WO2018204215A1

WO2018204215A1 - Refrigerator shelf

Info

Publication number: WO2018204215A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/030077
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian J. Stewart; Matthew Mcmillin; Mark A. GRITTON
Original assignee: Ssw Holding Company, Llc
Priority date: 2017-05-02
Filing date: 2018-04-30
Publication date: 2018-11-08
Also published as: US20200080768A1; MX2019013035A

Abstract

A refrigerator shelf includes a support frame (103) having left and right sideplate brackets (102, 104) and at least a first cross-bar (112) extending between and attached to the sideplate brackets. A shelf panel (106) is supported on the support frame in contact with the left and right sideplate brackets and above the first cross-bar. The shelf panel has top and bottom surfaces, left and right edges, and front and rear edges. A first trim and retention feature (108) is attached to a selected edge of the front or rear edge of the shelf panel and mounts the shelf panel to the support frame. The first trim and retention feature includes first and second trim components (128, 130) cooperatively securing the selected edge of the shelf panel to the support frame.

Description

REFRIGERATOR SHELF

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001 ] The present disclosure is related to refrigerator shelves and, more particularly, refrigerator shelves with front and/or rear trim components.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Appliances contain shelves and similar storage devices within the appliance interior to organize and support stored goods such as food and containers. These shelves and similar storage devices can be made from a variety of materials including glass, plastic, wood and metals, such as wire and sheet steel. In refrigerators, for example, some known shelving solutions include a glass shelf panel resting on a pair of cantilever sideplate brackets that lock into corresponding features at the back of the refrigerator cavity. The front edge of the glass panel can be exposed or can include a trim piece for aesthetic purposes, and also to provide a softer edge for absorbing shocks from containers being placed into the refrigerator. Similarly, the rear edge of the glass panel can be exposed or can include a rear trim component that is slightly raised above the top surface of the glass shelf to act as a stopper or bumper preventing items from falling off of the back of the shelf. Some examples of such products are discussed in the literature including, for example, US Patent No. 4,736,997, US Patent No. 4,923,260, US Patent No. 5,332,61 1 , US Patent No. 8,684,479, and US Patent No. 8,850,839.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a refrigerator shelf constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and having a shelf panel, opposite cantilevered side brackets, and front and rear trim assemblies.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a detail view showing the front trim assembly of Fig. 1 taken from circle II of Fig. 1 . [0005] Fig. 3 is a detail view showing the rear trim assembly of Fig. 1 taken from circle III of Fig. 1 .

[0006] Fig. 4 is a side view of the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 1 .

[0007] Fig. 5 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 1 and 4 taken from circle V of Fig. 4.

[0008] Fig. 6 is cross-sectional view through the front trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 1 taken through line VI-VI of Fig. 1 .

[0009] Fig. 7 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 4 taken from circle VII of Fig. 4.

[0010] Fig. 8 is cross-sectional view through the rear trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 1 taken through line VIM-VIM of Fig. 1 .

[001 1 ] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 1 .

[0012] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a refrigerator shelf constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and having a shelf panel, opposite cantilevered side brackets, and front and rear trim assemblies.

[0013] Fig. 1 1 is a detail view showing the front trim assembly of Fig. 10 taken from circle XI of Fig. 10.

[0014] Fig. 12 is a detail view showing the rear trim assembly of Fig. 10 taken from circle XII of Fig. 10.

[0015] Fig. 13 is a side view of the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 10.

[0016] Fig. 14 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 10 and 13 taken from circle XIV of Fig. 13.

[0017] Fig. 15 is cross-sectional view through the front trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 10 taken through line XV-XV of Fig. 10. [0018] Fig. 16 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 10 and 13 taken from circle XVI of Fig. 13.

[0019] Fig. 17 is cross-sectional view through the rear trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 10 taken through line XVII-XVII of Fig. 10.

[0020] Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 10.

[0021 ] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a refrigerator shelf constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and having a shelf panel, opposite cantilevered side brackets, and front and rear trim assemblies.

[0022] Fig. 20 is a detail view showing the front trim assembly of Fig. 19 taken from circle XX of Fig. 19.

[0023] Fig. 21 is a detail view showing the rear trim assembly of Fig. 19 taken from circle XXI of Fig. 19.

[0024] Fig. 22 is a side view of the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 19.

[0025] Fig. 23 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 19 and 22 taken from circle XXIII of Fig. 22.

[0026] Fig. 24 is cross-sectional view through the front trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 19 taken through line XXIV-XXIV of Fig. 19.

[0027] Fig. 25 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 19 and 22 taken from circle XXV of Fig. 22.

[0028] Fig. 26 is cross-sectional view through the rear trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 19 taken through line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 19.

[0029] Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 19. [0030] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a refrigerator shelf constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and having a shelf panel, opposite cantilevered side brackets, and front and rear trim assemblies.

[0031 ] Fig. 29 is a detail view showing the front trim assembly of Fig. 28 taken from circle

XXIX of Fig. 28.

[0032] Fig. 30 is a detail view showing the rear trim assembly of Fig. 28 taken from circle

XXX of Fig. 28.

[0033] Fig. 31 is a side view of the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 28.

[0034] Fig. 32 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 28 and 31 taken from circle XXXII of Fig. 31 .

[0035] Fig. 33 is cross-sectional view through the front trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 28 taken through line XXXIII-XXXIII of Fig. 28.

[0036] Fig. 34 is a detail view of the refrigerator shelf of Figs. 28 and 31 taken from circle XXXIV of Fig. 31 .

[0037] Fig. 35 is cross-sectional view through the rear trim assembly of the shelf assembly of Fig. 28 taken through line XXXV-XXXV of Fig. 28.

[0038] Fig. 36 is an exploded perspective view the refrigerator shelf of Fig. 28.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure is directed to a new refrigerator shelf assembly that advantageously allows for the efficient assembly, customization, and interchangeability of certain front and/or rear trim components based on desired aesthetic and/or functional requirements, while utilizing conventional support frame structure. Moreover, other features of the new refrigerator shelf assembly include a robust cantilevered support system providing a clean edgeless appearance, while also protecting against undesired side impact. The foregoing sets forth four embodiments of such an assembly, each incorporating the same novel features recited in the appending claims.

[0040] As generally shown in Figs. 1 to 27, various embodiments of the disclosed refrigerator shelf assembly utilizes a traditional cantilever support frame with glass shelf panel, but with a two-piece trim and retention feature that also retains the shelf panel on the support frame at the front of the shelf panel and a one piece trim feature at the rear. Alternatively, some versions of the disclosed system could place the two-piece trim and retention feature at the rear of the shelf and a one-piece trim at the front. In other versions, such as that depicted in Figs. 28 to 36, both the front and rear edges of the shelf can be equipped with a two-piece trim and retention feature. The two piece trim and retention feature allows the shelf to be assembled via a simple mechanical fit and eliminates the need for any adhesives or other fasteners such as clips or screws to secure the shelf panel to the support brackets or to secure the trim and retention features to the shelf panel. The trim and retention feature includes a first trim component connected to the support frame below the shelf panel and a second trim component removable attached to the first trim component and contacting the top surface of the shelf panel. The second trim component can be easily interchanged and made from different materials and/or colors for customization by consumers. Different style and shape components, and even lighted components, could be made available for sale to consumers as an aftermarket accessory.

When used at the rear of the shelf the interchangeable trim components could be designed to include upright sections to prevent stored items from being pushed off of the rear of the shelf. Other rear trim designs could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

Examples of different trim component configurations are shown in Figures 6, 8, 15, 17, 24, 26, 33 and 35. [0041 ] The cantilever frame is conventional and includes two sideplate brackets joined together by front and rear wire rods welded or attached to the sideplate brackets by other means commonly known in the prior art.

[0042] The shelf could also be manufactured to include hydrophobic border treatments to provide spillproof features.

[0043] Other novel features include the manner in which the support frame supports the shelf panel. Specifically, each sideplate bracket includes a rib extending inward, on which the shelf panel can rest. The location of the rib on each sideplate bracket is different from prior art in that the rib is intentionally placed higher vertically, as can be seen for example in Figures 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27, 31 and 36. So configured, the top surface of the shelf panel is disposed above the top edge of the sideplate bracket but the lower surface of the shelf panel is disposed below the top edge of the sideplate bracket. This advantageously allows the top edge of the sideplate bracket to protect the lower portion of the side face of the shelf panel from side impact, while allowing the entire top surface at the left and right edges of the shelf panel to be unobstructed by the sideplate bracket. This arrangement allows for an edgeless appearance at the sides of the shelf, maximizes usable shelf space and allows for unencumbered, easy movement of stored goods between side-by-side shelves positioned in a common plane such as when used in a French door style refrigerator. In addition, the supporting rib on the sideplate brackets extends substantially entirely along the length of the shelf panel from the front to the rear, thereby maximizing support area for the bottom side of the shelf panel and minimizing or eliminating any gap of open space that may otherwise be present between the sideplate bracket and the adjacent side face of the shelf panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figs. 1 to 9 illustrate a first embodiment of a refrigerator shelf 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure including a support frame 103 having opposite left and right sideplate brackets 102, 104 connected by front and rear cross-bars 1 12, 1 14, a substantially flat, planar shelf panel 106 such as a glass shelf panel, and front and rear trim and retention features 108, 1 10.

[0045] The shelf panel 106 includes a bottom surface 132, a top surface 134, a left edge 136, a right edge 138, a front edge 140, and a rear edge 142. Because the shelf panel 106 has a thickness, each of the edges 136, 138, 140, 142 also includes a corresponding edge face 136a, 138a, 140a, 142a. Each of the sideplate brackets 102, 104 includes a generally flat piece of stamped metal with a front end 1 16, a rear end 1 18, an inner surface 1 19, and an outer surface 121 . The rear end 1 18 includes a hook 120 and a tab 122 for mounting into a ladder rack type assembly on the rear wall of a refrigerator compartment, for example, to hold the support frame 103 in a cantilevered fashion. As best seen in Fig. 9, the inner surface 1 19 of each sideplate bracket 102, 104 includes a rib 124 protruding therefrom toward the inner surface 1 19 other of the left and right sideplate brackets 102, 104. In the present embodiment, the rib 124 is stamped into the sideplate brackets 102, 104 so this results in a corresponding recess 125 formed on the outer surface 121 of each of the sideplate brackets 102, 104. In other versions, the rib 124 can be embodied differently. As can be seen, each rib 124 is located near a top edge 126 of the sideplate brackets 102, 104 and extends substantially entirely between the front and rear ends 1 16, 1 18.

[0046] As mentioned above, the embodiment of the refrigerator shelf 100 shown in Figs. 1 -9 includes a two-piece front trim and retention feature 108 and a one-piece rear trim and retention feature 1 10. The front trim and retention feature 108 includes a first trim component 128 and a second trim component 130 cooperatively securing the front edge 140 to the support frame 103.

[0047] The first trim component 128 extends across a width of the shelf panel 106 between the left and right edges 136, 138 and includes a mounting feature 144, best seen in Figs. 5 and

6, disposed adjacent to the edge face 140a of the front edge 140 of the shelf panel 106, and a securing arm 146 extending from the mounting feature 144 adjacent to the bottom surface 132 of the shelf panel 106 and coupled to the support frame 103. The securing arm 146 includes a leg portion 148 extending from the mounting feature 144 and a hook portion 150 extending from the leg portion 148. The leg portion 148 is generally flat and straight and is disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface 132 of the shelf panel 106 and the front cross-bar 1 12. The hook portion 150 is generally C-shaped curving downward away from the bottom surface 132 of the shelf panel 106 and is hooked around the first cross-bar 1 12. Still referring to Fig. 6, the mounting feature 144 on the first trim component 128 includes a face plate member 152 disposed in a generally vertical plane orthogonal to the leg portion 148 of the securing arm 146, thus having a generally T-shaped cross-section. The second trim component 130 is removably attached to the mounting feature 144 of the first trim component 128 and includes a mounting recess 154, a flange portion 156, and an exposed flat front face 158. The flange portion 156 extends above and in contact with the top surface 134 of the shelf panel 106. The recess 154 includes a T-shaped cross-section corresponding to and slidably receiving the T-shaped cross- section of the mounting feature 144 on the first trim component 128.

[0048] The foregoing arrangement relies on cooperation between the first and second trim components 128, 130 to secure the front edge 140 to the support frame 103. This is achieved although the first trim component 128 of the front trim and retention feature 108 does not extend above or contact the top surface 134 of the shelf panel 106. Rather, the front edge 140 of the shelf panel 106 is sandwiched between the first and second trim components 128, 130, with the first trim component 128 securely coupled to the front cross-bar 1 12 of the support frame 103. Thus, it can be seen that the first trim component 128 serves as a standard component and the second trim component 130 can be removed, replaced, and/or exchanged with a different component with different shape, color, appearance, etc.

[0049] Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, the one-piece rear trim and retention feature 1 10 of the present embodiment includes a rear trim component 160 extending across a width of the shelf panel 106 between the left and right edges 136, 138. The rear trim component 160 includes a gripping portion 162 and a hook portion 164, collectively defining a generally S- shaped cross-section as seen in Fig. 8. The gripping portion 162 defines a top flange portion 165 extending along and in contact with the top surface 134 of the shelf panel 106, a bottom flange portion 166 extending along and in contact with the bottom surface 132 of the shelf panel 106, and a bight portion 168 connecting the top and bottom flange portions 165, 166 and extending adjacent to the edge face 142a of the rear edge 142 of the shelf panel 106. The hook portion 164 of the rear trim component 160 is curved and generally C-shaped and extends down from the bottom flange portion 166 and hooks onto the rear cross-bar 1 14. Therefore, the hook portion 164 of the rear trim component 160 is coupled to the support frame 103, while the gripping portion 162 is coupled to the shelf panel 106. In this manner, the rear trim component 160 effectively secures the rear edge 142 of the shelf panel 106 to the support frame 103.

[0050] When the refrigerator shelf 100 is fully assembled, the front trim and retention feature 108 secures the front edge 140 of the shelf panel 106 to the support frame 103, while the rear trim and retention feature 1 10 secures the rear edge 142 of the shelf panel 106 to the support frame 103. In this manner, the front and rear cross-bars 1 12, 1 14 support the front and rear edges 140, 142, respectively, of the shelf panel 106 via the front and rear trim and retention features 108, 1 10. Moreover, in this assembled configuration, the shelf panel 106 can rest on the ribs 124 protruding from the inner surfaces 1 19 of the left and right sideplate brackets 102, 104. In some versions, the shelf panel 106 can always rest directly on the ribs 124. In other versions, due to tolerances of the shelf panel 106 and the stamped ribs 124, the shelf panel 106 may only rest on portions of the ribs 124, and the application of a load to the top surface 134 of the shelf panel 106 may increase the contact area between the shelf panel 106 and ribs 124. As mentioned above, the ribs 124 extend substantially entirely between the front and rear ends 1 16, 1 18 of the sideplate brackets 102, 104 and this means that the ribs 124 also extend substantially entirely between the front and rear edges 140, 142 of the shelf panel 106 at the left and right edges 136, 138. In this manner, the ribs 124 maximize the potential for engaging and supporting the shelf panel 106 and also minimize the appearance of any visible gaps between the left and right edges 136, 138 of the shelf panel 106 and the respective inner surfaces 1 19 of the left and right sideplate brackets 136, 138.

[0051 ] As mentioned above, the front trim and retention feature 108 and rear trim and retention feature 1 10 can be altered and changed within the scope of the invention. In fact, as discussed, the front trim and retention feature 108 can be easily customized by simply replacing the second trim component 130 with a different second trim component having a different shape, color or profile, for example. In one version, the flat-faced second trim component 130 described in reference to Figs. 1 to 9 can be replaced with a rounded or bull-nose second trim component 130, as depicted in Figs. 10 to 18, or a second trim component having a resilient tongue 162, as depicted in Figs. 19 to 27. Similarly, and as also depicted in Figs. 10 to 18 and 19 to 27, the rear trim and retention feature 1 10 can be substituted with a different feature having an upstanding stop edge 170 to assist in retaining items on the shelf panel 106.

[0052] As also suggested above, one embodiment of a refrigerator shelf 100 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can include two-piece trim and retention features on both the front edge 140 and the rear edge 142 of the shelf panel 106. Such an embodiment is disclosed in Figs. 28 to 36. In Figs. 28 to 36, only those aspects that are distinct from prior described aspects will be described in any detail. The shelf panel 106 and support frame 103 are identical to those described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. The front trim and retention feature 108 is identical to the rounded or bull-nose version depicted and described in reference to Figs. 10 to 18, so will not be described again. The rear trim and retention feature 1 10, however, also includes a two-piece feature that is essentially an identical mirror image of the two-piece front trim and retention feature 108 in Figs. 28 to 36. As such, the details need not be repeated.

[0053] Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a unique arrangement for a two-piece trim and retention feature on the front, rear or both of a shelf panel of a refrigerator shelf. The two-piece feature includes a standard first component coupled to the support frame, and a customizable and interchangeable second component that acts with the first component to secure the shelf to the support frame. The shelf panel is therefore not secured to the support frame with adhesive in this embodiment. As disclosed, the second component can be made to have different profiles, geometries, features, colors, etc. In fact, one embodiment of the present invention can include a kit or set of a plurality of distinct second trim components from which a selected component can be retrieved and assembled onto the shelf.

[0054] Also based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure provides a unique arrangement for the sideplate brackets of a cantilevered support frame having support ribs positioned such that the bottom surface of the shelf panel resides below a top edge of the sideplate brackets and a top surface of the shelf panel resides above the top edge of the sideplate brackets. This provides the top of the glass with a clean no-trim appearance, while also advantageously providing side impact protection to the glass shelf panel. Further, the above disclosure includes the unique aspect that the support ribs on the sideplate brackets extend substantially entirely between the front and rear ends of the brackets, and also the front and rear edges of the shelf panel to advantageously eliminate the appearance of any gaps or other spaces that might exist in conventional brackets with shorter ribs or brackets with multiple ribs spaced apart. Thus, it can be understood that with these novel aspects the shelf panel may be supported on the sideplate brackets with one or more trim and retention features according to any of the versions disclosed. That is, in one embodiment, the novel sideplate brackets and shelf panel arrangement may be combined with two-piece front and rear trim and retention features. In other versions, a two-piece trim and retention feature may be used on the front or rear only, while a one-piece feature may be used on the other. In still other variations, both the front and rear trim and retention features can include one-piece features such as those illustrated and described in reference to Figs. 1 to 27. [0055] The foregoing description is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the scope or breadth of the following claims. Alternative embodiments not specifically disclosed herein but within the scope of the claims are intended to be a part of this written description.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1 . A refrigerator shelf comprising: a support frame comprising left and right sideplate brackets and at least a first cross-bar extending between and attached to the left and right sideplate brackets; a shelf panel supported on the support frame in contact with the left and right sideplate brackets and above the first cross-bar, the shelf panel having top and bottom surfaces, left and right edges, and front and rear edges; a first trim and retention feature attached to a selected edge of the front or rear edge of the shelf panel and mounting the shelf panel to the support frame, the first trim and retention feature comprising first and second trim components cooperatively securing the selected edge of the shelf panel to the support frame, the first trim component extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right edges and including a mounting feature disposed adjacent to the selected edge of the shelf panel and a securing arm extending from the mounting feature adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame, and the second trim component removably attached to the mounting feature of the first trim component and including a flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel.

2. The refrigerator shelf of claim 1 , wherein the securing arm of the first trim component comprises a leg portion extending from the mounting feature and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the first cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the first cross-bar

3. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting feature on the first trim component includes a T-shaped cross-section and the second trim component includes a T-shaped recess receiving the T-shaped mounting feature.

4. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second trim component is selected from a plurality of available second trim components comprising different profiles, geometries, and/or materials.

5. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first trim

component of the first trim and retention feature does not extend above the top surface of the shelf panel.

6. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first trim

component of the first trim and retention feature does not contact the top surface of the shelf panel.

7. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first cross-bar is disposed adjacent to the front edge of the shelf panel and the first trim and retention feature is attached to the front edge of the shelf panel.

8. The refrigerator shelf of claim 7, further comprising a second cross-bar disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the shelf panel, and a second trim and retention feature attached to the rear edge of the shelf panel.

9. The refrigerator shelf of claim 8, wherein the second trim and retention feature includes: a third trim component extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right edges, the third trim component including a securing arm extending adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame.

10. The refrigerator shelf of claim 9, wherein the securing arm of the third trim component comprise a leg portion and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the second cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the second cross-bar.

1 1 . The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the third trim component comprises a mounting feature disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the shelf panel and connected to the securing arm, and further comprising a fourth trim component removably attached to the mounting feature of the third trim component and including a flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel such that the third and fourth trim components cooperatively secure the rear edge of the shelf panel to the support frame.

12. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein each sideplate bracket includes: an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface attached to the at least one first cross-bar and facing the opposite sideplate bracket; a front end and a rear end, the rear end including at least one hook for mounting the support bracket in a cantilevered fashion; and a rib protruding inward from the inner surface and extending along substantially the entire length between the front and rear ends of the sideplate bracket; the shelf panel supported on the support frame such that the bottom surface of the shelf panel can contact the rib on each of the left and right side supports such that the ribs extend substantially entirely between the front edge and the rear edge of the shelf panel.

13. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the top surface of the shelf panel is disposed above a top edge of the sideplate brackets, and the bottom surface of the shelf panel is disposed below the top edge of the sideplate brackets.

14. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the shelf panel is not secured to the support frame with adhesive.

15. A refrigerator shelf comprising : a support frame comprising opposite left and right sideplate brackets and opposite front and rear cross-bars extending between and attached to the left and right sideplate brackets; each sideplate bracket including: an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface attached to the front and rear cross-bars and facing the opposite sideplate bracket, a front end and a rear end, the rear end including at least one hook for mounting the support bracket in a cantilevered fashion, and a rib protruding inward from the inner surface and extending substantially entirely between the front and rear ends of the sideplate bracket; and a shelf panel having opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite front and rear edges, and opposite left and right edges, the shelf panel supported on the support frame such that the bottom surface of the shelf panel can contact with the rib on each of the left and right sideplate brackets such that the ribs extend substantially entirely between the front edge and the rear edge of the shelf panel.

16. The refrigerator shelf of claim 14, further comprising: a first trim and retention feature attached to a selected edge of the front or rear edge of the shelf panel adjacent to a selected cross-bar of the front or rear cross-bars and mounting the shelf panel to the support frame, the first trim and retention feature comprising first and second trim components cooperatively securing the selected edge of the shelf panel to the support frame, the first trim component extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right side edges, the first trim component including a mounting feature disposed adjacent to the selected edge of the shelf panel and a securing arm extending from the mounting feature adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame, and the second trim component removably attached to the mounting feature of the first trim component and including a flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel.

17. The refrigerator shelf of claim 16, wherein the securing arm comprises a leg portion extending from the mounting feature and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the selected cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the selected cross-bar

18. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the mounting feature on the first trim component includes a T-shaped cross-section and the second trim component includes a T-shaped recess receiving the T-shaped mounting feature.

19. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the second trim component is selected from a plurality of available second trim components comprising different profiles, geometries, and/or materials.

20. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first trim component of the first trim and retention feature does not extend above the top surface of the shelf panel.

21 . The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the first trim component of the first trim and retention feature does not contact the top surface of the shelf panel.

22. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the selected edge is the front edge and the selected cross-bar is the front cross-bar.

23. The refrigerator shelf of claim 22, further comprising a second trim and retention feature attached to the rear edge of the shelf panel and the rear cross-bar of the support frame.

24. The refrigerator shelf of claim 23, wherein the second trim and retention feature includes: a third trim component extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right side edges, the third trim component including a securing arm extending adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame.

25. The refrigerator shelf of claim 24, wherein the securing arm comprises a leg portion extending and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the rear cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the rear cross-bar.

26. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the third trim component further comprises a mounting feature disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the shelf panel connected to he securing arm, and further comprising a fourth trim component removably attached to the mounting feature of the third trim component and including a flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel such that the combination of the third and fourth trim components secures the shelf panel to the support frame.

27. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the top surface of the shelf panel is disposed above a top edge of the sideplate brackets, and the bottom surface of the shelf panel is disposed below the top edge of the sideplate brackets.

28. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein the shelf panel is not secured to the support frame with adhesive.

29. A refrigerator shelf comprising: a support frame comprising opposite left and right sideplate brackets and opposite front and rear cross-bars extending between and attached to the left and right sideplate brackets; each sideplate bracket including: an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface attached to the front and rear cross-bars and facing the opposite sideplate bracket, a front end and a rear end, the rear end including at least one hook for mounting the support bracket in a cantilevered fashion, and a rib protruding inward from the inner surface and extending at least partially between the front and rear ends of the sideplate bracket; a shelf panel having opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite front and rear edges, and opposite left and right edges, the shelf panel supported on the support frame such that the bottom surface of the shelf panel can contact the rib on each of the left and right sideplate brackets and located below a top edge of the sideplate brackets, and the top surface of the shelf panel is located above the top edge of the sideplate brackets.

30. The refrigerator shelf of claim 29, further comprising at least one of a front trim and retention feature mounted on the front edge of the shelf panel and securing the shelf panel to the support frame, and a rear trim and retention feature mounted on the rear edge of the shelf panel and securing the shelf panel to the support frame.

31 . The refrigerator shelf of claim 30, wherein the front trim and retention feature is a one-piece or a two-piece trim and retention feature and the rear trim and retention feature is a one-piece or a two-piece trim and retention feature.

32. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the rib on each of the left and right sideplate brackets extends substantially entirely between the front and rear ends of the sideplate brackets.

33. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the rib on each of left and right sideplate brackets extends substantially entirely between the front edge and the rear edge of the shelf panel.

34. The refrigerator shelf of claim 31 , comprising the front trim and retention feature that includes a two-piece trim and retention feature, the front trim and retention feature comprising first and second trim components cooperatively securing the selected edge of the shelf panel to the support frame, the first trim component extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right side edges, the first trim component including a mounting feature disposed adjacent to the selected edge of the shelf panel and a securing arm extending from the mounting feature adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame, and the second trim component removably attached to the mounting feature of the first trim component and including a flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel.

35. The refrigerator shelf of claim 34, wherein the securing arm comprises a leg portion extending from the mounting feature and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the selected cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the selected cross-bar

36. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein the mounting feature on the first trim component includes a T-shaped cross-section and the second trim component includes a T-shaped recess receiving the T-shaped mounting feature.

37. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the second trim component is selected from a plurality of available second trim components comprising different profiles, geometries, and/or materials.

38. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the first trim component of the first trim and retention feature does not extend above the top surface of the shelf panel.

39. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the first trim component of the first trim and retention feature does not contact the top surface of the shelf panel.

40. The refrigerator shelf of claim 34, comprising the rear trim and retention feature that is a two-piece trim and retention feature attached to the rear edge of the shelf panel and the rear cross-bar of the support frame.

41 . The refrigerator shelf of claim 40, wherein the rear trim and retention feature includes: a third trim component extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right side edges, the third trim component including a mounting feature disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the shelf panel and a securing arm extending from the mounting feature adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame; and a fourth trim component removably attached to the mounting feature of the third trim component and including a flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel such that the combination of the third and fourth trim components secures the shelf panel to the support frame.

42. The refrigerator shelf of claim 41 , wherein the securing arm comprises a leg portion extending from the mounting feature and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the rear cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the rear cross-bar.

43. The refrigerator shelf of claim 31 , wherein the front trim and retention feature is a one-piece trim and retention feature extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right side edges and having a securing arm extending adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame and a top flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel such that the securing arm and top flange portion cooperatively secure the front edge of the shelf panel to the support frame, and the rear trim and retention feature is a one-piece trim and retention feature extending across a width of the shelf panel between the left and right side edges and having a securing arm extending adjacent to the bottom surface of the shelf panel and coupled to the support frame and a top flange portion extending above and in contact with the top surface of the shelf panel such that the securing arm and top flange portion cooperatively secure the rear edge of the shelf panel to the support frame.

44. The refrigerator shelf of claim 43, wherein the securing arm of the front trim and retention feature comprises a leg portion and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the front cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the front cross-bar.

45. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 43 to 44, wherein the securing arm of the rear trim and retention feature comprises a leg portion and a hook portion extending from the leg portion, the leg portion disposed between and in contact with the bottom surface of the shelf panel and the rear cross-bar and the hook portion hooked around the rear cross-bar.

46. The refrigerator shelf of any one of claims 29 to 45, wherein the shelf panel is not secured to the support frame with adhesive.