Encapsulated shelf with pre-encapsulated bracket

摘要

An encapsulated shelf (30) with pre-encapsulated bracket, and preferably adapted for use in refrigeration and/or freezer compartments, includes a glass or other panel (32) supported by a support such as a bracket (34,36) having a cover (58) encapsulating a substantial majority thereof and a flange (50) extending into and interconnecting with a rim (38) formed separately from the panel (32) and around an edge of the panel. The rim (38) and cover (58) preferably engage and cooperate with one another. A slide rail (80) may be integrally formed in one piece with the encapsulating cover. The support includes holes (56,60) extending through the support for mechanical interconnection with the rim (38) and cover (58). The support may also be provided with a mounting portion (66) adapted to couple with a refrigerator wall or the like at a variety of vertical locations. The rim (38) may further define a spill dam to contain spills on the panel surface, while additional brackets (104) or stiffeners (102) may be included for extra wide shelves. <MATH>