Patent Grant
11913711
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for assembling and providing an enclosure, such as an enclosure for an ice merchandiser that is used to store and provide an ice product to customers.
Enclosures are used in a variety of applications. One type of an enclosure is an insulated enclosure, which includes insulation to maintain or substantially maintain an interior space of the enclosure at a desired temperature. An example of an insulated enclosure is an ice merchandiser enclosure for storing and supplying ice products (e.g., bagged ice) to patrons.
Ice merchandisers are usually fairly large and heavy temperature-controlled storage units. Their size and shape is often dependent upon the ice product that they are designed to store (e.g., one-hundred seven pound bags of ice, three-hundred seven pound bags of ice, etc.), the presence of a refrigeration system, the use of heavy-duty weather-resistant (e.g., rust resistant) materials, and the like. The ice merchandiser usually includes an inner housing and an outer housing. The outer housing is typically made by sheet metal panels connected by welds, soldering, and/or fasteners. However, the outer housing can be difficult for technicians to construct or assemble because the technicians may be required to perform various actions in uncomfortable positions (e.g., soldering over-head). Thus, complicated assembly processes can result in relatively long lead times (i.e., the time to make an enclosure) and even result in errors in the construction of such enclosures (e.g., gaps between adjoined walls).
One embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer. According to one embodiment, the ice merchandiser includes a cabinet assembly including a base panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, and a top panel. A first joint type is used to couple the rear panel to the base panel, the base panel to each of the right and left side panels, and the rear panel to each of the right and left side panels. A second joint type is used to couple the top panel to the right side panel, wherein the second joint type includes a slide channel structured to receive a flange of the right side panel and a flange of the top panel to couple the top panel to the right side panel. According to one configuration, the first joint type is different from the second joint type, and each of the first joint type and the second joint type do not use a fastener or an adhesive.
Another embodiment relates to joint for assembling an outer cabinet of an enclosure. The joint includes a first panel having a first flange extending away from the first panel in a substantially perpendicular manner; a second panel having a first flange extending away from the second panel in a substantially perpendicular manner; and a slide channel including a first flange interconnected to a second flange positioned parallel to the first flange to define a channel, wherein the channel is structured to receive the first flange of the first panel and the first flange of the second panel to couple the first panel to the second panel without the use of a fastener. According to one embodiment, the enclosure is used to construct an ice merchandiser.
Still another embodiment relates to a method of assembling an outer cabinet of an enclosure. The method includes: coupling a front panel of the outer cabinet to a base panel of the outer cabinet utilizing a first joint type; rotating a right side panel of the outer cabinet relative to the front panel to couple the right side panel to the front panel using a second joint type; rotating a left side panel of the outer cabinet relative to the front panel to couple the left side panel to the front panel using the second joint type; coupling a top panel of the outer cabinet to front panel using a third joint type; coupling the top panel to the right side panel and the left side panel using a fourth joint type; and coupling a rear panel to each of the base panel, top panel, and right and left side panels to form the outer cabinet assembly. According to one embodiment, the coupling of each panel of the outer cabinet assembly is without a fastener; each of the first, second, third, and fourth joint types are different; and, the top panel is coupled to the right side panel using a first slide channel structured to engage with each of the right side panel and the top panel while the top panel is coupled to the left side panel using a second slide channel structured to engage with each of the left panel and the top panel. According to one embodiment, the enclosure is used to construct an ice merchandiser.
The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
Referring to the Figures generally, an enclosure assembly with a sliding lock is provided according to several embodiments herein. In one embodiment, the enclosure assembly with sliding lock is utilized with a temperature-controlled case and, in particular, an ice merchandiser. The ice merchandiser may be structured to store and supply an ice product (e.g., bagged ice) to patrons. However, in other embodiments, the enclosure assembly with sliding lock may be utilized in a variety of other applications including insulated and non-insulated applications. For example, the enclosure assembly and sliding lock may be utilized to construct a housing, such as a pet/animal house. As another example, the enclosure may be used in a lab setting, such as an environmental lab testing enclosure (e.g., an environmental control cabinet). As still another example, the enclosure may be to construct filing cabinets. Thus, while the disclosure is primarily directed herein towards an enclosure assembly for an ice merchandiser, such a description is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure may be applicable in a variety of different applications, with all such applications intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further and due to the wide array of applications of the enclosure assembly of the present disclosure, a wide array of insulating materials may also be used with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
According to the present disclosure, the ice merchandiser includes a housing (also referred to as an enclosure or enclosure assembly) having an inner shell or cabinet, an outer shell or cabinet coupled to inner shell, and a storage space defined by the inner shell. The storage space is structured to store an ice product and enable patrons to selectively grab or obtain the stored ice product. The outer cabinet surrounds or substantially surrounds the inner cabinet. A space may be defined between the inner and outer cabinets. The space may be structured to receive an insulating material to help maintain a desired temperature of the storage space. In other embodiments, the space may be unfilled with insulation to, in turn, form an air gap. In either configuration, the inner shell, outer shell, and space serve as a barrier or insulator for the interior storage space.
The outer cabinet may be constructed from a plurality of panels that provide modularity and scalability to the housing. In particular and in one example embodiment, the outer cabinet includes a base panel, a front panel coupled to the base panel, a rear panel disposed substantially opposite the front panel and coupled to the base panel, left and right side panels coupled to each of the base panel and the front panel, a rear panel coupled to the base panel and each of the left and right side panels, and a top panel coupled to the front panel, rear panel, and each of the left and right side panels. According to the present disclosure, the top panel is coupled to the left side panel and right side panel using a slide lock or slide locking mechanism (one slide lock per connection: one slide lock to couple the top panel to the right side panel and one slide lock to couple the top panel to the left side panel). The slide lock may include a first flange interconnected with a second flange positioned parallel to the first flange to define a channel. The channel may be structured to receive parallel or substantially parallel flanges from each of the coupled panels (e.g., in regard to the top panel to left side panel coupling, the channel receives a flange from the top panel and a flange the left side panel). In use, the slide lock then slides, snaps, or clips into position to hold or retain the flanges of the left and right side panels together to securably couple the top panel to each of the left and right side panels. In certain configurations, upon coupling, an audible noise may be created to indicate that the slide lock is coupled to the received flanges. Advantageously, the audible noise may work to reduce guesswork by knowing that the slide lock is in the full or locked position and that the panels are coupled together. According to the present disclosure and in one embodiment, the remaining panels are coupled together by a series of joints or seams that neither use fasteners nor adhesives.
Beneficially and as alluded to above, the coupling of the panels may be accomplished through a series of joints or seams without (or a substantial decrease in) the use of fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, bolts, etc.) or various adhesives (e.g., epoxy, glue, etc.) or adhesion processes (e.g., welding, soldering, etc.). As a result, assembly of the outer cabinet may be relatively quick due to the elimination of these fasteners and joining processes. Further, the ergonomics of the assembly may be improved due to technicians not needing to or substantially not needing to hold tools for implementing these joining processes or attaching these fasteners. Moreover, because the joints are integrated with each panel, the outer cabinet may be assembled with a higher degree of precision (i.e., a reduction in gaps between coupled panels, ninety-degree angles between perpendicular coupled panels, etc.). As a result, the integrity of the outer cabinet may improve due to a reduction in these imperfections. Additionally, due to this reduction in gaps and closer-fit joints, when insulation is inserted, the expansion properties of the insulation do not or may negligibly adversely affect the integrity of the joints (i.e., the joints resist de-coupling from the expanding insulation). Along these lines, by making the joints integrated with the panels by, e.g., bending the panels into flanges and hems, additional strength is imparted into the panels by the shaping and bending. In addition to these benefits, various production benefits may also be experienced by the present disclosure. For example, the assembly process does not need to be confined to certain work stations in a production floor (i.e., land-locked) because the use of tools for various joining processes (e.g., welding) may be substantially alleviated. As a result, production managers may experience a relatively high degree of flexibility in coordinating the assembly of the enclosures of the present disclosure. These and other features and benefits of the present disclosure are explained more fully herein.
Referring now to
As mentioned above and in the example configuration depicted, the ice merchandiser 10 includes a first door 20 and a second door 22. Each of the doors 20, 22 are movable between a first position and a second position.
The ice merchandiser 10 is shown to include a cooling system 40. The cooling system 40 is structured to cool the storage space 60 to a desired temperature (e.g., maintain the storage space temperature at or below the melting temperature of ice to substantially prevent the ice product from melting). The cooling system 40 may include any type of components for cooling the storage space 60. In turn, the cooling system 40 may include, but is not limited to, one or more compressors, evaporator coils, condenser coils, conduits, valves, fan(s), a refrigerant source, plenums, etc. Although
As mentioned above, the housing 50 defines a cavity 60, also referred to herein as the storage space 60 (see, e.g.,
Referring now to
In the example depicted, the inner cabinet 70, which defines the storage space 60, is constructed from one or more components. In another embodiment, the inner cabinet may be of unitary/monolithic construction. As shown, the inner cabinet 70 includes a plurality of panels (e.g., pieces, parts, components, covers, etc.) that are assembly to form the inner cabinet 70. It should be understood that similar types of joints as described herein with respect to the outer cabinet 80 may be utilized to assemble the inner cabinet 70.
According to the present disclosure, the outer cabinet 80 may be constructed from a series of panels that are coupled together by a series of seams, joints, and/or lock mechanisms without the use of fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, etc.). As a result, assembly of the outer cabinet 80 may be relatively easier and quicker than conventional cabinets. Further, due to not needing to use various tools to couple panels together, the outer cabinet 80 may be of a relatively higher integrity. For example, the joints of the outer cabinet 80 may be stronger and with smaller gaps between coupled panels because technicians or assembly persons do not need to worry about getting panels square to each other for coupling. Moreover, eliminating or substantially eliminating adhesives and fasteners may also reduce the costs associate with constructing, manufacturing, and/or otherwise assembling the outer cabinet 80.
As described more fully herein, the panels of the outer cabinet 80 are coupled together using joints (also referred to herein as “seams”). The “joints” are created through the interaction of flanges (e.g., projections, protrusions, etc.), bends, channels, and the like that are interconnected with each panel of the joint. In this regard and as used herein, the term “interconnected” means integral, such that in this embodiment, the flanges, bends, and the like of the panel used in the joint are of integral or unitary construction with that panel (i.e., a one-piece component, etc.). Based on the foregoing, the “joints” may be characterized as “fitted joints” due to the engagement (e.g., receiving, overlapping, etc.) of the flanges, bends, and the like that result in each portion of each panel of the joint to be “fitted” together. For example, in the sheet metal construction configuration (i.e., where the panels are constructed from sheet metal), the flanges, bends, and the like of the panel are bent or formed from the panel. Beneficially, the bending of metal imparts strength into the bends to improve the integrity of the joints. Further, because the flanges, bends, and the like of a panel used in a joint are integral with that panel, technicians/assembly-persons need not track and maintain multiple components to create the joint. This may make the assembly relatively easier than conventional cabinet assemblies. However, it should be understood that in an alternate embodiment, the flanges, bends, etc. of a panel of a joint may be a separate component relative to that panel (i.e., not-interconnected with the panel). In this regard, fasteners or other adhesive (e.g., epoxy) or adhesion processes (e.g., welding) may be used to couple or attach the flanges, bends, etc. to a panel to enable creation of a joint. Thus, while the primary disclosure is directed towards unitary construction panels of the outer cabinet (i.e., flanges, bends, and the like interconnected with the panel), this depiction and explanation is not meant to be limiting as it is contemplated that one or more components of the joint may be a separate component relative to the panel.
With the above in mind and still referring to
Accordingly, referring now to
With reference to
Generally speaking, each of the joints 700, 702, 704, 710, and 716 includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion includes a first flange interconnected to a second flange and a hem interconnected to the second flange. The inner portion includes a flange interconnected to a hem. The first two flanges extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular relative to a horizontal plane, such that the first two flanges of the outer portion are parallel to each other. Further, the flange of the inner portion also extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular relative to a horizontal plane. When coupled to form the joint, the first two flanges define a space or volume for receiving or at least partly receiving the hem and flange of the inner portion. The hems of the inner and outer portion may selectively engage while the flange of the inner portion may selectively engage with the first flange of the outer portion. Due to these engagements, relative movement between the panels associated with outer portion and the inner portion is substantially prevented. Further and as shown, this joint—i.e., joints 700, 702, 704, 710, and 716—is used to couple a first panel to a second panel at a substantially perpendicular angle (see, e.g.,
Referring more particularly to
As shown, the right side panel 150 portion of the joint 400 includes two (2) flanges that are substantially vertically oriented (i.e., ninety-degrees) relative to a horizontal plane: flange 152 and flange 154. Further and as shown, the bend 153 creates a space, void, or opening between the flanges 152 and 154. Additionally, the hem of the outer portion is disposed within the space. In use, the space is sized to receive, at least, partly the inner portion of the joint 700. Based on the foregoing, characteristics, features, and benefits of the joint 700 and (joints 702, 704, 710, and 716) may be described as follows.
As shown, at least one flange portion of each panel of the joint 700 are engaged or in an abutment condition (i.e., touching or close to touching such that even very small movements of the panels result in touching). In particular, the flange 152 of the right side panel 150 is in an abutment condition with the flange 102 of the base panel 100. As also shown, the flange 102 and hem of the base panel 100 are at least partly received in the spaced created by the flanges 152 and 154 and bend 153 of the right side panel 150. As mentioned above, the hem of the outer portion is also disposed at least partly within this space. In this regard, the outer portion at least partly surrounds the inner portion. In operation, the hem of the outer portion (i.e., bend 155, flange 156, and end 157) and the hem of the inner portion (i.e., bend 103, flange 104, and end 105) are proximate to each other. More particularly, the ends 105 and 157 are proximate to each other and in selective engagement with each other (i.e., selectively contacting each other). In this regard and while
Based on the foregoing, operation of the joint 700 (and joints 702, 704, 710, and 716) may be described as follows. Once the joint 700 is formed, like the depiction in
It should be understood that in other embodiments, various modifications may be made to the joint 700 (and joints 702, 704, 710, and 716) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, the ends 105 and 157 may be angled rather than planar like shown in
Turning now to
Referring more particularly to
As alluded to above, the slide channel 600 is structured to hold or substantially hold, couple, and retain the top panel 250 to the right side panel 150 in the joint 708. As shown, the slide lock 600 includes a flange 601 interconnected to a bend 602, which is interconnected to another flange 603, which is interconnected to a bend 604, a flange 605, a bend 606, a flange 607, and an end 608. The bend 606, flange 607, and end 608 represent a hem of the slide channel 600. In the example shown, the hem is a flat hem. Of course, in other embodiments, a different type hem may be used, such as an open hem. As shown, the flange 603 extends away from the flange 601 towards the storage space 60 at an angle 812. In the example shown, the angle 812 is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees. Thus, angles 810, 811, and 812 are equal or substantially equal to each other to enable relatively tight/adjacent positioning. As also shown, the hem, flange 605, bend 604, and flange 603 form or define a channel. In the embodiment depicted, the channel is u-shaped. Further, the channel is sized (i.e., of a width from the hem and flange 605 to and the flange 603) to at least partly receive the flange 162 of the right side panel 150 as well as the flange 253 and hem (i.e., bend 254, flange 255, and end 256) of the top panel 250. Thus, the channel of the slide channel 600 substantially surrounds the flange 162, flange 253, and hem of the top panel 250 to hold, retain, or otherwise couple the top panel 250 to the right side panel 150.
In use, the slide channel 600 prevents relative movement between the top panel 250 and the right side panel 150 by selective engagement of the hems of the top panel 250 and slide channel 600, and selective engagement of the flanges 162 and 253 with the slide channel 600. To form the joint 708, the flange 253 and the flange 162 may be aligned and the slide channel 600 inserted over the flanges 253, 162, such that the flanges 253 and 162 are at least partly received in the channel of the slide channel 600. According to one embodiment, flexion of the hem away from the flange 603 (during coupling) may occur due to the hem engaging with the hem of the top panel 250. After the hem of the slide channel 600 is moved above the hem of the top panel 250 hem, the hem and flange 605 may flex or spring back towards the flange 603 and create an audible noise (e.g., a snap, click, etc.). Such an audible noise may beneficially serve to indicate that the slide channel 600 is in a locked position. In turn, assembly persons may recognize that the joint 708 is formed. To de-couple the top panel 250 from the right side panel 150, the slide lock 600 is slid or translated into or out-of-the page (based on the view point depicted in
As also shown, the top panel 250 is shown to define a cavity or space proximate the flange 251 and away from the slide channel 600. This cavity may be useful in at least one of providing additional space for various components or plumbing, providing space to receive additional insulation, and/or imparting strength to the panel 250. The front panel 400 is shown to include a similar type of cavity or space (see
Additionally, it should be understood that similar types of modifications as mentioned above with joint 700 may be applied/used with joints 708 and 714. For example, the ends of the hems may be a different shape than planar like shown. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the high configurability of the joint 708 and 714, with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
With reference to
Generally speaking, joints 720 and 722 are substantially similar to joint 700, except joints 720 and 722 are relatively simpler by excluding the additional bend and flange portion of the outer portion of the joint 700. In this regard and generally speaking, joints 720 and 722 include an one panel having an outer portion and another panel having or interconnected with an inner portion. The joint 720 (and joint 722) is used to couple panels together at a right angle or substantially right angle (i.e., perpendicular to each other). To accomplish this coupling, the outer portion includes a first flange interconnected to a second flange interconnected, and a hem interconnected to the second flange. The first and second flanges are spaced apart from one another to form a channel or receiving space. The inner portion includes a flange interconnected with a hem. The flange and hem of the inner portion are at least partly received in the channel of the outer portion, whereby the hems of the inner and outer portions may selectively engage to restrict relative movement and couple the panels together.
More particularly, and with reference to
As mentioned above, in operation, the channel of the outer portion of the joint 722 is structured to receive or at least partly receive the inner portion of the joint 722. In particular, the flange 351 of the top rear panel 350 is in an abutment condition or engaged with the flange 260 and the hem of the top panel 250 (i.e., bend 263, flange 264, and end 265) while the hem of the upper rear panel 350 is engaged with the flange 262, bend 261, and flange 260. In this regard, the hems may selectively engage while the bends may selectively engage to prevent relative horizontal movement (based on the view depicted in
Turning now to
With the above in mind, explanation of the joint 706 may be described as follows. As shown, the inner portion includes a flange 110 interconnected to a flange 112 by a bend 111. The flange 112 extends away from the flange 110 towards the storage space 60. The bend 111 forms an angle 820 between the flanges 112 and 110. According to the embodiment depicted, the angle 820 is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees, such that the flanges 112 and 110 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The flange 112 is interconnected to a hem and, in particular, a double hem. The double hem includes a bend 113, flange 114, bend 115, flange 116, and end 117. In comparison, the outer portion includes a flange 401 interconnected to another flange 403 by a bend 402. The flange 403 extends away from the flange 401 towards the storage space 60. The bend 402 forms an angle 821 between the flanges 401 and 403. In the example depicted, the angle 821 is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees, such that the flanges 401 and 403 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The flange 403 is interconnected to a bend 404, which is interconnected to a flange 405, which is interconnected to a hem including a bend 406, flange 407, and end 408. As shown, via the bend 404, the flanges 403 and 405 are at an angle 822 relative to each other. In this example, the angle 822 is an acute angle (i.e., 0 degrees<angle 822<90 degrees). As a result of the acute angle, the flange 403, bend 404, and flange 405 form an opening structured to receive the inner portion of the joint 706. Further and in this example, the hem of the inner portion (i.e., bend 406, flange 407, and end 408) is an acute hem. That is to say and in other words, the angle between the flange 407 and the flange 405 by the bend 406 is an acute angle. Based on the foregoing, operation of the joint 706 may be described as follows.
In use, the flange 403 and flange 112 are in engaged or in an abutment condition (i.e., touching). Because each of these flanges extend vertically in a substantially parallel manner (i.e., towards the storage space 60), the flanges 403 and 112 may form a relatively tight connection or bond. Additionally, the flange 403, bend 404, and flange 405 then at least partly receive and surround the double hem portion of the inner portion of the joint 706. In particular and as shown, the flange 405 is engaged with the double hem of the inner portion of the joint 706. In another embodiment, the flange 405 may be separated by a gap from the double hem portion. Nonetheless, due to the engagement, the inner portion may be considered locked in relative to the outer portion. Accordingly, while the end 408 is shown to be at a distance/separation gap from the double hem portion, selective engagement by the end 408 and the double hem portion prevents or substantially prevents relative tilting between the front panel 400 to the base panel 100. As a result of the engagements, once foam or another insulating material is provided/inserted (when foam or an insulating material is used), the expansion of the insulating material cannot or substantially cannot creep into various spaces to the separate the joint. Thus, a relatively strong seam or joint is created with minimal gaps.
Turning now to
Generally speaking, the joints 712 and 718 include an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion includes a first flange interconnected by a first bend to a second flange, which is interconnected by a second bend to a third flange. According to one embodiment, via the first bend, the first and second flanges are at an obtuse angle relative to one another. Via the second bend, the second and third flanges are at an approximately ninety (90) degree angle relative to one another. In other embodiments, different angle configurations may be used. The outer portion includes a first flange interconnected to a second flange by a first bend, a second flange interconnected to a third flange by a second bend, and a hem. In one embodiment, via the first bend, the first and second flanges of the outer portion are at an obtuse angle relative to one another. In one instance, the obtuse angle matches or substantially matches the obtuse angle between the first and second flanges of the inner portion. Similarly, the second and third flanges are at an angle to one another as well and, in one embodiment, the angle between the second and third flanges matches or substantially matches the angle between the second and third flanges of the inner portion (i.e., approximately equal to ninety degrees in this case). Furthermore and in one embodiment, the hem is structured as an acute hem. In operation, due to the matching or substantially matching of angles, the first, second, and third sets of flanges of the inner and outer portions may be engaged while the acute hem may at least partly surround and engage the third hem of the inner portion. As a result of the matching and acute hem engagement, a relatively tight connection with minimal gaps is created to couple the panels together. Furthermore and due to the coupling, the first panel and second panel (associated with the inner and outer portions) are coupled at a right or approximately right angle to each other (i.e., are perpendicular to each other).
Referring now more particularly to
In operation, the outer portion is shown to at least partly receive or surround the inner portion. In particular and in the coupled position, the flange 501 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the flange 201, the bend 502 is engaged with or in an abutment condition the bend 202, the flange 503 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the flange 203, the bend 504 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the bend 204, and the flange 505 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the flange 205. Further, the hem of the outer portion serves to at least partly surround the flange 205 to lock or retain the joint 712 to prevent or substantially relative movement or de-coupling between the panels.
Turning now to joints 724 and 726, joint 724 is shown to couple the lower rear panel 300 to the upper rear panel 350 while joint 726 is used to couple together the front panel 400 to the front panel 500. It should be understood that joints 724 and 726 are optional, such that not all embodiments/applications of the present disclosure will include these joints. That is to say, in other embodiments, only one front panel may be used such that the joint 726 is not needed and only one rear panel may be used such that the joint 724 is not needed.
Based on the foregoing and with reference to
Referring more particularly to
As shown and mentioned above, the joint 724 includes an inner portion, representing the upper rear panel 350 part of the joint 724, and an outer portion, representing the lower rear panel 300 part of the joint 724. The inner portion includes a flange 360 interconnected by a bend 361 to a flange 362, which is interconnected by a bend 363 to another flange 364. The flange 360 extends in a direction towards the storage space 60. Via the bend 361, the flanges 360 and 362 are at an angle 840 relative to each other. In one embodiment and in the example depicted, the angle 840 is an obtuse angle. Thus, in this case, the flange 362 extends further towards the storage space 60 than the flange 360. Via the bend 364, the flanges 362 and 364 are at an angle 841 relative to each other. In this example, the angle 841 is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees. In comparison, the outer portion includes a flange 301 interconnected by a bend 302 to a flange 303, which is interconnected by a bend 304 to another flange 305. The flange 305 is interconnected to a hem including a bend 306, flange 307, and end 308. In the example shown, the hem is an acute hem. In other embodiments, a different hem configuration may be used. The flange 301 extends in a direction towards the storage space 60. Via the bend 302, the flanges 301 and 303 are at an angle 842 relative to each other. In one embodiment and in the example depicted, the angle 842 is an obtuse angle. Thus, in this case, the flange 303 extends further towards the storage space 60 than the flange 301. Via the bend 304, the flanges 303 and 305 are at an angle 843 relative to each other. In this example, the angle 843 is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees. Thus, the bends 302 and 361 and the bends 304 and 363 create angles that are equal to or substantially equal to each other. As a result, the inner portion may mate or engage with the outer portion in a fairly tight manner.
Based on the foregoing, operation of the joint 724 may be described as follows. The outer portion is shown to at least partly receive or surround the inner portion. In particular and in the coupled position, the flange 301 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the flange 360, the bend 302 is engaged with or in an abutment condition the bend 361, the flange 303 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the flange 362, the bend 304 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the bend 363, and the flange 305 is engaged with or in an abutment condition with the flange 365. Further, the hem of the outer portion serves to at least partly surround the flange 364 to lock or retain the joint 724 to prevent or substantially relative movement or de-coupling between the panels. It should be understood that it is contemplated that the same or similar type of joint may be oriented along the vertical plane in other embodiments, such that the rear panel would comprise left and right side rear panels rather than upper and lower rear panels.
Turning now to
As shown and mentioned above, the joint 726 includes an inner portion, representing the front panel 500 part of the joint 726, and an outer portion, representing the front panel 400 part of the joint 726. The inner portion includes a flange 510 interconnected by a bend 511 to a flange 512, which is interconnected by a bend 513 to another flange 514, which is interconnected by another bend 515 to a flange 516. The flanges 510 and 514 extend in a direction towards the storage space 60. Via the bend 511, the flanges 510 and 511 are at an angle 850 relative to each other. In one embodiment and in the example depicted, the angle 850 is a right or substantially right angle. Via the bend 513, the flanges 512 and 514 are at an angle 851 relative to each other. In this example, the angle 851 is an obtuse angle. Finally, via the bend 515, the flanges 514 and 516 are at an angle 852 relative to each other. As shown, the angle 852 is or is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees. In comparison, the outer portion includes a flange 420 interconnected by a bend 421 to a flange 422, which is interconnected by a bend 423 to another flange 423, which is interconnected by a bend 425 to another flange 426. The flange 426 is interconnected to a hem including a bend 427, flange 428, and end 429. In the example shown, the hem is an acute hem. In other embodiments, a different hem configuration may be used. Via the bend 511, the flanges 420 and 422 are at an angle 853 relative to each other. In one embodiment and in the example depicted, the angle 853 is a right or substantially right angle. Via the bend 423, the flanges 422 and 424 are at an angle 854 relative to each other. In this example, the angle 854 is an obtuse angle. Finally, via the bend 425, the flanges 424 and 426 are at an angle 855 relative to each other. As shown, the angle 855 is or is approximately equal to ninety (90) degrees. Thus, the angles of the inner portion and outer portion substantially match to enable a fairly close coupling between the front panels 400 and 500.
Based on foregoing, an example method 1000 of assembling the outer cabinet of the housing of an enclosure, such as an ice merchandiser, is shown pictorially in
At step 1001, the front panel 400 is coupled to the base panel 100 (see
At step 1002, the right side panel 150 is coupled to the front panel 400 (see
In particular and in operation, the right side panel 150 is rotated relative to the front panel 400 to couple the right side panel 150 to the front panel 400, as shown in
At step 1003, the left side panel 200 is coupled to the front panel 400 (see
At step 1004, the top panel 250 is coupled to the front panel 400 (see
At step 1005, the top panel 250 is coupled to each of the right and left side panels 150 and 200, respectively (see
At step 1006, the lower rear panel 300 is coupled to the base panel 100 and to each of the right and left side panels 150, 200 (see
At step 1007, the upper rear panel 350 is coupled to the lower rear panel 300 (see
Beneficially, the assembly of the enclosure 80 is shown to correspond with various audible indicators (e.g., cues, indicia, etc.). While the audible indicator (e.g., a snap) may be helpful to indicate coupling and alignment, other indicia or cues may also be included as well that further help indicate coupling and alignment. In this regard and in addition to the aforementioned audible cues, assembly of the enclosure 80 may also correspond with visual and tangible cues (i.e., a touch indicator). For example, during the creation of the audible noise in at least steps 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1006, the assembly person may experience resistance due to the bending of one or more flanges when the joints are being created. Upon creation, the assembly person may feel a snap-back of one or more flanges or a decrease in resistance, which not only results in an audible noise but also represents a tangible indicator. Further and because the joints created may correspond with minimal gaps (as described herein), a visual cue may be provided to the assembly person as well to know that the joint is correctly formed. As a result, tangible, audible, and visual cues may be provided to the assembly personnel assembling the cabinet 80, which advantageously may result in a relatively high amount of confidence for the assembly personnel knowing that the joint and cabinet was assembled correctly.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.
Additionally and for the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “approximately” and “substantially” or other like terms are intended to be understood and broadly interpreted by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, when the disclosure defines an angle as approximately equal to a value or substantially equal to a value, these terms are intended to be broadly defined and interpreted by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, these terms may be a predefined value (e.g., approximately may mean plus-or-minus X). As another example, these terms may refer to a commonly accepted tolerance level. As still another example, these terms may refer to a statistical determination based on a series of samples. Similarly, the terms “match” or “substantially match” are also meant to be broadly interpreted. Accordingly, in one example, match or substantial match may refer to an exact match. In another example, match or substantial matching refers to a dimension or value being within a predefined tolerance, amount, standard, or an accepted qualitative measurement technique.
It is to be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
It is also important to note that although only a few embodiments of the enclosure assembly have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the disclosed embodiments.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/818,841, filed Nov. 21, 2017, entitled “ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY WITH SLIDING LOCK,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/258,583, filed Sep. 7, 2016, entitled “ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY WITH SLIDING LOCK,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200103160 A1 | Apr 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15818841 | Nov 2017 | US |
| Child | 16685493 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15258583 | Sep 2016 | US |
| Child | 15818841 | US |
