CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.

63/007,600 for an “Adjustable Shelf for an Appliance” filed April 9, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to shelf structures in storage cabinets and appliances and, more specifically, an adjustable shelf system that is repositionable at different heights for use in, for example, a refrigerated cabinet.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Refrigerators, and storage cabinets in general, typically include one or more shelves to provide platforms for item storage at various height intervals within an interior storage space. Fixed or static shelves are commonly used, wherein the shelf structure is permanently preinstalled or even integrally formed within a cabinet body. These fixed shelves are not reconfigurable and are not able to be repositioned within an interior cabinet storage space to customize the spacing between various shelves. Alternatively, existing repositionable or reconfigurable shelves typically employ static, cantilevered supports or sliding tracks for moving shelves between predetermined locations within a cabinet. While these basic repositionable shelves do provide some level of reconfiguration, these shelves are not easily reconfigurable without fully removing a shelf structure and typically require removal of any stored items before the shelves may be repositioned.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0005] In one aspect, a height adjustable shelf system for a cabinet is presented that may include a first side panel, the first side panel including a first slot, a second side panel, the second side panel including a second slot, and a shelf body spanning the first side panel and the second side panel. The shelf body may be movably coupled to the first side panel and the second side panel and configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The shelf body may include a first protrusion configured to selectively engage with a first portion and a second portion of the first slot and a second protrusion configured to selectively engage with a first portion and a second portion of the second slot. In some embodiments, in the first position, the first protrusion may be configured to engage the first portion of the first slot and the second protrusion may be configured to engage the first portion of the second slot. Additionally, or alternatively, in the second position, the first protrusion may be configured to engage the second portion of the first slot and the second protrusion may be configured to engage the second portion of the second slot. In some embodiments, the shelf body may be configured so that the first protrusion remains coupled to the first slot and the second protrusion remains coupled to the second slot while the shelf body is moved between the first position and the second position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first portion of the first slot may be a first notch of the first slot, and the second portion of the first slot may be a second notch of the first slot.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first portion of the second slot may be a first notch of the second slot and the second portion of the second slot may be a second notch of the second slot.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first position may be higher than the second position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shelf body may include an exterior frame including a cantilevered arm, and the cantilevered arm may be configured to engage a rear wall of the cabinet to at least partially support the shelf body. Additionally, or alternatively, a vertical thickness of the cantilevered arm may increase in a direction from a front edge to a rear edge of the exterior frame. In some embodiments, the shelf body includes a storage shelf platform supported by the exterior frame.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are spring- loaded, where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to depress into the shelf body in response to a compressive force and recoverably extend back to an original position when the compressive force is removed.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cabinet may be a refrigerated cabinet including a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall forming a cabinet body and defining an interior storage space, where the first side panel is operatively coupled to the first side wall, and where the second side panel is operatively coupled to the second side wall. [0012] In another aspect, a cabinet is presented that may include a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall, where the first side wall, the second side wall, and the rear wall form a cabinet body and define an interior storage space. The cabinet may include a first side panel operatively coupled to the first side wall, where the first side panel includes multiple first slots and vertically spaced first notches within each of the first slots. The cabinet may include a second side panel operatively coupled to the second side wall, where the second side panel includes multiple second slots and vertically spaced second notches within each of the second slots. The cabinet may include a shelf body extending across the interior storage space between the first side panel and the second side panel, where the shelf body includes multiple first protrusions each configured to selectively engage the first notches within a first slot, of the first slots of the first side panel, and multiple second protrusions each configured to selectively engage the second notches within a second slot, of the second slots of the second side panel. In some embodiments, the shelf body may be configured so that, when the shelf body is moved between a first position and a second position within the interior storage space, the first protrusions remain coupled to the first slots of the first side panel and the second protrusions remain coupled to the second slots of the second side panel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shelf body may include a cantilevered arm, where the cantilevered arm is configured to engage the rear wall and extend from the rear wall into the interior storage space in a direction perpendicular to the rear wall. Additionally, or alternatively, a vertical thickness of the cantilevered arm may increase in a direction from a front edge of the shelf body to a rear edge of the shelf body adjacent the rear wall. In some embodiments, a rearmost portion of the cantilevered arm may include a cantilever projection, and the rearmost portion of the cantilevered arm may possess a maximum vertical thickness. [0014] In some embodiments, the first protrusions and the second protrusions may extend away from the shelf body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first protrusions may be configured to removably couple the shelf body to the first side panel, and the second protrusions may be configured to removably couple the shelf body to the second side panel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first protrusions may be evenly spaced along an exterior side of the shelf body, and the second protrusions may be evenly spaced along another exterior side of the shelf body.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the first side panel and the second side panel may include a planar structure extending perpendicular to the shelf body. [0018] In some embodiments, each of the first side panel and the second side panel may include an interior face and an exterior face opposite the interior face, where each interior face is configured to face the shelf body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first slots and the second slots may have an elliptical shape with a major axis in a vertical orientation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first slots may be evenly spaced along the first side panel, and the second slots may be evenly spaced along the second side panel.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the first slots may include a raised bound extending away from the first side panel, and each of the second slots may include a raised bound extending away from the second side panel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the shelf body may include a first cantilevered arm on a first side of the shelf body and a second cantilevered arm on a second side of the shelf body, where the first protrusions extend out from an exterior side of the first cantilevered arm, and wherein the second protrusions extend out from an exterior side of the second cantilevered arm. Additionally, or alternatively, each of the first cantilevered arm and the second cantilevered arm may be configured to engage the rear wall and extend from the rear wall into the interior storage space in a direction perpendicular to the rear wall. In some embodiments, a vertical thickness of the first cantilevered arm may increase in a direction from a front edge of the shelf body to a rear edge of the shelf body adjacent the rear wall, a vertical thickness of the second cantilevered arm may increase in a direction from a front edge of the shelf body to a rear edge of the shelf body adjacent the rear wall. Additionally, or alternatively, a rearmost portion of the first cantilevered arm may include a first cantilever projection and may possess a first maximum vertical thickness, and a rearmost portion of the second cantilevered arm may include a second cantilever projection and may possess a second maximum vertical thickness. [0023] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shelf system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0026] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a shelf system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a shelf system with a removed side panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a shelf system with a removed side panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 5A illustrates a side view of a side panel of a shelf system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 5B illustrates a side view of a side panel of a shelf system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a shelf system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a shelf system in a raised configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a shelf system in a lowered configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 8A illustrates a front view of a shelf system in a raised configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 8B illustrates a front view of a shelf system in a lowered configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Fig. 9 illustrates a front view of a storage cabinet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0037] Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0038] As noted, refrigerators, and storage cabinets in general, typically include one or more shelves to provide platforms for item storage at various height intervals within an interior storage space. Fixed or static shelves are commonly used, wherein the shelf structure is permanently preinstalled or even integrally formed within a cabinet body. These fixed shelves are not reconfigurable and are not able to be repositioned within an interior cabinet storage space to customize the spacing between various shelves. Alternatively, existing repositionable or reconfigurable shelves typically employ static, cantilevered supports or sliding tracks for moving shelves between predetermined locations within a cabinet. While these basic repositionable shelves do provide some level of reconfiguration, these shelves are not easily reconfigurable without fully removing a shelf structure and typically require removal of any stored items before the shelves may be repositioned. As such, there exists a need for an improved shelf system for use in, for example, a storage cabinet such as a refrigerator that provides simplified shelf reconfiguration for accommodating stored items of various sizes. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an adjustable shelf system that is repositionable at different heights within a storage cabinet without requiring the shelf to be completely removed from the storage cabinet or the shelf to be unloaded of stored items. Furthermore, a unique shelf coupling system is described for enabling reconfiguration of a shelf.

[0039] It should be understood that “operatively coupled,” as used herein, means that the components may be formed integrally with each other, or may be formed separately and coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” means that the components may be formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more components located between the components that are operatively coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” may mean that the components are detachable from each other, or that they are permanently coupled together. Furthermore, operatively coupled components may mean that the components retain at least some freedom of movement in one or more directions or may be rotated about an axis (i.e., rotationally coupled, pivotally coupled).

[0040] Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more.”

[0041] Fig. 1 provides a perspective view illustration of a shelf system 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated further in Fig. 9, the shelf system 100 is configured for use in a storage cabinet or appliance 10, such as a refrigerator, wherein the shelf system 100 is configured to be positioned within an interior storage space 20 of said cabinet or appliance 10 formed by side walls 22, 24 and a rear wall 26 (i.e., a cabinet body). As used herein, a “refrigerator” or “refrigerated cabinet” may refer to any refrigerated device or appliance configured to maintain a temperature-regulated environment within an interior storage space or compartment. For example, a “refrigerator” may further include a freezer. Generally, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the shelf system 100 includes a shelf body 102 and first and second side panels 104, 106. The first and second side panels 104, 106 are configured to operatively couple the shelf system 100 to at least one interior wall forming an interior storage space of a cabinet or appliance. As discussed herein, the shelf body 102 is operatively coupled between the side panels 104, 106 such that the shelf body 102 is adjustable between different height levels as provided by the side panels 104, 106.

[0042] As illustrated in Figs. 1-6, the shelf body 102 comprises an exterior frame 108 supporting and providing a storage shelf or platform 110, wherein the storage shelf 110 is configured to form a surface on which items may be placed for storage within an interior storage space of a cabinet, appliance, or the like. The exterior frame 108 includes a front edge 112, a rear edge 114, and side edges 116, 118. In one embodiment, the exterior frame 108 has a rectangular or square shape having two pairs of parallel sides (e.g., the front and rear edges 112, 114 and the side edges 116, 118). In one embodiment, the exterior frame 108, and by effect the storage shelf or platform 110, has a rectangular shape having a width (i.e., length of the front and rear edges 112, 114) of 25 inches (in.)., a depth (i.e., length of the side edges 116, 118) of 22 in., and a height or vertical thickness of about 1 in.

[0043] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, each of the side edges 116, 118 of the exterior frame 108 comprises a cantilevered arm 120, 122 extending between the front edge 112 and the rear edge 114 of the exterior frame 108. The cantilevered arms 120, 122 each include a cantilever projection 124, 126 positioned proximate the rear edge 114 of the exterior frame 108. The cantilevered arms 120, 122 are formed with a vertical thickness and configured to provide rigidity and structural support to the exterior frame 108 and the storage shelf 110 thereby allowing for weighted items to be placed and stored on the storage shelf 110. In one embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vertical thickness of the cantilevered arms 120, 122 increases in a direction from the front edge 112 to the rear edge 114 of the exterior frame 108, wherein a rearmost portion of the cantilevered arms 120, 122, which includes the cantilever projections 124, 126, possesses a maximum vertical thickness.

[0044] The cantilevered arms 120, 122 are configured, in some embodiments, to at least partially support the shelf system 100 by bracing against a surface, wherein the cantilevered arms 120, 122 are configured to extend perpendicular to the surface. For example, the cantilevered arms 120, 122, and more specifically the cantilever projections 124, 126, may be braced against or engaged with a surface of an internal storage compartment of a cabinet or appliance. In a specific embodiment, the rearmost portion of the cantilevered arms 120, 122 may be braced against or otherwise operatively coupled to a rear wall of an interior compartment of a refrigerator (e.g., rear wall 26 of Fig. 9). As illustrated in the figures, the cantilever projections 124, 126 may form a hook shaped structure. In one embodiment, the cantilever projections 124, 126 may be configured to extend over and hook into a static structure (e.g., a slot, rail, wall, projection, or the like) of a cabinet or appliance to provide additional support for the shelf system 100.

[0045] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the shelf body 102 typically comprises a plurality of protrusions 128 extending out from an exterior side 130 of the cantilevered arms 120, 122 and away from the shelf body 102. The protrusions 128 are configured to operatively couple the shelf body 102 to the side panels 104, 106, wherein the protrusions 128 are further configured to support the weight of the shelf body 102 and items stored thereon. In some embodiments, the protrusions 128 are configured to support the weight of the shelf body 102 either alone or with the cantilevered arms 120, 122. In one embodiment, the protrusions 128 are configured to removably couple the shelf body 102 to the side panels 104, 106. In the non- limiting illustrated embodiment of the figures, the shelf system 100 comprises three protrusion 128a, 128b, 128c on each cantilevered arm 120, 122. In one embodiment, the protrusions 128a- c are evenly spaced along the exterior side 130 of the cantilevered arms 120, 122. In one embodiment, each of the protrusions 128 extend out about 0.5 in. from the exterior side 130 of the cantilevered arms 120, 122.

[0046] In one embodiment, each of the protrusions 128 comprises a torsion spring, wherein the protrusions 128 are spring-loaded and depressible into a body of the cantilevered arms 120, 122 and are configured to recoverably extend back out to an original position after a compression force is removed. In this way, the protrusions 128 may be temporarily pressed inward to allow for manipulation and reconfiguration of the shelf body 102 as discussed below. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions 128 are static structures fixed in position to an exterior side 130 of the cantilevered arms 120, 122.

[0047] As previously discussed, and as best illustrated in Figs. 1, 5A, and 5B, the shelf system further comprises the side panels 104, 106. The side panels 104, 106 generally comprise a set of planar structures extending approximately perpendicular to the storage shelf 110 and approximately parallel to the exterior side 130 of the cantilevered arms 120, 122 of the shelf body 102. In some embodiments, each of the side panels 104, 106 have a length similar to that of side edges 116, 118. In a specific embodiment, the side panels 104, 106 have a length of 22 in., a vertical height of 5 in., and a thickness of about 0.25 in. In other embodiments, the side panels 104, 106 may have a length different than that of the side edges 116, 118. For example, in other embodiments, the side panels 104, 106 may be longer than or short than the length of the side edges 116, 118.

[0048] Each of the side panels 104, 106 includes an interior face 132 and an opposite, exterior face 134, wherein the interior face 132 of each side panel 104, 106 is configured to face the shelf body 102 in an installed configuration of the shelf system 100. The side panels 104, 106 are positionable within an interior storage compartment of a cabinet or appliance (e.g., Fig. 9). More specifically, the side panels 104, 106 are configured to be operatively coupled to (or formed as part of) side walls (e.g., side walls 22, 24 of Fig. 9) of an interior storage space to provide one or more mounting points on which the shelf body 102 may be operatively coupled (e.g., via screws, snaps, pins, or the like) and be at least partially supported in an installed configuration. In one embodiment, the side panels 104, 106 are permanently fixed to the side walls of an interior storage space of a cabinet or appliance. In another embodiment, the side panels 104, 106 are integrally formed with the side walls of an interior storage space. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the side panels 104, 106 is formed either removably or integrally with a static structure such as a mullion.

[0049] As illustrated in Figs. 5 A and 5B, an interior face 132 of each of the side panels

104, 106 comprises one or more slots 136 (e.g., slots 136a, 136b, 136c) extending in a vertical direction. In the non-limiting embodiment of the figures, the slots 136 have an ovate or elliptical shape. In one embodiment, the ovate or elliptical shape of the slots 136 has a minor axis of 1 in. and a major axis (i.e., height) of 4 in. In some embodiments, the slots 136 are horizontally spaced along the length of an interior face 132 of the side panels 104, 106. For example, in one embodiment, the slots 136 are horizontally spaced 10 in. apart from the next nearest slot on the interior face 132 of the side panels 104, 106. As illustrated in Fig. 6, each of the slots 136 further comprises a raised edge or bound 137 outlining the shape of the slot 136 and extending away from the interior face 132. In one embodiment, the raised bound 137 of each slot 136 has extends 0.25 in. away from the interior face 132 and has a bound thickness of about 0.125 in.

[0050] The slots 136 comprise one or more notches or indents 138, 140, 142 formed in the surface of the side panels 104, 106 within the bounds of the slots 136. In some embodiments, the notches or indents 138, 140, 142 have a depth for receiving and holding the protrusions 128. In a specific embodiment, the notches or indents 138, 140, 142 have a diameter of about 0.275 and depth of no more than the thickness of the side panels 104, 106 (e.g., 0.25 in). It should be understood that receiving portions or structures other than notches or indents are envisioned herein (e.g., holes, channels, tracks, etc.). As illustrated in the embodiments of Figs. 5A and 5B, each of the slots 136 may comprise an upper notch 140 and a lower notch 142, wherein the upper notches 140 and the lower notches 142 correspond to different configurations of the shelf system 100. As illustrated in the embodiment of Fig. 5B, the slots 136 may comprise one or more middle notches or indents 138 evenly spaced between the upper notch 140 and the lower notch 142, where the upper notches 140, the middle notches 138, and the lower notches 142 correspond to different configurations of the shelf system 100. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the shelf system 100 may comprise more or fewer slots and/or notches formed within each of said number of slots.

[0051] The slots 136 and notches 138, 140, 142 of the side panels 104, 106 are configured to mate with the protrusions 128 of the shelf body 102 in order to operatively couple the shelf body 102 between the side panels 104, 106. As illustrated by the dashed lines in Fig. 6, the protrusions 128 of the shelf body 102 are spaced so as to align with the notches 140, 142 formed in the slots 136 of each of the side panels 104, 106. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the shelf body 102 includes three protrusions 128a, 128b, 128c positioned on the exterior side 130 of each of the cantilevered arms 120, 122. Similarly, each of the illustrated side panels 104, 106 includes three slots 136a, 136b, 136c on an interior face 132 of the side panels 104, 106, wherein each of the slots 136 includes a pair of notches 140, 142. When operatively coupled to one another, protrusions 128 are removably positioned within cavities formed by the notches 140, 142.

[0052] The protrusions 128 are removably positionable in different notches 138, 140,

142 to change a position of the shelf body 102 relative to a position of the side panels 104, 106 and to reconfigure the shelf system 100 as a whole. As illustrated in the embodiment of Fig. 5 A, the side panel 104, 106 includes three pairs of two notches, each pair comprising an upper notch 140 and a lower notch 142. Protrusions 128 of a shelf body 102 may be moved between the upper notches 140 and the lower notches 142 to reconfigure the shelf system 100 between at least a raised (i.e., upper) configuration or position (Figs. 7A and 8A) and a lowered configuration or position (Figs. 7B and 8B). As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the protrusions 128 may be depressible and comprise torsion springs or the like allowing for recoverable compression, wherein the protrusions 128 are moveable between notches 140, 142 while in a depressed state. In other embodiments, the shelf system 100 may be reconfigured between more than two positions such as one or more vertical and/or horizontal positions. [0053] In operation, to reconfigure the shelf system 100 between, for example, a raised configuration (Figs. 7A and 8A) and a lowered configuration (Figs. 7B and 8B), the shelf body 102 is pressed by a user toward a first side panel 104 thereby compressing the spring-loaded protrusions 128 against the first side panel 104 and into shelf body 102. Simultaneously, the protrusions 128 on an opposite side of the shelf body 102 are removed from a lower notch 142 of an opposite, second side panel 106 due to the lateral displacement afforded by the compression of the protrusions 128 associated with the first panel 104. As such, the now- removed protrusions 128 may be moved within the slot 136. In one embodiment, after the protrusions 128 are removed from the lower notch 142 and before the protrusions 128 are moved to an upper notch 140, the same process may then be repeated for the second side panel 106 so that the protrusions 128 of both the side panels 104, 106 are removed from the corresponding lower notches 142 and positioned within the respective slots 136. By first removing the protrusions 128 from the lower notches 142 of both side panels 104, 106 before moving the protrusions 128 to the upper notches 140, the shelf body 102 may be maintained at a substantially level angle so as to prevent unwanted displacement of items stored on the shelf body 102 during repositioning.

[0054] After being removed from the lower notches 142, the protrusions 128 may be moved together freely in the slots 136 to upper notches 140. Once all of the protrusions 128 are aligned with the corresponding upper notches 140, the compressed, spring-loaded protrusions 128 release to recoverably extend into the upper notches 140 so that the shelf body 102 is entirely positioned within the upper notches 140 on both side panels 104, 106. Alternatively, the shelf body 102 may be similarly repositioned from the upper notches 140 to the lower notches 142.

[0055] Notably, the shelf system 100 is reconfigurable while in an installed state within a cabinet or appliance, meaning that a user is not required to completely remove and then reinstall the shelf body 102 in order to modify a configuration or position of the shelf body 102 relative to the side panels 104, 106. Instead, the protrusions 128 of the shelf body 102 are retained within the raised bounds 137 of the slots 136 while the protrusions 128 are moved between the different notches 138, 140, 142 of the side panels 104, 106 to reconfigure the shelf system 100. The dimensions (i.e., height, width, and/or height) of the slots 136 are shaped so as to limit tilt of the shelf body 102 relative to the side panels 104, 106 and prohibit disengagement of the protrusions 128 during reconfiguration between positions. Stated differently, the shelf body 102 is configured so that the protrusions 128 remain coupled to the slots 136 (e.g., are retained within the raised bounds 137 of the slots 136) while the shelf body 128 is moved between positions. Additionally, as the shelf body 102 does not need to be completely removed, the shelf system 100 can be reconfigured without requiring a user to completely unload or empty items stored on the storage shelf or platform 110 before reconfiguration. In a specific embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figs. 8A and 8B, the repositioning or adjustment of the shelf body 102 between raised and lowered configurations allows for an overall vertical displacement of about 3.75 in. of the shelf body 102.

[0056] It should be understood that while only two configurations (e.g., raised and lowered) are discussed with respect to the figures, these embodiments are non-limiting. It is envisioned that additional configurations may be included in the design of the shelf system. For example, in some embodiments, each slot 136 of the side panels 104, 106 may comprise more than two notches (e.g., lower, middle, and upper notches) to provide more than two height-variable configurations. In other embodiments, a combination of notches of varying heights may be used to provide additional configurations. For example, a shelf body 102 may be operatively coupled to a combination of upper and lower notches 140, 142 to provide a shelf 110 slanted in one of a front-to-rear, rear-to-front, or side-to-side direction. In yet another embodiment, slots 136 may comprise one or more front and back notches to provided optional horizontal positions for the shelf body 102. It should also be understood that while exemplary dimensions are provided for specific embodiments discussed herein, it is envisioned that various components of the shelf system 100 may have alternative dimensions (i.e., larger or smaller) in other embodiments.

[0057] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.