Refrigerator shelf with overflow protection system including hydrophobic layer

Abstract

A refrigerator shelf is provided that includes a carrier plate and overflow protection. The carrier plate has a top side with a middle region for standing containers, with the overflow protection arranged around the middle region. The overflow protection includes, in a first portion, a hydrophobic layer on the carrier plate and, in a second portion which adjoins the first portion, a frame element.

Claims

1. A refrigerator shelf comprising: a carrier plate having a top side with a middle region configured to receive standing containers; and an overflow protection system arranged around the middle region, the overflow protection system having, in a first portion, only a hydrophobic layer on the carrier plate and, in a second portion which adjoins the first portion, an unreleasable frame element, the hydrophobic layer running at least as far as a lower edge of the frame element, but not underneath the frame element.

2. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the overflow protection system further comprises portions which, together with the first and the second portion, provide overflow protection.

3. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the overflow protection system completely surrounds the middle region of the carrier plate.

4. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic layer is arranged along an outer margin of the carrier plate in the form of a band.

5. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 4, wherein the band has a width of 0.5 to 5 cm.

6. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic layer has a layer thickness of 5 nm to 500 m.

7. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic layer comprises an adhesive tape on the carrier plate.

8. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the frame element is arranged along an outer edge of the carrier plate and is connected, liquid-tight, to the carrier plate.

9. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the frame element projects vertically above the top side of the carrier plate by a height of 1.0 mm or more.

10. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the frame element further comprises at least one of a grip part for pulling out the shelf, a lateral guide rail, and a rear shelf boundary.

11. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the frame element is removable, so that liquid captured by the overflow protection system can be discharged in a controlled way.

12. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the overflow protection system further comprises a front-side portion on a front side of the shelf, a rear-side portion on a rear side of the shelf, and two lateral portions on sides of the shelf.

13. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 12, wherein the two lateral portions being designed, over an entire length, as hydrophobic layers, and the front-side and/or rear-side portion comprise, over an entire length, the frame element and/or a further frame element.

14. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic layer continues on an edge of the frame element that rises above the lower edge of the frame element.

15. A refrigerator shelf comprising: a carrier plate having a top side configured to receive standing containers; and an overflow protection system arranged along all edges of the carrier plate and projecting above the top side so that liquid is captured on the top side, the overflow protection system comprising a band of hydrophobic layer on the top side of the carrier plate running along at least one of the edges and an unreleasable frame element connected, liquid-tight, to the carrier plate and running along a remainder of the edges, wherein the remainder of the edges do not include the band of hydrophobic layer running along an entire length, and wherein the frame element is a separate component from the carrier plate.

16. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, wherein at least a part of the frame element is removable.

17. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, wherein the band runs along more than one edge.

18. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, further comprising a transition region between the band and the frame element, wherein the transition region does not extend underneath a lower edge of the frame element.

19. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 18, wherein the transition region extends onto a wall of the frame element, wherein the wall rises above the lower edge of the frame element.

20. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, further comprising a transition region between the band and the frame element, wherein the transition region extends under the frame element.

21. A refrigerator shelf comprising: a carrier plate having a top side with a middle region configured to receive standing containers and an outer region that completely surrounds the middle region, the outer region consisting of a front portion, a rear portion, and lateral side portions; and an overflow protection system arranged on the outer region, the overflow protection system comprising a hydrophobic layer and an unreleasable frame element, the hydrophobic layer being on a first portion of the outer region and exerting overflow protection to the first portion due only to hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic layer, and the frame element connected, liquid-tight on a second portion of the outer region and exerting overflow protection to the second portion as a physical barrier because of a vertical extent projecting above the top side; and a transition region between the hydrophobic layer and the frame element, at the transition region the hydrophobic layer either extends to the frame element but not underneath the frame element, or extends under the frame element.

22. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the outer region is the lateral side portions, and wherein the second portion of the outer region is the front and rear portions.

23. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the outer region is the lateral side portions and the rear portion, and wherein the second portion of the outer region is the front portion.

24. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the outer region is the lateral side portions and the front portion, and wherein the second portion of the outer region is the rear portion.

25. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the outer region is the front and rear portions, and wherein the second portion of the outer region is the lateral side portions.

26. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the outer region is the front portion, and wherein the second portion of the outer region is the lateral side portions and the rear portion.

27. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the first portion of the outer region is only central sections of the lateral side portions, and wherein the second portion of the outer region is the front and rear portions and remaining sections of the lateral side portions.

28. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein, in the transition region, the hydrophobic layer terminates at a lower edge of the frame element.

29. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein, in the transition region, the hydrophobic layer runs passed a lower edge of the frame element so as to extend under the frame element.

30. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein, in the transition region, the hydrophobic layer runs to a lower edge of the frame element and runs on a vertical edge of the frame element.

31. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 30, wherein the hydrophobic layer terminates at an end of the vertical edge of the frame element.

32. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein at least a part of the frame element is removable, so that liquid captured by the overflow protection system can be discharged in a controlled way.

33. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the frame element exerts overflow protection to the second portion only as the physical barrier.

34. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, wherein the hydrophobic layer runs at least as far as the lower edge of the frame element, but not underneath the frame element.

35. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the hydrophobic layer runs at least as far as the lower edge of the frame element, but not underneath the frame element.

36. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the carrier plate has a front portion and the frame element is arranged along the front portion.

37. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, wherein the carrier plate has a front portion and the frame element is arranged along the front portion.

38. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the frame element is arranged along the front portion.

39. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator shelf does not have a fastening element to hold the refrigerator shelf in a refrigerator.

40. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, wherein the refrigerator shelf does not have a fastening element to hold the refrigerator shelf in a refrigerator.

41. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the refrigerator shelf does not have a fastening element to hold the refrigerator shelf in a refrigerator.

42. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 1, wherein the frame element is adhesively bonded to the carrier plate.

43. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 15, wherein the frame element is adhesively bonded to the carrier plate.

44. The refrigerator shelf according to claim 21, wherein the frame element is adhesively bonded to the carrier plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention, then, is explained in more detail by means of FIGS. 1 to 4.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a first preferred embodiment.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional illustration of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, in the sectional plane A-A.

(4) FIG. 3A shows a perspective illustration of further preferred embodiments.

(5) FIG. 3B shows a perspective illustration of further preferred embodiments.

(6) FIG. 3C shows a perspective illustration of further preferred embodiments.

(7) FIG. 3D: Figure 3D shows a perspective illustration of further preferred embodiments.

(8) FIG. 3E shows a perspective illustration of further preferred embodiments.

(9) FIG. 3F shows a perspective illustration of further preferred embodiments.

(10) FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional illustration of the transition region between a hydrophobic layer and a frame element in several embodiments.

(11) FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional illustration of the transition region between a hydrophobic layer and a frame element in several embodiments.

(12) FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional illustration of the transition region between a hydrophobic layer and a frame element in several embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) The following figure description assumes that the refrigerator shelf according to the invention is in an installed state, so that, as seen by the user of the refrigerator, it has a top side, an underside and also front, rear and side edges.

(14) FIG. 1 shows a shelf (1) for a refrigerator according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a frame element (22) is formed at the front edge and forms the front-side portion (7) of the overflow protection, and a frame element (22) is formed at the rear edge of the carrier plate and forms the rear-side portion (8) of the overflow protection, the said frame element extending respectively over the full length of the front edge and the rear edge. A band (13) of a hydrophobic layer (12) extends along each of the two sides of the carrier plate (2). The frame element (22), which constitutes the front-side portion (7) of the overflow protection, is designed in the form of a profile strip which is plugged onto the front edge of the carrier plate (2). This profile strip is designed at the same time as a grip element as a result of a lip on the underside of the frame profile, in order to make it possible to pull out the shelf (1). The frame element (22) which constitutes the rear-side portion (8) of the overflow protection is likewise designed in the form of a profile strip which is plugged onto the rear edge. The useful standing surface of the carrier plate (2) is consequently delimited mechanically on the rear side.

(15) The shelf (1) comprises, for example, angle pieces as fastening elements (14) which are arranged under the carrier plate and which serve for holding the shelf, for example, in a refrigerator. However, the type of fastening is of minor importance for the subject of the invention, and the fastening illustrated is therefore to be understood as being merely by way of example.

(16) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional illustration of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, in the sectional plane A-A according to FIG. 1. The frame element which constitutes the front-side portion (7) of the overflow protection has essentially a U-shape and, furthermore, possesses on the underside a lip which serves as a grip element for pulling out the shelf (1). The rear margin element likewise has essentially a U-shape and possesses on the top side a lip which delimits the rear boundary of the standing surface visually and mechanically.

(17) FIGS. 3A-3F show further preferred embodiments in perspective illustrations. The illustration of the carrier elements which are not essential to the invention has been dispensed with, so that in each case only the carrier plate (2) and the overflow protection are illustrated. Exactly as in the perspective illustration in FIG. 1, the front-side part, facing the user, of the shelf is located in each case at the bottom right and the rear-side portion therefore at the top left.

(18) In the embodiment according to FIG. 3A, a frame element (22) is formed at the front edge of the carrier plate (2) and extends over the entire length of the front edge. A band (13) of a hydrophobic layer (12) extends along both sides and also the rear side of the carrier plate (2), so that the said layer has overall a U-shape. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3B, a frame element (22) is formed at the rear edge of the carrier plate (2) and extends over the entire length of the rear edge. A band (13) of a hydrophobic layer (12) extends along both sides and also the front edge of the carrier plate (2), so that the said layer has overall a U-shape. The frame element which constitutes the rear-side part of the overflow protection is designed in the form of a profile strip which is plugged onto the rear edge. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3C, a frame element is formed at the side edges of the carrier plate and extends in each case over the entire length of the side edges. A band of a hydrophobic layer extends in each case along the front-side and the rear-side edge of the carrier plate. The frame elements which constitute the lateral parts of the overflow protection are designed in the form of profile strips which are plugged onto the side edge. The lateral frame elements serve at the same time for guidance during pushing into a refrigerator. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3D, a frame element is formed at the side edges of the carrier plate and at the rear edge and extends in each case over the entire length of the edges. A band of a hydrophobic layer extends along the front-side edge of the carrier plate. The frame elements are designed in the form of profile strips and form a coherent U-shaped profile. The lateral frame elements serve at the same time for guidance during pushing into a refrigerator. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3E, a frame element is formed at the side edges of the carrier plate and at the front edge and extends in each case over the entire length of the edges. A band of a hydrophobic layer extends along the rear-side edge of the carrier plate. The frame elements are designed in the form of profile strips and form a coherent U-shaped profile. The lateral frame elements serve at the same time for guidance during pushing into a refrigerator.

(19) In the embodiment according to FIG. 3F, a frame element is formed at the front edge and forms the front-side portion (7) of the overflow protection, and a frame element (22) is formed at the rear edge of the carrier plate and forms the rear-side portion (8) of the overflow protection, said frame element extending respectively over the entire length of the front edge and of the rear edge. The front-side and the rear-side portion of the overflow protection also extend in each case over a fraction of the two side edges, so that in each case a band (13) of a hydrophobic layer (12) is arranged only along a middle region of the two sides of the carrier plate (2). The portions arranged at the sides may advantageously serve for holding in the refrigerator, the shelf possessing a greater useful width in the middle region. Further carrier elements are not required.

(20) FIG. 4 illustrates in cross-sectional views several embodiments of the transition region between a hydrophobic layer and a frame element by the example of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

(21) In a first embodiment according to FIG. 4A, the hydrophobic layer (12) runs from the first portion exactly as far as the lower edge of the front-side frame element (7) and rear-side frame element (8). In a second embodiment according to FIG. 4B, the hydrophobic layer (12) runs from the first portion beneath the frame element and extends under the frame element as far as the end of the carrier plate. In a third embodiment according to FIG. 4C, the hydrophobic layer (12) runs from the first portion as far as the lower edge of the frame element and is then arranged on the frame element. In this embodiment, the hydrophobic layer terminates at the end of the vertical edge of the frame element.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

(22) 1 Shelf 2 Carrier plate 5 Middle region 7 Front-side portion 8 Rear-side portion 9 Lateral portions 12 Hydrophobic layer 13 Band of the hydrophobic layer 14 Fastening element 22 Frame element