Refrigerator and Removable Refrigerator Shelf Assembly Thereof

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/573,419, filed Apr. 2, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of kitchen appliances. Specifically, to refrigerators and attachments thereof. Depending on various factors, such as the layout of a kitchen or the busyness of the kitchen, constantly opening a refrigerator to remove ingredients is a hassle and can be an obstacle to cooking. Furthermore, many forms of cooking are done outdoors, using grills, flattop griddles, fire pits, smokers, pizza ovens, and other outdoor cooking appliances. It is inconvenient to bring refrigerated ingredients from the kitchen all the way outside to cook. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a convenient way to easily transfer refrigerated ingredients to an outdoor grill or cooking area for use in preparing food.

One embodiment relates to a refrigerator including a removable refrigerator shelf assembly. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly includes a base portion, and a first side wall positioned opposite a second side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are connected to the base portion. The first side wall includes a handle attachment portion extending from an uppermost edge of the first side wall toward the base portion, a raised portion positioned below the handle attachment portion, where a thickness of the raised portion is greater than a thickness of the handle attachment portion, and a recessed portion positioned below the raised portion, where a thickness of the recessed portion is less than the thickness of the raised portion. A refrigerator shelf support is positioned at least partially adjacent to the recessed portion and underneath the raised portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is mounted on the refrigerator shelf support. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly further includes a handle assembly rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion, where the handle assembly extends from the first side wall to the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the handle assembly and the raised portion form a planar region parallel to the first side wall. In some embodiments, the raised portion includes a ridge extending a length along a bottom of the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the handle assembly is positioned to rest on the ridge of the raised portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is in a first position for storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assembly is positioned perpendicular to the base portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is in a second position for holding the removable refrigerator shelf assembly.

In some embodiments, the handle attachment portion includes a first notch configured to lock the handle assembly in the second position. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portion includes a second notch configured to lock the handle assembly in a third position, where the handle assembly is positioned between the first position and the second position when in the third position.

In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assembly further includes a third side wall and a fourth side wall, wherein the third side wall and the fourth side wall are connected to the base portion. In some embodiments, the third side wall is positioned opposite to the fourth side wall. In some embodiments, the third side wall and the fourth side wall extend from the first side wall to the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes the refrigerator shelf support including a base configured to support the removable refrigerator shelf assembly when mounted thereon, a raised edge around a perimeter of the base configured to at least partially retain the removable refrigerator shelf assembly, and a mounting portion including a cutout for connecting the refrigerator shelf support to an interior surface of the refrigerator. In some embodiments, the refrigerator shelf support is positioned on a refrigerator door assembly. In some embodiments, the mounting portion of the refrigerator shelf support is positioned at least partially adjacent to the recessed portion and underneath the raised portion of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is positioned on the base of the refrigerator shelf support.

Another embodiment relates to a removable refrigerator shelf assembly. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly includes a base portion, and a first side wall positioned opposite a second side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are connected to the base portion. The first side wall includes a handle attachment portion extending from an uppermost edge of the first side wall toward the base portion, a raised portion positioned below the handle attachment portion, where a thickness of the raised portion is greater than a thickness of the handle attachment portion, and a recessed portion positioned below the raised portion, where a thickness of the recessed portion is less than the thickness of the raised portion. A shelf support is positioned at least partially adjacent to the recessed portion and underneath the raised portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is mounted on the refrigerator shelf support. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly further includes a handle assembly rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion, where the handle assembly extends from the first side wall to the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the raised portion includes a ridge extending a length along a bottom of the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the handle assembly is positioned to rest on the ridge of the raised portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is in a first position for storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle portion is positioned perpendicular to the base portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is in a second position for holding the removable refrigerator shelf assembly.

In some embodiments, the handle attachment portion includes a first notch configured to lock the handle assembly in the second position. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portion includes a second notch configured to lock the handle assembly in a third position, where the handle assembly is positioned between the first position and the second position when in the third position. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assembly further includes a third side wall and a fourth side wall, where the third side wall and the fourth side wall are connected to the base portion. In some embodiments, the third side wall is positioned parallel to the fourth side wall, and the third side wall and the fourth side wall extend from the first side wall to the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the handle assembly and the mounting portion form a planar region parallel to the first side wall. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assembly further includes a second handle assembly rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

In an embodiment of a refrigerator, the refrigerator includes a removable refrigerator shelf assembly. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly includes a base portion, and a first side wall positioned opposite a second side wall, where the first side wall and the second side wall are connected to the base portion. The first side wall includes a handle attachment portion extending from an uppermost edge of the first side wall toward the base portion, a raised portion positioned below the handle attachment portion, where a thickness of the raised portion is greater than a thickness of the handle attachment portion, and a recessed portion positioned below the raised portion, where a thickness of the recessed portion is less than the thickness of the raised portion. A refrigerator shelf support is positioned at least partially adjacent to the recessed portion and underneath the raised portion when the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is mounted on the refrigerator shelf support. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly further includes a handle assembly rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion, where the handle assembly extends from the first side wall to the second side wall.

The removable refrigerator shelf assembly is configured for an individual to store perishable foodstuffs in the refrigerator and later transfer the foodstuffs to a second location (e.g., a grill, serving station, buffet line) by removing the removable refrigerator shelf assembly from the refrigerator and carrying the assembly to said second location. The removable refrigerator shelf assembly is configured to be stored in the refrigerator, for example, by the mounting portion interfacing with the refrigerator shelf support. Further, the removable refrigerator shelf assembly is easily removable from the refrigerator and configured to be carried via the handle assembly of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly to the second location. For example, condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, etc.) are perishable, and therefore stored in a refrigerator, and often transferred from the refrigerator to another location, such as an outdoor grilling area and/or serving station. Condiments may be stored in the removable refrigerator shelf assembly and later easily transferred to the outdoor grilling area by removing the shelf assembly from the refrigerator and carrying the shelf assembly, via the handle assembly, to the outdoor grilling area.

Referring to, an embodiment of a refrigeratoris shown. The refrigeratorincludes a removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the refrigeratormay include multiple shelf assemblies. In some embodiments, the refrigeratorfurther includes a refrigerator door assembly. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis configured to be mounted in a refrigerator door assembly.

With reference to, an embodiment of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis depicted. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a base portion, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a handle assembly. The first side wallincludes a handle attachment portionand a mounting portion. The first side wallis positioned opposite the second side wall. The first side walland the second side wallare connected to the base portion. The first side wallfurther includes the handle attachment portionextending from an uppermost edgeof the first side walltoward the base portion. The first side wallfurther includes the mounting portion, which is configured to interface with a refrigerator shelf support. The mounting portionextends from a bottom of the handle attachment portionto the base portion. The mounting portionalso extends outward from the handle attachment portion. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblyfurther includes the handle assemblyrotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion. The handle assemblyextends from the first side wallto the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the refrigeratoris configured for a residential kitchen. In some embodiments, the refrigeratorincludes a refrigerator door assembly. The refrigeratormay be a single-door refrigerator. In some embodiments, the refrigeratorincludes multiple refrigerator door assemblies (e.g., double-door refrigerator). In some embodiments, the refrigeratormay include a freezer. The freezer may be a lower-door freezer. In other words, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be included in refrigerators of different sizes, models, styles, and/or configuration.

With reference tothe depicted embodiments show the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a base portion. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a first side wallpositioned opposite a second side wall. The first side walland the second side wallare connected to the base portion. In some embodiments, the first side wallincludes a handle attachment portionextending from the uppermost edgeof the first side walltoward the base portion. In some embodiments, the first side wallfurther includes a mounting portionconfigured to interface with a shelf support. The mounting portionextends from a bottom of the handle attachment portionto the base portion. The mounting portionalso extends outward from the handle attachment portion. The handle attachment portionextends between the uppermost edgeof the first side walland the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyfurther includes a handle assemblyrotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion. The handle assemblyextends from the first side wallto the second side wall.

With continued reference tothe removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes the base portion. In some embodiments, the base portionis a flat surface. The base portionmay include a thickness that is configured to support objects (e.g., condiments, foodstuffs) when said objects are positioned on the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the base portionis rectangular. In some embodiments, the base portionmay have any of various shapes (e.g., trapezoidal, oval shaped). In some embodiments, the base portionis dimensioned to fit the refrigerator. The base portionmay be dimensionedto fit the refrigerator door assembly. For example, the base portionmay be dimensioned to fit a width across the refrigerator door assembly. For example, the base portionmay have a length of the base portion corresponding to the width across the refrigerator door assembly. In some embodiments, the base portionmay also be dimensioned to fit a depth into the refrigerator door assemblywhile dimensioned so the refrigeratormay be closed (e.g., shutting the door assembly of the refrigerator).

With reference tothe removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a first side wallpositioned opposite a second side wall. The first side walland the second side wallare connected to the base portion. In some embodiments, the first side wallis positioned on a first end of the base portion. The second side wallis positioned at a second end of the base portion. In some embodiments, the first side wallis positioned parallel to the second side wall. In some embodiments, the first side wallis not positioned parallel to the second side wall(e.g., angled from each other).

With continued reference tothe first side wallof the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes the mounting portionconfigured to interface with the shelf support. In some embodiments, the mounting portionis configured to interface with a refrigerator shelf support(see). In some embodiments, the refrigerator shelf supportis positioned on a refrigerator door assembly. In other words, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be positioned as a refrigerator door shelf assembly, with the mounting portionof the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymounted on the refrigerator shelf support.

In some embodiments, the mounting portionextends from a bottomof the handle attachment portionto the base portion. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionextend from the uppermost edgeof the first side walltoward the base portion. The handle attachment portionextends between the uppermost edgeof the first side walland the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis configured for the handle assemblyto be rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion.

In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis an upper portion of the first side wall, while the mounting portionis a lower portion of the first side wall. For example, the upper portion of the first side wallmay be configured for attachment of the handle assemblyand is therefore the handle attachment portionof the first side wall. The lower portion of the first side wallmay be configured for mounting the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyon the shelf support and is therefore the mounting portionof the first side wall.

In some embodiments, the mounting portionmay be a side portion of the first side wall. For example, the mounting portionmay not be configured at the lower portion of the first side wall, and instead positioned as the side portion of the first side wallfor connecting to the refrigerator shelf support(e.g., the removable refrigerator shelf assembly may connect to the refrigerator shelf support by latching on to a wall of the refrigerator). In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionmay be the bottom portion of the first side wall. The handle attachment portionmay be the side potion of the first side wall. In other words, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis configured for the first side wallto attach to the handle assemblyand to mount on the shelf support.

In some embodiments, the mounting portionis larger than the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the mounting portionis smaller than the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionand the mounting portionare evenly proportioned on the first side wall. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionand the mounting portionmay overlap. In other words, the portion of the first side wallconfigured for mounting the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyon the refrigerator shelf supportis referred to as the mounting portion, while the portion of the first side wallconfigured for attachment of the handle assemblyis referred to as the handle attachment portion.

In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis a first surfaceof the first side walland the mounting portionis a second surfaceof the first side wall. For example, the second surfacemay be raised outward from the first surfaceof the first side wall. In this way, space is created for the handle assemblywhen it is positioned in a down or retracted location. In some embodiments, the mounting portionis generally U-shaped. The U-shape may define an insect portionof the mounting portionfor connecting to the refrigerator shelf support. In some embodiments, the mounting portionis shaped to correspond to the refrigerator shelf support. In other words, the mounting portionis shaped to correspond to the shape of the refrigerator shelf supportto facilitate mounting of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyonto the refrigerator shelf support.

In some embodiments, an openingmay be defined in the handle attachment portionfor connecting to the handle assembly(see). In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis connected to the handle assemblyby an intermediate member. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis generally curved. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionhas a height (e.g., a distance between a top edge surface of the handle attachment portionand a lowest edge portion of the handle attachment portion) that is larger than a width of the handle assembly. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis angled. For example, the handle attachment portionmay be angled from a plane perpendicularto the base portion(see). The handle attachment portionmay be symmetrical. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionmay be V-shaped. In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionis shaped to fit with the mounting portion. For example, the handle attachment portionmay be shaped to fit with an angle of a ridgeof the mounting portion(see). In some embodiments, the handle attachment portionand/or the mounting portionmay include chamfered and/or rounded edges (e.g., the uppermost edgeof the first sidewall may be rounded).

In some embodiments, mounting portionextends outward from the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the mounting portionmay extend as far as the handle attachment portionis thick. For example, a thickness of the mounting portionmay be equal to a thickness of the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the mounting portionextends outward from the handle attachment portion, so the thickness of the mounting portionis greater than the thickness of the handle attachment portion. The mounting portionmay extend outward from the handle attachment portion, so the thickness of the mounting portionis less than the thickness of the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the mounting portionextends outward a distance from the handle attachment portionequal to a thickness of the handle assembly, so the handle assemblyand the mounting portionform a planar surface and/or region parallel to the first side wall.

In some embodiments, the mounting portionincludes the inset portion. The inset portionis configured for mounting the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyon the shelf support. Ins some embodiments, the inset portionis configured for mounting the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyon the refrigerator shelf support. For example, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be mounted onto the refrigerator shelf supportusing the inset portionto connect to said refrigerator shelf support. In some embodiments, the inset portionextends from the base portioninto the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the inset portionmay extend into the mounting portionfrom a bottom of the mounting portion. The inset portionmay extend into the mounting portion a distance into the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the inset portionextends the distance into the mounting portionwhere the distance into the mounting portionis less than a height of the mounting portion(see). In some embodiments, the inset portionextends the distance into the mounting portionwhere the distance into the mounting portionis greater than the height of the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the inset portionextends the distance into the mounting portionwhere the distance into the mounting portionis equal to the height of the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the inset portionincludes an upper edgeof the inset portion(see.). The upper edgeof the inset portionmay be positioned the distance into the mounting portionaway from the base portion.

In some embodiments, the inset portionis shaped to generally correspond to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the inset portionis generally rectangular. For example, the inset portionmay be shaped as a rectangle with rounded corners. In some embodiments, the inset portionmay be generally U-shaped. The inset portionand the handle attachment portionmay be a planar surface, where the mounting portionis otherwise raised relative to the handle attachment portion.

With reference to-in some embodiments, the inset portionincludes a heightof the inset portion, a widthof the inset portion, and a depthof the inset portion. In some embodiments, the heightof the inset portionis less than the widthof the inset portion. The heightof the inset portionmay be greater than the widthof the inset portion. The heightof the inset portionmay be equal to the widthof the inset portion. In some embodiments, the depthof the inset portionis less than the heightof the inset portionand/or the widthof the inset portion. The depthof the inset portionmay be greater than the heightof the inset portionand/or the widthof the inset portion. The depthof the inset portionmay be equal to the heightof the inset portionand/or the widthof the inset portion. In some embodiments, the heightof the inset portion, the widthof the inset portion, and/or the depthof the inset portionare dimensioned so the inset portionmay couple to the refrigerator shelf support(see).

With reference to-and-in some embodiments, mounting portionincludes a ridgeextending a lengthalong the bottomof the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the ridgeis angled from the plane perpendicularto the base portion. The ridgemay be angled at 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more degrees from the plane perpendicularto the base portion. The ridgemay be angled at 10, 20, 30, or 40 or more degrees from the plane perpendicularto the base portion. In some embodiments, the ridgeextending a lengthalong the bottomof the handle attachment portionmay include the lengthalong the bottomof the handle attachment portionbeing a full length of the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the lengthalong the bottomof the handle attachment portionmay be a partial length of the handle attachment portion. For example, the lengthmay be roughly half the length of the handle attachment portion. The lengthmay be a different length of the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the mounting portionincludes a second ridgeextending a second lengthalong the bottomof the handle attachment portion. In some embodiments, the mounting portionis symmetrical (e.g., the first ridgeand the second ridgeare mirrored across the plane perpendicularto the base portion).

With reference to, the side walls (e.g., the first side wall, the second side wall) may include additional portions. For example, the first side wallmay include a lower portionpositioned below the mounting portionthat extends from a first side to a second side of the shelf assembly(including at least in some embodiments across an entire distance between the first side and the second side of the shelf assembly). The lower portionand the handle attachment portionmay be a planar surface, where the mounting portionis at least partially raised relative to the lower portion. The lower portionmay include one or more feetconfigured for supporting the removable refrigerator shelf assemblywhen rested on a surface (e.g., by the outdoor cooking area, in the refrigerator). For example, the feetmay extend to form a planar region with the base portionand/or extend below the base portion. The first side wallincluding additional portions (e.g., the lower portion) may be similarly formed as described herein.

With reference tothe removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes the handle assemblyrotatably coupled to the handle attachment portion. The handle assemblyextends from the first side wallto the second side wall. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis configured to rotate from a direction facing a third side wallof the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyto a direction facing a fourth side wallof the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. The handle assemblymay be configured to rotate to either side of the plane perpendicularto the base portion(see).

In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portionof the first side wallusing an intermediate member. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portionvia a snap fit. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portionusing a form fit. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis rotatably coupled to the handle attachment portionusing a fastener. In some embodiments, other techniques may be used to rotatably couple the handle assemblyto the handle attachment portionof the first side wall.

In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis assembled together with the base portion, the first side wall, and the second side wallto form the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis attached to the handle attachment portionof the first side wall. The handle assemblymay also be attached to the handle attachment portionof the second side wall. In some embodiments, the handle assemblymay be attached to a different portion of the first side wall(e.g. a side portion, a lower portion, an upper portion).

In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis configured to be carried. For example, the handle assemblyis strong enough to support a weight of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyand any objects (e.g., condiments) stored in the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyincludes a grip. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyincludes a hook portion configured for the hook portion to hang the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyoff a holding support. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyincludes a loop portion configured for the hook portion to hang the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyoff the holding support. For example, the handle assemblymay be hung from an outdoor cooking appliance configured with the holding support (e.g., a hook and/or loop on the appliance) using the hook portion and/or the loop portion of the handle assembly.

In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a second handle assembly. The second handle assembly may extend from the first sidewall to the second side wall. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis configured for a first handle assemblyand the second handle assembly to be rotated in opposite directions and meet approximately in the middle (e.g., at the plane perpendicularto the base portion) of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyfor carrying the removable refrigerator shelf assembly.

In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis configured so the handle assemblyis positioned to rest on the ridgeof the mounting portionwhen the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis in a first position. The first positionmay be for storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis positioned on the second ridgeof the mounting portion. The handle assemblybeing positioned on the second ridgemay be for storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. For example, the handle assemblymay be configured fordegrees or more of rotation, being able to rest on either ridge (e.g., ridgeor second ridge) of the mounting portionfor storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly.

In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyfurther includes a third side walland a fourth side wall. The third side walland the fourth side wallare connected to the base portion. The third side wallis positioned opposite to the fourth side wall. The third side walland the fourth side wallextend from the first side wallto the second side wall. In some embodiments, the third side wallis positioned parallel to the fourth side wall. In some embodiments, the third side wallmay have a height that is smaller than a height of the first side wall. In some embodiments, the third side walland/or the fourth side wallmay be transparent. For example, the third side wallmay be transparent to assist in viewing the objects (e.g., condiments) stored within the removable refrigerator shelf assembly.

With reference to-the depicted embodiments show perspective views of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In the depicted embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis in the first position. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblybeing in the first positionmay be for storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be stored in the refrigerator. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis configured so the handle assemblyand the mounting portionform a planar region parallel to the first side wall. In other words, the handle assemblyand the mounting portionmay be flush fit. The handle assemblymay include a thickness of the handle assemblyequal to the thickness of the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the handle assemblymay include the thickness of the handle assemblygreater and/or less than the thickness of the mounting portion.

With reference tothe removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be symmetrical. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay include the second side wallbeing identical to the first side wall. In other words, the above embodiments describing the configuration of the first side wallmay also describe the configuration of the second side wallwhen the first and second side walls are identical. For example, a handle attachment portionof the second side walland/or a mounting portionof the second side wallmay be configured identically to the handle attachment portionand/or the mounting portionof the first side wall, based on the disclosure herein. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay include the second side wallwhere the second side wallis configured differently than the first side wall.

With reference tothe depicted embodiments show the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes the handle assemblypositioned perpendicular to the base portionwhen the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis in a second position. The second positionmay be for holding the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblymay be rotated from the first positionto the second positionfor holding and/or carrying the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. For example, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be in the first positionwhile stored inside the refrigerator, and then the handle assemblymay be rotated into the second positiononce the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis removed from the refrigeratorfor carrying objects (e.g., condiments) to an outdoor cooking area.

With reference to, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a first notchconfigured to lock the handle assemblyin a set position (e.g., the second position). The openingdefined in the handle attachment portionof the first side wallfor attaching the handle assemblyincludes the first notchpositioned at a top of the opening(e.g., aligned with the plane perpendicularto the base portion(see)) to lock the handle assemblyin the second position.

The handle assemblymay include a handle, a protrusionpositioned on the handle, and a pin. The pinmay connect with the protrusionto connect the handle assemblyto the first side wall. For example, the pinmay connect with the protrusionthrough the opening. The protrusionon the handleis configured to rotate within the openingwhen the handle assemblyis rotated. As depicted in, the openingmay include a generally circular shape aside from the first notchto facilitate rotation of the protrusionwithin the openingand selective engagement of the protrusionwith the first notch. When the handle assemblyis rotated to the second position, the handle assemblymay be moved upwards, moving the protrusioninto the first notch, locking the handle assemblyinto the second position. In other words, gravitational force is used to secure the handle assemblywithin the first notchwhen the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis being carried via the handle assembly. Once the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis set down, the handle assemblymay be released from the first notch, allowing the handle assemblyto rotate (e.g., the protrusionmoves out of the first notchvia gravitational force).

In some embodiments, the first notchmay be differently configured (e.g., a lock and key mechanism, a latch, and/or a buttonhole-press configuration). The first notchmay also be configured to release the handle assemblyfrom the second position(e.g., by releasing the locking mechanism). In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay include 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more notches. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be configured for the one or more notches to lock the handle assemblyinto place at multiple positions.

In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyincludes a second notch configured to lock the handle assemblyin a third position. The handle attachment portionmay include the second notch. For example, the second notch may also be a slit, a lock and key mechanism, a latch, and/or a buttonhole-press configuration. The second notch may be similarly configured to the first notch(see). In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis positioned between the first positionand the second positionwhen in the third position. For example, the second notch may lock the handle assemblyin position parallel to the base portionwhen in the third position. The third position may also be for storage of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the third position is for locking the handle assemblywhile the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis in the outdoor cooking area. For example, it may be convenient for the handle assemblyto be in the third position when the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis in the outdoor cooking area for accessing condiments and/or preparing to take the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyback inside for storage in the refrigerator.

With reference tothe removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from metal. In some embodiments, the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from a combination of materials (e.g., plastic, metal, acrylic, glass, etc.). The removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from a material (or materials) that is stain resistant. The removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from a material that is configured to be cold temperature resistant (e.g., configured for prolonged use in the refrigerator). The removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from a material that is durable. In some embodiments, the components of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly(e.g., the base portion, the first side wall, the second side wall, the handle assembly) may all be made from the same material. In some embodiments, the components of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be made from different materials. In some embodiments, the components of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblymay be painted and/or coated (e.g., coated to be stain resistant).

In some embodiments, the base portion, the first side wall, and the second side wallare formed as a singular piece (e.g., via 3D printing, molding). Forming the base portion, the first side wall, and the second side wallof the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyas a singular piece may be done by injection molding, 3D printing, and/or other known manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, the base portion, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wallare formed as a singular piece.

In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis formed as a separate piece. The handle assemblyis then assembled together with the base portion, the first side wall, and the second side wallto form the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis assembled together with the base portion, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wallto form the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis attached to the handle attachment portionof the first side wall. The handle assemblymay also be attached to the handle attachment portionof the second side wall. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis made from the same material as the other components (e.g., the base portion, the first side wall) of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis made from a different material as the other components (e.g., the base portion, the first side wall) of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly. The handle assemblymay be coated while the other components of the removable refrigerator shelf assemblyis not coated. In some embodiments, the handle assemblyis manufactured using the same technique (e.g., 3D printing, molding) used to manufacture the other components of the removable refrigerator shelf assembly.