U.S. patent application number 11/657803 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for panel anchor assembly.
Invention is credited to Frank W. Bechetel, Scott H. Carr, Phillip Johnson, Andrew MacKay, Terrence P. Meier.
Application Number | 20070228236 11/657803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38557403 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070228236 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacKay; Andrew ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Panel anchor assembly
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide an anchor assembly
configured to be secured to a panel. The anchor assembly includes a
main body, a double-sided adhesive, and a fastening member. The
main body includes a base, wherein a through-hole is formed through
the base. The double-sided adhesive is attached to one side of the
base. The fastening member is retained within the through-hole. The
fastening member may be manufactured with the main body and the
double-sided adhesive as a single piece.
Inventors: |
MacKay; Andrew; (Akron,
OH) ; Johnson; Phillip; (Naperville, IL) ;
Bechetel; Frank W.; (Roscoe, IL) ; Carr; Scott
H.; (Westmont, IL) ; Meier; Terrence P.;
(Naperville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE, PATENT DEPARTMENT
GLENVIEW
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
38557403 |
Appl. No.: |
11/657803 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60782443 |
Mar 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/205.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/067 20130101;
A47B 96/1408 20130101; A47B 57/06 20130101; A47B 95/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/205.3 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/17 20060101
A47G001/17 |
Claims
1. An anchor assembly configured to be secured to a panel, the
anchor assembly comprising: a main body comprising a base, wherein
a through-hole is formed through said base; a double-sided adhesive
attached to one side of said base; and a fastening member retained
within said through-hole, wherein said fastening member is
manufactured with said main body and said double-sided adhesive as
a single piece.
2. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening member is
one of a screw and bolt.
3. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening member
comprises a barrel integrally formed with a head, said barrel
defining a fastener passage.
4. The anchor assembly of claim 3, wherein said barrel is
configured to receive and retain a fastener within said fastener
passage.
5. The anchor assembly of claim 3, wherein said barrel comprises at
least one outwardly extending ramped tab that snapably secures said
barrel to said main body.
6. The anchor assembly of claim 3, wherein said barrel further
comprises a distal lip configured to secure around an opening of a
shelf rail.
7. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening member is
configured to outwardly protrude from the panel, and wherein a
support structure is configured to be securely fastened to the
panel through said fastening member.
8. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel is a liner of
a refrigerator.
9. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein said main body comprises
at least one collar that secures said fastening member within said
through-hole.
10. A system for securing a shelf to a panel, the system
comprising: a plurality of anchor assemblies, each of said
plurality of anchor assemblies comprising: a main body comprising a
base, wherein a through-hole is formed through said base; a
double-sided adhesive attached to one side of said base, said
double-sided adhesive adhesively securing said main body to an
outer surface of the panel; and a fastening member retained within
said through-hole, said fastening member passing through the panel;
and a shelf rail supported on an inner surface of the panel by said
fastening members, said shelf rail comprising a plurality of
fastener openings, wherein each of said fastening members passes
through one of said plurality of fastener openings.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of
fastener openings comprises fastener through hole integrally
connected to a keyhole slot.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein each of said fastening members
is one of a screw and bolt.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein each of said fastening members
comprises a barrel integrally formed with a head, said barrel
defining a fastener passage.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said barrel is configured to
receive and retain a fastener within said fastener passage.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein said barrel comprises at least
one outwardly extending ramped tab that snapably secures said
barrel to said main body.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein said barrel further comprises a
distal lip configured to secure around one of said fastener
openings of said shelf rail.
17. An anchor assembly configured to be secured to a panel, the
anchor assembly comprising: a main body comprising a base, wherein
a through-hole is formed through said base; a double-sided adhesive
attached to one side of said base, said double-sided adhesive
configured to adhesively secure said main body to the panel; and a
fastening member retained within said through-hole, wherein said
fastening member is configured to extend through an opening in the
panel, and wherein said fastening member is configured to be
secured to said main body before said main body is secured to the
panel through said double-sided adhesive.
18. The anchor assembly of claim 17, wherein said fastening member
is one of a screw and bolt.
19. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening member
comprises a barrel integrally formed with a head, said barrel
defining a fastener passage, wherein said barrel is configured to
receive and retain a fastener within said fastener passage, said
barrel comprising at least one outwardly extending ramped tab that
snapably secures said barrel to said main body, and a distal lip
configured to secure around an opening of a shelf rail.
20. The anchor assembly of claim 17, wherein said main body
comprises at least one collar that secures said fastening member
within said through-hole.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/782,443 entitled
"Thin Panel Anchor Assembly," filed Mar. 15, 2006, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
anchor assemblies, and more particularly to anchor assemblies that
are configured for use with household refrigerator units.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional refrigerators and freezers include a plurality
of shelves that are configured to support various food items within
the refrigerator. For example, the shelves may support beverages,
such as a gallon of milk, soft drink cans, and various other food
items that are to be chilled. The shelves are supported by rails,
which are mounted to lateral walls of an inner shell of the
refrigerator.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an outer surface of
a conventional refrigerator liner 10. The refrigerator liner 10 has
a plurality of holes 12 formed therethrough (only one hole is shown
in FIG. 1). Each hole 12 is aligned with an anchor 14.
[0005] The anchor 14 includes a unitary main body 16 having a flat
base 18 integrally formed with angled wings 20. A hole 22 is formed
through a central area of the base 18, and is aligned with the hole
12 formed through the refrigerator liner 10. A layer of
double-sided foam tape (not shown) is adhesively secured to a rear
surface of the base 18. Because the tape is double-sided, the tape
adhesively secures to the base 18, and an outer surface of the
refrigerator liner 10.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the conventional
refrigerator liner 10. The liner 10 includes lateral walls 24
integrally formed with upper, lower and rear walls 26, 28, and 30,
respectively. An inner chamber 32 is defined between the lateral,
upper, lower, and rear walls 24, 26, 28, and 30. The anchors 14 are
secured to outer surfaces of the lateral walls 24 such that a pair
of anchors 14 on one lateral wall 24 are aligned and parallel with
a pair of anchors 14 on an opposite lateral wall 24. That is, two
anchors 14 on one lateral wall 24 and two anchors on an opposite
lateral wall 24 all reside within the same plane.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the conventional
refrigerator liner 10 within an outer shell 34. Once the anchors 14
(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are secured to outer surface of the
lateral walls 24 of the liner 10, the liner 10 is positioned in the
outer shell 34. Insulation foam is then added between the liner 10
and the outer shell 34. The insulation secures the liner 10 to the
outer shell 34, and secures the anchors 14 in place.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf rail 36
being secured to an inner surface of a lateral wall 24 of the
refrigerator liner 10. The rail 36 includes a plurality of shelf
securing slots 38 configured to receive and retain shelf tabs (not
shown). The rail 36 also includes fastener holes 40. The fastener
holes 40 are aligned with the holes 12 formed through the lateral
walls 24. After the fastener holes 40 and the holes 12 are aligned,
a fastener 42, such as a screw, is passed through the holes 40 and
12 and into the hole 22 formed through the anchor 14 (shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2). The process of aligning the fastener holes 40 with
the holes 12 and anchor holes 22, and then positioning the fastener
through the passages defined by these components, however, is time
consuming and cumbersome.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the shelf rail 36
mounted to an inner surface of the lateral wall 24 of the
refrigerator liner 10. In order to secure the rail 36 to the
lateral wall, both fasteners 42 are positioned within respective
fastener holes 40 formed through the rail 36. However, before the
second fastener 42 can be fully tightened, the other fastener 42 is
first aligned and driven tight. If one fastener 42 is aligned and
tightened before another fastener 42 is aligned within the rail 36,
the rail 36 may shift such that the other fastener 42 does not
properly pass from the rail 36 into the hole 12 formed through the
lateral wall 24 of the refrigerator liner 10. The process of
aligning both fasteners 24, and driving one before the other also
adds time to the manufacturing process.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional
refrigerator housing 44. The housing 44 includes the refrigerator
liner 10 secured within the outer shell 34. Vertical rails 36 are
positioned on interior surfaces of lateral walls 24 of the liner 10
and are secured in place through fasteners engaging the anchors 14
(not shown in FIG. 7) secured to outer surfaces of the lateral
walls 24. After the rails 36 are secured within the housing 44,
support shelves (not shown) be secured in place on the rails
36.
[0011] A need exists for a quick and efficient method of securing
shelf rails to a refrigerator liner. A need exists for a less
time-consuming process than that described above with respect to
FIGS. 1-6.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an
anchor assembly configured to be secured to a panel. The anchor
assembly includes a main body including a base, wherein a
through-hole is formed through the base, a double-sided adhesive
attached to one side of the base, and a fastening member retained
within the through-hole. The fastening member is configured to
extend through an opening in the panel, and may be configured to be
secured to the main body before the main body is secured to the
panel through the double-sided adhesive. The fastening member may
be manufactured with the main body and the double-sided adhesive as
a single, unitary piece.
[0013] The fastening member may be a screw or bolt. Optionally, the
fastening member may include a barrel integrally formed with a
head, with the barrel defining a fastener passage. The barrel is
configured to receive and retain a fastener within the fastener
passage. The barrel may include at least one outwardly extending
ramped tab that snapably secures the barrel to the main body. The
barrel may also include a distal lip or flash ridge configured to
secure around an opening of a shelf rail.
[0014] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for securing a shelf to a panel. The system includes a
plurality of anchor assemblies and a shelf rail. Each anchor
assembly includes a main body including a base, wherein a
through-hole is formed through the base, a double-sided adhesive
attached to one side of the base, wherein the double-sided adhesive
adhesively secures the main body to an outer surface of the panel,
and a fastening member retained within the through-hole, wherein
the fastening member passes through the panel.
[0015] The shelf rail is supported on an inner surface of the panel
by the fastening members of the anchor assemblies. The shelf rail
includes a plurality of fastener openings, wherein each of the
fastening members passes through one of the plurality of fastener
openings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an outer surface of
a conventional refrigerator liner.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional
refrigerator liner.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional
refrigerator liner within an outer shell.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf rail being
secured to an inner surface of a refrigerator liner.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf rail mounted
to an inner surface of a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional
refrigerator housing.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric front view a lateral wall of
a liner and an anchor assembly according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric rear view of an anchor
assembly mounted over an outer surface of a lateral wall of a liner
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric front view of an anchor
assembly mounted on a lateral wall of a liner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric front view of a shelf rail
positioned on a lateral of a liner according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric front view of a shelf rail
securely fastened to a lateral wall of a liner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric exploded view of an anchor
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric rear view of an anchor
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric front view of an anchor
assembly aligned with a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric rear view of an anchor
assembly mounted to a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a refrigerator
housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric front view of a shelf rail
aligned over a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric front view of a shelf rail
securely mounted on a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a shelf rail
securely mounted on a lateral wall through line 19-19 of FIG.
18.
[0035] FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of a shelf rail
fastened to a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a shelf rail
fastened to a lateral wall of a refrigerator liner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of a barrel anchor
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an anchor
assembly securely mounted into a lateral wall of a refrigerator
liner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric front view a lateral wall 50
of a refrigerator liner 52 and an anchor assembly 54 according to
an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator liner 52
may be the same as the refrigerator liner discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 1-6. The lateral walls 50 of the liner 52 may be,
for example, 0.04''-0.06'' thick. The lateral walls 50 may,
however, have various other thicknesses. Fastener holes 56 are
formed through the lateral wall 50.
[0041] The anchor assembly 54 includes a unitary main body 58
having a planar base 60 integrally formed with outwardly angled
wings 62 at either vertical end. A fastener through-hole (not
shown) is formed through a central portion of the base 60 and is
configured to allow a fastener to pass therethrough.
[0042] Double-sided foam tape 64 is adhesively secured to a front
surface of the base 60. The foam tape 64 may be 0.40'' thick. Tapes
of various other thickness may also be used.
[0043] A fastener 66, such as a screw, is threadably secured
through the fastener through-hole of the base 60 before the anchor
assembly 54 is positioned on the refrigerator lining 52. The
fastener 66 is driven through the base 60 at a set distance. The
anchor assembly 54, including the fastener, is manufactured as a
unitary piece. The fastener hole 56 formed through the lateral wall
50 is large enough to allow the head of the fastener 66 to pass.
Because the anchor assembly 54, including the fastener 66, is
manufactured as a single piece, the process of installing shelf
rails to the lining 52 is simplified, due to the fact that separate
fasteners are not used. As such, the time-consuming process of
lining up the shelf rails with holes, inserting fasteners through
the holes, and then ensuring that the fasteners are aligned and
positioned before tightening is eliminated.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric rear view of the anchor
assembly 54 mounted over an outer surface 68 of the lateral wall 50
of the liner 52. As shown in FIG. 8, when the anchor assembly 54 is
secured to the lateral wall 50, the fastener 66 is already
positioned through the lateral wall 50. Thus, the process of
inserting a separate fastener into to the lateral wall 50 and
through the anchor assembly 54 is eliminated. The anchor assembly
54 may also include a securing collar 70 positioned over a portion
of the fastener through hole 72 formed through the base 60. The
collar 70 may threadably engage the fastener 66 in order to ensure
that the fastener 66 is securely retained within the anchor
assembly 54. Collar(s) 70 may be positioned on the rear and/or
front of the base 60. Because the fastener 66 is threadably secured
within the base 60, the possibility of the fastener 66 dislodging
from the anchor assembly 54 during manufacturing and/or shipping is
minimized.
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric front view of the anchor
assembly 54 mounted on the lateral wall 50 of the liner 52. As
noted above, the hole 56 formed through the lateral wall 50 allows
the engagement head 74 of the fastener 66 to pass. Thus, the
fastener 66 outwardly extends from the lateral wall 50 and, as
such, is easily visible. The double-sided tape 64 ensures that the
anchor assembly 54 remains in secure position with respect to the
lateral wall 50, such that the fastener 66 remains protruding
through the hole 56. The relatively large diameter of the hole 56
allows the fastener 66 to move a limited distance relative to the
hole 56 before the fastener 66 is tightened (thereby allowing
leeway during the shelf rail alignment process). Once all the
anchor assemblies 54 are secured to the liner 52, the liner 52 is
positioned and secured within an outer shell (as discussed above
with respect to FIG. 3).
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric front view of a shelf rail
76 positioned on the lateral wall 50 of the liner 52. The shelf
rail 76 includes a plurality of shelf securing slots 78, and a
fastener hole 80 integrally connected to a keyhole slot 82. The
shelf rail 76 may be positioned on the lateral wall 50 so that the
engagement heads 74 pass through the fastener holes 80. The
fasteners 66 temporarily hold the shelf rail 76 in place. Once the
shelf rail 76 is positioned on the lateral wall 50 such that the
fasteners 66 pass through the fastener holes 80, the shelf rail 76
may be downwardly shifted in the direction of arrow A so that the
fasteners 66 pass into the keyhole slots 82. Once the fasteners 66
are in the keyhole slots 82, the fasteners 66 may be tightened to
firmly secure the shelf rail 76 to the liner 52.
[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric front view of the shelf
rail 76 securely fastened to the lateral wall 50 of the liner 52.
Because the engagement heads 74 have a larger diameter than the
keyhole slots 82, the engagement heads 74 cannot pass through the
keyhole slots 82. Instead, a rear circumferential area (hidden from
view in FIG. 11) of each engagement head 74 abuts the portion of
the shelf rail 76 that surrounds and defines the keyhole slot 82.
As the fastener 66 is tightened, the shelf rail 76 is compressively
secured to the lateral wall 50. All the fasteners 66 may be driven
to a final secure position at any time because of the extra
clearance area provided by the keyhole slots 82.
[0048] Thus, the shelf rail 76 may be quickly and easily secured to
the liner 50 without aligning holes of the shelf rail 76 with holes
formed in the liner 52. Instead, as discussed above, the fastener
holes 80 are positioned over the easily visible fasteners 66. Once
the shelf rail 76 is positioned on the fasteners 66, the shelf rail
76 is downwardly shifted in the direction of arrow A, as shown in
FIG. 10, and the fasteners 66 are then tightened to securely fasten
the shelf rail 76 to the liner 52.
[0049] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric exploded view of an anchor
assembly 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The anchor assembly 90 includes a main body 92 having a planar base
94 integrally formed with wings 96, similar to the main body 58,
discussed above. A hole 98 is formed through a central portion of
the base 94. Double-sided foam tape 100 is adhesively secured to
one side of the base 94, similar to the tap 64 discussed above.
[0050] Instead of a screw-type fastener, however, a barrel anchor
102 is positioned through the hole 98 and the tape 100. The barrel
anchor 102 may be formed of plastic or other suitable materials,
and may be configured to snapably secure to the planar base 94. The
barrel anchor 102 includes a head 104 integrally formed with a
cylindrical barrel 106 that includes a fastener passage (not shown
in FIG. 12). The barrel anchor 102, the main body 92, and the tape
100 may all be manufactured together as a single piece.
Alternatively, the barrel anchor 102 may be a separate
component.
[0051] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric rear view of the anchor
assembly 90. as shown in FIG. 13, the barrel 106 includes a
fastener passage 108 configured to receive and retain a
fastener.
[0052] FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric front view of the anchor
assembly 90 aligned with a lateral wall 110 of a refrigerator liner
112 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The anchor
assembly 90 is adhesively mounted to the lateral wall 110 such that
the barrel 106 is positioned through an opening 114 formed through
the lateral wall 110.
[0053] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric rear view of the anchor
assembly 90 adhesively mounted to the lateral wall 110 of a
refrigerator liner 112. The double sided tape 100 (shown in FIGS.
13 and 14) adhesively secures the main body 92 to the outer surface
of the lateral wall 110. The barrel 106 (shown in FIG. 14) extends
through the hole 114 formed through the lateral wall 110. If the
barrel anchor 102 is a separate component, the main body 92 may be
adhesively mounted to the lateral wall 110. After the main body 92
is mounted to the lateral wall 110, the barrel 106 (shown in FIG.
14) of the barrel anchor 102 may then be passed through the opening
98 (shown in FIG. 13) and the opening 114 (shown in FIG. 14).
[0054] FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a refrigerator
housing 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The refrigerator housing 120 includes the lining 112 secured within
an outer shell 120. As shown in FIG. 16, the barrels 106 extend
through the lateral walls 110 of the lining 112 into an interior
chamber 122 of the refrigerator housing 120. Thus, the barrels 106
are easily visible within the interior chamber 122.
[0055] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric front view of a shelf rail
130 aligned over the lateral wall 110 of the refrigerator liner 112
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shelf rail
130 include a plurality of rectangular shelf-securing slots 131 and
circular barrel holes 132. The size and shape of the barrel holes
132 allow easy discernment between the barrel holes 132 and the
slots 131. Thus, the shelf rail 130 is easily aligned with the
barrels 106. The shelf rail 130 is then urged toward the lateral
wall 110 so that the barrels 106 are received and retained within
the barrel holes 132.
[0056] FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric front view of the shelf
rail 130 securely mounted on the lateral wall 110 of the
refrigerator liner 112. As shown in FIG. 18, each barrel 106 is
retained within a barrel opening 132.
[0057] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shelf rail
130 securely mounted on the lateral wall 110 through line 19-19 of
FIG. 18. The shelf rail 130 may include a plastic flash ridge 140
surrounding each barrel hole 132. The flash ridge 140 may cooperate
with the distal end of the barrel 106 to hold the shelf rail 130 in
place before the shelf rail is permanently fastened to the lateral
wall 110 of the liner 112 through a fastener (not shown in FIG.
19). Optionally, the extended lip at the distal end of the barrel
106 may cooperate with an edge defining the barrel hole 132 in
order to secure the barrel hole 132 around the barrel 106 (thereby
securing the shelf rail 130 to the barrel 106). Additionally, the
main body 94 and/or the barrel anchor 102 may include at least one
snap tab configured to snapably secure the barrel anchor 102 to the
main body 94.
[0058] FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the shelf rail 130
fastened to the lateral wall 110 of the refrigerator liner 112.
FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shelf rail 130
fastened to the lateral wall 110 of a refrigerator liner 112.
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a fastener 150, such as a screw,
threadably engages the fastener passage 108 of the barrel 106. The
fastener 150 may be a screw suitable for plastics, such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,818, entitled "Threaded Fastener
Particularly Suited For Plastics," which issued Dec. 20, 2005, and
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The fastener
150 may include a threaded outer shaft 152 that bites into an
interior surface of the barrel 106. The fastener 150 may be
pneumatically or manually threaded or otherwise driven into the
barrel 106. The fastener 150 acts to securely fasten the shelf rail
130 to the lining 112.
[0059] FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of a barrel anchor 160
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The barrel
anchor 160 includes a barrel shaft 162 having a plurality of ramped
tabs 164 extending outwardly therefrom. The ramped tabs 164 act to
secure the barrel anchor 160 into lateral wall of a refrigerator
liner.
[0060] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an anchor
assembly 166 securely mounted into the lateral wall 110 of the
refrigerator liner 112. The ramped tabs 164 allow the barrel shaft
162 to pass through the hole defined in the lateral wall 110. As
the barrel shaft 162 passes through the hole, the ramped tabs 164
snapably engage the edges 170 of the lateral wall 110 that define
the hole. Thus, each anchor assembly 166 may be securely mounted to
the lining 112.
[0061] Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a quick
and efficient method of securing shelf rails to a refrigerator
liner. The embodiments of the present invention aids in the
installation and support of fasteners into thin panels. In general,
embodiments of the present invention decrease the time it takes to
align support members onto thin panels. Although embodiments of the
present invention have been described in connection with a
refrigerator, the embodiments may be used in various other
applications. A refrigerator is merely shown and described as one
example of an application.
[0062] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0063] While various spatial terms, such as upper, bottom, lower,
mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and the like may used to
describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood
that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations
shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated,
or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower
portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the
like.
[0064] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *