent to said corresponding one of said first shelf track and said second shelf track.

45. The refrigerator defined in claim 41 wherein said refrigerator further includes a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track, opposite said first shelf track, to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted to couple in releasable supporting engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

wherein said shelf rail extends at least fully across said first width and said second width; and

wherein said coupling members include at least a third hook with a leg releasably engaging said third shelf track, said third hook being spaced along said length of said shelf rail from each of said first hook and said second hook.

46. The refrigerator defined in claim 41 wherein said partial shelf has at least one locking hook releasably engaging said shelf rail.

47. The refrigerator defined in claim 46 wherein said locking hook has an elongated leg defining a space between said leg and said partial shelf to receive a portion of said shelf rail, said leg extending along and adjacent to a side of said shelf rail opposite said partial shelf, said leg bearing against said side to limit rotation of said partial shelf relative to said shelf rail.

48. The refrigerator defined in claim 40 wherein said refrigerator further includes a third shelf track, said third shelf track being generally parallel to and positioned in horizontally spaced relation to said second shelf track, opposite said first shelf track, to define a first width between said first shelf track and said second shelf track and a second width between said second shelf track and said third shelf track, said third shelf track being adapted to couple in releasable supporting engagement with said number of support brackets at said plurality of vertically spaced locations;

and wherein said shelf rail extends at least fully across said first width and said second width, said coupling members of said shelf rail coupling in releasable engagement with at least said first shelf track and said third shelf track.

49. In a refrigerator having a refrigerated compartment with at least a first shelf track and a second shelf track mounted in said compartment, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being generally vertically oriented in horizontal spaced relation to each other defining a width therebetween, each of said first shelf track and said second shelf track being adapted for releasable engagement with a number of support brackets for cantilever support of a number of shelves at a plurality of vertically spaced locations, the improvement of refrigerator shelving comprising the combination of:

a shelf rail mounted on said first and said second shelf tracks and extending at least fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks; and

a partial shelf mounted on said shelf rail, said partial shelf extending less than fully across said width between said first and second shelf tracks said partial shelf having a shelf panel with a top surface for receiving and supporting an article set thereupon and a perimeter edge thereabout, having a rim molded from a resinous material about said perimeter edge to provide a liquid-tight seal between said shelf panel and said rim, said liquid-tight seal being formed during molding, and having at least one support bracket for supporting said partial shelf.

50. The refrigerator defined in claim 49 wherein said rim projects above said top surface to define a spill dam so that a liquid disposed upon said top surface is contained by said rim and does not flow around the edge of said shelf panel.

51. The refrigerator defined in claim 50 wherein said rim is molded around at least a portion of said support bracket so that said shelf member and said support bracket are secured together by said rim.