US 11,744,389 B2
Shelf and drawer assemblies for storing bottles
Tiago D. Fagundes, Joinville (BR); Leonardo K. Granemann, Joinville (BR); Acacio S. Junior, Joinville (BR); and Spencer F. Souza, Joinville (BR)
Assigned to Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US)
Filed by WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, Benton Harbor, MI (US)
Filed on Jul. 6, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/858,407.
Application 17/858,407 is a continuation of application No. 17/064,709, filed on Oct. 7, 2020, granted, now 11,412,866.
Application 17/064,709 is a continuation of application No. 16/680,720, filed on Nov. 12, 2019, granted, now 10,820,725, issued on Nov. 3, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0346570 A1, Nov. 3, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A47F 7/28 (2006.01); A47B 88/988 (2017.01); A47B 73/00 (2006.01); A47B 96/02 (2006.01); F25D 25/02 (2006.01)
CPC A47F 7/283 (2013.01) [A47B 73/002 (2013.01); A47B 88/988 (2017.01); A47B 96/025 (2013.01); F25D 25/024 (2013.01); F25D 25/025 (2013.01); F25D 2325/021 (2013.01); F25D 2325/023 (2013.01); F25D 2331/803 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of storing a bottle, comprising:
providing a shelf assembly having a frame assembly operable between retracted and extended positions, wherein the shelf assembly includes a rack assembly that is operable between first and second positions, wherein the rack assembly moves from the first position to the second position as the frame assembly is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, wherein the rack assembly includes a front rack and a rear rack, and further wherein the step of moving the frame assembly from the retracted position to the extended position further includes, lifting a rear portion of the front rack and a front portion of the rear rack;
supporting a bottle on the rack assembly, wherein the bottle is supported in a horizontal stored position when the frame assembly is in the stowed position and the rack assembly is in the first position; and
moving the frame assembly from the retracted position to the extended position, such that the rack assembly moves from the first position to the second position, wherein the bottle is supported in an angled display position when the frame assembly is in the extended position and the rack assembly is in the second position.