REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE SUBCOMPONENT MOUNTING SYSTEM

Abstract

An anchor assembly for securing a subcomponent to a refrigerator includes a receiving portion and a cover portion. The receiving portion has a first end configured to extend into an internal chamber of a refrigerator and support a drawer or shelf, a second end, and tabs extending radially outward at a position that is between the first and second ends. The cover portion has a hub and a skirt extending radially outward from the hub. The hub is configured to engage the second end of the receiving portion to secure the second portion to the first portion. The skirt is configured to engage a wall and extend about the keyed-orifice. The tabs and skirt are collectively configured to generate a compression force on the wall to secure the anchor assembly to the wall.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an appliance such as a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

In order to keep food fresh, a low temperature must be maintained within a refrigerator to reduce the reproduction rate of harmful bacteria. Refrigerators circulate refrigerant and change the refrigerant from a liquid state to a gas state by an evaporation process in order cool the air within the refrigerator. During the evaporation process, heat is transferred to the refrigerant. After evaporating, a compressor increases the pressure, and in turn, the temperature of the refrigerant. The gas refrigerant is then condensed into a liquid and the excess heat is rejected to the ambient surroundings. The process then repeats.

SUMMARY

An anchor assembly configured to engage an inner liner of a refrigerator appliance includes a receiving portion and a cover portion. The receiving portion has a first axial end, a second axial end, and tabs extending radially outward at a position that is between the first and second axial ends. The first axial end includes a post operable to support a shelf or a drawer. The second axial end has threads. The tabs are configured to engage an internal surface of the inner liner. The cover portion defines a tapped orifice and has a skirt extending radially outward from the tapped orifice. The tapped orifice is configured to engage the threads to secure the cover portion to the receiving portion. The skirt is configured to engage an external surface of the inner liner and extend about an orifice defined by the inner liner to isolate the orifice. The tabs and skirt are configured to collectively generate a compression force on the inner liner to secure the anchor assembly to the inner liner.

An anchor assembly configured to engage a liner of a refrigerator appliance includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first end, a second end, and tabs extending radially outward therefrom. The tabs are configured to engage the liner. The first end includes a pin operable to support a shelf or a drawer. The second portion has a hub and a skirt extending radially outward from the hub. The hub is configured to engage the second end of the first portion to secure the second portion to the first portion. The skirt is configured to engage the liner and extend about an orifice defined by the liner. The tabs and skirt are configured to collectively generate a compression force on the liner to secure the anchor assembly to the liner.

An anchor assembly for securing a subcomponent to a refrigerator includes a receiving portion and a cover portion. The receiving portion has a first end configured to extend into an internal chamber of a refrigerator and support a drawer or shelf, a second end, and tabs extending radially outward at a position that is between the first and second ends. The cover portion has a hub and a skirt extending radially outward from the hub. The hub is configured to engage the second end of the receiving portion to secure the second portion to the first portion. The skirt is configured to engage a wall and extend about the keyed-orifice. The tabs and skirt are collectively configured to generate a compression force on the wall to secure the anchor assembly to the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial rear isometric exploded view of a refrigerator;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an anchor assembly in an assembled state;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the anchor assembly in a disassembled state;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the engagement between the anchor assembly and a keyed-orifice;

FIG. 8 is a magnified view of area 8-8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an internal panel of the refrigerator;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an engagement between the internal panel and the anchor assembly;

FIG. 11 is a magnified view of area 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an isometric exploded view of an alternative configuration of the anchor assembly;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the alternative configuration of the anchor assembly in an assembled state;

FIG. 14 illustrates an engagement between the alternative configuration of the anchor assembly and a shelf; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an engagement between the alternative configuration of the anchor assembly and a drawer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, generally a refrigerator 10 of the top-mount type is illustrated. However, it should be understood that this disclosure could apply to any type of refrigerator, such as a side-by-side, French-Door Bottom Mount, or a bottom-mount type. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 10 may have a first internal cavity, first internal storage chamber, or fresh food compartment 12 configured to refrigerate and not freeze consumables within the fresh food compartment 12, and a second internal cavity, second internal storage chamber, or a freezer compartment 14 configured to freeze consumables within the freezer compartment 14 during normal use. The fresh food compartment 12 and freezer compartment 14 may be defined by a housing or cabinet 15 of the refrigerator 10. It is generally known that the freezer compartment 14 is typically kept at a temperature below the freezing point of water, and the fresh food compartment 12 is typically kept at a temperature above the freezing point of water and generally below a temperature of from about 35° F. to about 50° F., more typically below about 38° F.

The refrigerator 10 includes one or more refrigeration loops (not shown) that are configured to cool the air the within the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14. The refrigeration loop includes at least a compressor, an evaporator that cools air being delivered to the fresh food compartment 12 and/or freezer compartment 14, a condenser that rejects heat to ambient surroundings, and a thermal expansion valve. Fans may be utilized to direct air across the evaporator and the condenser to facilitate exchanging heat. The compressor and the fans may be connected to a controller. Sensors that measure the air temperature within the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14 may be in communication with the controller. The controller may be configured to operate the compressor, fans, etc. in response to the air temperature within the within the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14 being less than a threshold.

Such a controller may be part of a larger control system and may be controlled by various other controllers throughout the refrigerator 10, and one or more other controllers can collectively be referred to as a “controller” that controls various functions of the refrigerator 10 in response to inputs or signals to control functions of the refrigerator 10. The controller may include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media. Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller in controlling the refrigerator 10.

The refrigerator 10, or more specifically the cabinet 15, includes panels or internal walls 16 that define the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14. The walls 16 may more specifically form an internal or inner liner 17 of the refrigerator 10. The walls 16 may include a rear or back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, internal divider walls, and two opposing side walls. One or more shelves 18 may be secured to the walls 16 within the fresh food compartment 12 and/or freezer compartment 14. One or more drawers may be slidably secured to the shelves 18 or the walls 16 within the fresh food compartment 12 and/or freezer compartment 14. One or more crisper drawers 22 may be slidably secured to the shelves 18 or the walls 16 within the fresh food compartment 12. The crisper drawer 22 may more specifically be a drawer defining a storage space that is kept at a desired humidity that may be different from the remainder of the fresh food compartment 12, but that is optimal for maintaining freshness of fruits and vegetables.

The refrigerator 10, or more specifically the cabinet 15, includes an outer shell, frame, or housing 23 that comprises several exterior panels or walls 24. The outer shell, frame, or housing 23 that comprises several exterior panels or walls 24 may also be referred to as the refrigerator cabinet wrapper. The exterior walls 24 may include a rear or back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls. The rear wall of the exterior walls 24 is exploded out in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes. An insulating material 25, such as an insulating foam, may be disposed between each exterior wall 24 and an adjacent corresponding interior wall 16 in order reduce the heat transfer from the ambient surroundings to the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14, which increases the efficiency of the refrigerator 10. The insulating material 25 may also be disposed between opposing exterior surfaces of internal divider walls within the cabinet 15 (e.g., a divider wall that is disposed between the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14). The cabinet 15 (or more specifically the outer housing 23 or the exterior walls 24) may define an internal cavity. The inner liner 17 (or more specifically the interior walls 16) and the insulating material 25 are disposed within the internal cavity defined by the outer housing 23 or the exterior walls 24. The inner liner 17 (or more specifically the interior walls 16) may in turn define the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14 within the internal cavity defined by the outer housing 23 or the exterior walls 24. Each exterior wall 24, adjacent corresponding interior wall 16, and the insulating material 25 disposed between each exterior wall 24 and adjacent corresponding interior wall 16 may collectively be referred to as a single wall of the cabinet 15 of the refrigerator. The insulating material 25 is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes.

The refrigerator 10 may have one or more doors 26, 28 that provide selective access to the interior volume of the refrigerator 10 where consumables may be stored. As shown, the fresh food compartment door is designated 26, and the freezer door is designated 28. The doors 26, 28 may be rotatably secured to the frame or housing 23 of the refrigerator 10 by one or more hinges. Alternatively, one or more of the doors 26, 28 may be configured to slide into and out of the cabinet 15.

The doors 26, 28 may each include an exterior panel 30 and an interior panel 32 that is disposed on an internal side of the respective exterior panel 30 of each door 26, 28. The interior panels 32 may be configured to face the fresh food compartment 12 and freezer compartment 14 when the doors 26, 28 are in closed positions. The interior panels 32 may more specifically be door liners. The insulating material 25 may be disposed between the exterior panels 30 and an adjacent corresponding interior panel 32 of each door 26, 28 in order reduce the heat transfer from the ambient surroundings and increase the efficiency of the refrigerator 10.

The doors 26, 28 may also include storage bins 34 that are able to hold food items or containers. The storage bins 34 may be secured to the interior panels 32 of each door 26, 28. Alternatively, the storage bins 34 may be integrally formed within or defined by the interior panels 32 of each door 26, 28. In yet another alternative, a portion of the storage bins 34 may be secured to the interior panels 32 of the doors 26, 28, while another portion of the storage bins 34 may be integrally formed within or defined by the interior panels 32 the doors 26, 28. The storage bins 34 may include shelves (e.g., a lower surface upon, which a food item or container may rest upon) that extend from back and/or side surfaces of the interior panels 32 of the doors 26, 28.

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, a mounting system for the subcomponents 36 of the refrigerator 10, which includes a fastening anchor or anchor assembly 38, is illustrated. The anchor assembly 38 may be referred to as an anchor. The subcomponent 36 may be a portion (e.g., a mounting bracket, a mounting rail, support arm, etc.) of a shelf 18 or drawer 22 that is disposed within the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14. The subcomponent 36 may alternatively be an internal panel (e.g., a panel that forms part a channel that directs cooled air into or out of the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14), a block of insulating material, or any other subcomponent of the refrigerator, such as an ice maker, an ice container track, a motor (e.g., for a refrigerant compressor, fan, or ice maker mechanism), an air diffuser, a water tank, a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser or evaporator), a fan (e.g., a fan that directs air across an evaporator or condenser and corresponding mounting hardware or bracketry), an air duct, or the corresponding mounting hardware/bracketry for any of the subcomponents. The mounting system may be utilized in appliances other than a refrigerator.

FIG. 8 includes a cross-sectional view through one of the walls of the cabinet 15 of the refrigerator 10. Although FIG. 8 is a magnified view of area 8-8 from FIG. 2, the wall illustrated in FIG. 8 may be representative of any of the walls of the cabinet 15 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The wall may include one of the exterior walls 24 that is part of the outer housing 23 of the cabinet 15 and a corresponding interior wall 16 that is part of the inner liner 17 of the refrigerator 10. Alternatively, the wall illustrated in FIG. 8 may be an internal wall within the refrigerator 10 (e.g., the wall may be a dividing wall between the food compartment 12 and freezer compartment 14, or some other internal wall that is within the fresh food compartment 12 or freezer compartment 14).

A gap 40 may be formed between the exterior walls 24 and the interior walls 16. The insulating material 25 may be disposed in the gap 40 between one or more of the exterior walls 24 and adjacent corresponding interior walls 16 in order reduce the heat transfer from the ambient surroundings to the fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14. The fresh food compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 14 may be defined by the inner liner 17 (or more specifically the interior walls 16) on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40. The subcomponent 36 is illustrated as being disposed within the fresh freezer compartment 14. Alternatively, the subcomponent 36 may be disposed within the fresh food compartment 12, or other internal cavity defined at some position within cabinet 15.

The inner liner 17 has an external surface 42 facing toward the gap 40. The inner liner 17 has an internal surface 44 facing away from the gap 40 on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the external surface 42. The internal surface 44 faces toward a chamber (e.g., the food compartment 12, the freezer compartment 14, or other chamber that may be occupied by a subcomponent of the refrigerator 10) that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40. The inner liner 17 defines one or more keyed-orifices 46 extending between the external surface 42 and internal surface 44. The one or more keyed-orifices 46 may also be said to extend between the gap 40 and the chamber that is on the opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40.

The anchor assembly 38 may be secured to the inner liner 17 once installed. More specifically, the anchor assembly 38 may be secure to one of the interior walls 16 once installed. The anchor assembly 38 includes a receiving portion 48 and cover portion 50. The receiving portion 48 and cover portion 50 may be referred to as the first and second portions, respectively, or vice versa. The receiving portion 48 may be disposed within a keyed-orifice 46. The receiving portion 48 has a first axial end 52 and a second axial end 54. The first axial end 52 is configured to extend outward from the internal surface 44 of the inner liner 17 and into the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40 once installed. The second axial end 54 is configured to extend outward from the external surface 42 of the inner liner 17 and into the gap 40 once installed.

The receiving portion 48 further includes wings or tabs 56 extending radially outward at a position that is between the first axial end 52 and the second axial end 54. The tabs 56 are configured to engage the internal surface 44 of the inner liner 17 within the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40 once installed in order to prevent removal of the receiving portion 48 from the keyed-orifice 46. More specifically, the tabs 56 may align with the shape of the keyed-orifice 46 when being inserted into the keyed-orifice 46 and then may be rotated so that there is interference between the tabs 56 and the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) along the internal surface 44 such that the receiving portion 48 cannot be retracted without further rotation to realign the tabs 56 with the shape of the keyed-orifice 46. The first axial end 52 is configured to engage the subcomponent 36 to secure the subcomponent to the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) within the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40. More specifically, the first axial end 52 may define a fastener-receiving orifice 58 and a fastener 60 may engage the subcomponent 36 and the fastener-receiving orifice 58 to secure the subcomponent 36 to the anchor assembly 38. The first axial end 52 of the receiving portion 48 may include a head 61 that defines the fastener-receiving orifice 58. The second axial end 54 of the receiving portion may have threads 62.

The cover portion 50 is disposed within the gap 40. The cover portion 50 defines a tapped orifice 64. More specifically the cover portion 50 has hub 66 that defines the tapped orifice 64. The cover portion 50 further includes a skirt 68 that extends radially outward from the hub 66 and the tapped orifice 64. The hub 66 is configured to engage the second axial end 54 of the receiving portion 48 to secure the cover portion 50 to the receiving portion 48. More specifically, the hub 66 may be configured to engage the second axial end 54 of the receiving portion 48 via a threaded connection (e.g., an engagement between the threads 62 and the tapped orifice 64) to secure the cover portion 50 to the receiving portion 48. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded connection may be reversed (i.e., the cover portion 50 may have threads while the receiving portion 48 defines a tapped orifice).

The skirt 68 is configured to engage the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) and extend about the key-orifice 46 to isolate the keyed-orifice 46 from the gap 40. More specifically, the skirt 68 is configured to engage the external surface 42 of the inner liner 17 and extend about the key-orifice 46 to isolate the keyed-orifice 46 from the gap 40. The skirt 68 may function to prevent the insulating material 25 from spilling into the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40 while the gap 40 is being filled with the insulating material during manufacturing. The insulating material 25 may be a liquid or liquid-like material during installation that solidifies after installation. Once installed, the insulating material 25 may be disposed over and cover the skirt 68.

In response to tightening the threaded connection (e.g., the engagement between the threads 62 and the tapped orifice 64), the tabs 56 and skirt 68 may collectively generate a compression force on the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) to secure the anchor assembly 38 to the inner liner 17. The relative axial travel (e.g., the travel in a direction that extends between the first axial end 52 and the second axial end 54 of the receiving portion 48) of the receiving portion 48 and the cover portion 50 along the threaded connection allows for an adjustment of a distance between the tabs 56 and skirt 68 such that anchor assembly 38 may be secured to different walls having varying thickness.

The cover portion 50 further includes tabs or wings 70 to facilitate engagement of the threaded connection (e.g., the engagement between the threads 62 and the tapped orifice 64) during installation of the cover portion 50 onto the receiving portion 48. More specifically, the wings 70 provide a position for an individual grab or engage while installing the cover portion 50 onto the receiving portion 48. The wings 70 may also provide leverage to increase the torque being applied to the threaded connection during installation. The wings 70 operate in a similar manner as the protrusions or wings that extend outward from a wingnut.

The receiving portion 48 may include a pair of substantially parallel plates 72 that extend radially outward. One of the plates may include the tabs 56. Substantially parallel may refer to any incremental angle that is between exactly parallel and 15° from exactly parallel. The substantially parallel plates 72 are disposed between the first axial end 52 and the second axial end 54 of the receiving portion 48. The substantially parallel plates 72 define at least one chamber 74 therebetween. The at least one chamber 74 is configured to receive leakage of the insulating material 25 during installation of the insulating material 25 into the gap 40. More specifically, some the insulating material 25 may blowby the threaded connection or the skirt 68 during installation, and the at least one chamber 74 provides a place to receive the insulating material 25 so that it does not flow through the keyed-orifice 46 and into the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40. The receiving portion 48 may also include support beams 76 extending between the plates of the pair of substantially parallel plates 72 to provide structural support to the pair of substantially parallel plates 72. A secondary chamber 78 may be defined between one of the plates the pair of substantially parallel plates 72 and the skirt 68. The secondary chamber 78 may be further configured to receive leakage of the insulating material 25 during installation of the insulating material 25 into the gap 40.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 9-11 a secondary type of connection between the anchor assembly 38 and a subcomponent of the refrigerator 10 is illustrated. More specifically, the secondary component may be an internal panel 80 that may form part of an air duct that is either configured to deliver air too or draw air from the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14. The internal panel 80 may have a tab 82 defining a notch 84. The tab 82 and notch 84 may form a fork-shaped structure. The first axial end 52 of the receiving portion 48 includes the head 61. A notch 86 is defined between the head 61 and the tabs 56. The notch 86 may also be defined between the head 61 and one of the plates of the pair of substantially parallel plates 72. The notch 86 is configured to receive a portion (e.g., the fork-shaped structure) of the subcomponent (e.g., the internal panel 80) to secure the subcomponent to the first axial end 52 of the receiving portion 48.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, an alternative configuration of the fastening anchor or anchor assembly 38′, is illustrated. The anchor assembly 38′ may be referred to as an anchor. It should be understood that anchor assembly 38′ has all the same subcomponents and functionality as anchor assembly 38 unless otherwise stated or illustrated herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that any component having a callout number in FIGS. 12-15 that includes a prime symbol (′) should be construed as having the same structure, subcomponents, and functionality as a component illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 that includes the same callout number but without the prime symbol, unless otherwise stated or illustrated herein.

The anchor assembly 38′ may be secured to the inner liner 17 once installed. More specifically, the anchor assembly 38′ may be secure to one of the interior walls 16 once installed (e.g., see FIGS. 6-8). The anchor assembly 38′ includes a receiving portion 48′ and cover portion 50′. The receiving portion 48′ and cover portion 50′ may be referred to as the first and second portions, respectively, or vice versa. The receiving portion 48′ may be disposed within the keyed-orifice 46 (e.g., see FIGS. 6-8). The receiving portion 48′ has a first axial end 52′ and a second axial end 54′. The first axial end 52′ is configured to extend outward from the internal surface 44 of the inner liner 17 and into the chamber (e.g., the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14) that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40 once installed. The second axial end 54′ is configured to extend outward from the external surface 42 of the inner liner 17 and into the gap 40 once installed.

The receiving portion 48′ further includes wings or tabs 56′ extending radially outward at a position that is between the first axial end 52′ and the second axial end 54′. The tabs 56′ are configured to engage the internal surface 44 of the inner liner 17 within the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40 once installed in order to prevent removal of the receiving portion 48′ from the keyed-orifice 46 (e.g., see FIGS. 6-8). More specifically, the tabs 56′ may align with the shape of the keyed-orifice 46 when being inserted into the keyed-orifice 46 and then may be rotated so that there is interference between the tabs 56′ and the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) along the internal surface 44 such that the receiving portion 48′ cannot be retracted without further rotation to realign the tabs 56′ with the shape of the keyed-orifice 46.

The first axial end 52′ may extend into, may be configured to extend into, or may be operable to extend into an internal chamber (e.g., the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14) of the refrigerator 10. The first axial end 52′ may also support, may be configured to support, or may be operable to support a drawer (e.g., drawer 22) or a shelf (e.g., shelf 18). More specifically, the first axial end 52′ may include a pin or post 100 that may extend into, may be configured to extend into, or may be operable to extend into the internal chamber (e.g., the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14) of the refrigerator 10, and the pin or post may also support, may be configured to support, or may be operable to support the drawer (e.g., drawer 22) or the shelf (e.g., shelf 18).

The anchor assembly 38′ may further comprise a roller 102 rotatably disposed about the first axial end 52′, or more specifically about the post 100. The roller 102 may support, may be configured to support, or may be operable to support the drawer 22 or the shelf 18. The roller 102 may also be configured or operable to rotate about the first axial end 52′, or more specifically the post 100, and along the drawer 22 or shelf 18 to facilitate slidably adjusting a position of the drawer 22 or the shelf 18 (e.g., the roller 102 may facilitate adjusting a linear position the drawer 22 or the shelf 18 along direction 104, which may constitute adjusting the position of the drawer 22 or the shelf 18 into and out of an internal chamber of the refrigerator 10 such as the fresh food compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 14). The first axial end 52′, or more specifically the post 100, may define a fastener receiving orifice 106.

A fastener 108 may be disposed within the fastener receiving orifice 106. The engagement between the fastener 108 and the fastener receiving orifice 106 may be a threaded engagement. The fastener 108 is configured to or operable to retain the roller 102 on the first axial end 52′, or more specifically the post 100. The first axial end 52′, or more specifically the post 100, and the roller 102 may be oriented horizontally to support the drawer 22 or the shelf 18. The fastener 108 may include a head 110. The fastener 108, or more specifically, the head 110, and the receiving portion 48′ have opposing surfaces 112. The opposing surfaces 112 may engage, may be configured to engage, or may be operable to engage opposing axial ends 114 of the roller 102 to restrict axial movement of the roller 102 (e.g., movement along direction 116) along the first axial end 52′, or more specifically the post 100.

In some instances, it may be desirable for the anchor assembly 38′ to simply support a drawer 22 or shelf 18 but to not facilitate movement of the drawer 22 or shelf 18. In such instances, the roller 102 and fastener 108 may be omitted from the anchor assembly 38′ (e.g., see FIG. 14). In other instances, where facilitating movement of the drawer 22 or shelf 18 is desirable, the roller 102 and fastener 108 may be include on the anchor assembly 38′ (e.g., see FIG. 15). It is noted that a portion of the shelf 18 in FIG. 14 and the drawer 22 in FIG. 15 are shown as being transparent for illustrative purposes. It should be understood, however, that the shelf 18 or drawer 22 may or may not be transparent.

The cover portion 50′ is disposed within the gap 40. The cover portion 50′ defines a tapped orifice 64′. More specifically the cover portion 50′ has hub 66′ that defines the tapped orifice 64′. The cover portion 50′ further includes a skirt 68′ that extends radially outward from the hub 66′ and the tapped orifice 64′. The hub 66′ is configured to engage the second axial end 54′ of the receiving portion 48′ to secure the cover portion 50′ to the receiving portion 48′. More specifically, the hub 66′ may be configured to engage the second axial end 54′ of the receiving portion 48′ via a threaded connection (e.g., an engagement between threads 62′ on the second axial end 54′ and the tapped orifice 64′) to secure the cover portion 50′ to the receiving portion 48′. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded connection may be reversed (i.e., the cover portion 50′ may have threads while the receiving portion 48′ defines a tapped orifice).

The skirt 68′ is configured to engage the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) and extend about the key-orifice 46 to isolate the keyed-orifice 46 from the gap 40. More specifically, the skirt 68′ is configured to engage the external surface 42 of the inner liner 17 and extend about the key-orifice 46 to isolate the keyed-orifice 46 from the gap 40. The skirt 68′ may function to prevent the insulating material 25 from spilling into the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40 while the gap 40 is being filled with the insulating material during manufacturing. The insulating material 25 may be a liquid or liquid-like material during installation that solidifies after installation. Once installed, the insulating material 25 may be disposed over and cover the skirt 68′.

In response to tightening the threaded connection (e.g., the engagement between the threads 62′ and the tapped orifice 64′), the tabs 56′ and skirt 68′ may collectively generate a compression force on the inner liner 17 (or more specifically one of the interior walls 16) to secure the anchor assembly 38′ to the inner liner 17. The relative axial travel (e.g., the travel in a direction 116 that extends between the first axial end 52′ and the second axial end 54′ of the receiving portion 48′) of the receiving portion 48′ and the cover portion 50′ along the threaded connection allows for an adjustment of a distance between the tabs 56′ and skirt 68′ such that anchor assembly 38 may be secured to different walls having varying thickness.

The cover portion 50′ further includes tabs or wings 70′ to facilitate engagement of the threaded connection (e.g., the engagement between the threads 62′ and the tapped orifice 64′) during installation of the cover portion 50′ onto the receiving portion 48′. More specifically, the wings 70′ provide a position for an individual grab or engage while installing the cover portion 50′ onto the receiving portion 48′. The wings 70′ may also provide leverage to increase the torque being applied to the threaded connection during installation. The wings 70′ operate in a similar manner as the protrusions or wings that extend outward from a wingnut.

The receiving portion 48′ defines at least one chamber 74′. The at least one chamber 74′ is configured to receive leakage of the insulating material 25 during installation of the insulating material 25 into the gap 40. More specifically, some the insulating material 25 may blowby the threaded connection or the skirt 68′ during installation, and the at least one chamber 74′ provides a place to receive the insulating material 25 so that it does not flow through the keyed-orifice 46 and into the chamber that is on an opposing side of the inner liner 17 relative to the gap 40. A secondary chamber 78′ may be defined between one of the plates the pair of substantially parallel plates 72′ and the skirt 68′. The secondary chamber 78′ may be further configured to receive leakage of the insulating material 25 during installation of the insulating material 25 into the gap 40.

It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that they are in chronological order with respect to the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that any component, state, or condition described herein that does not have a numerical designation may be given a designation of first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims if one or more of the specific component, state, or condition are claimed. For example, the refrigerator 10 may include multiple anchor assemblies 38 that are utilized to mount a multitude of subcomponents of the refrigerator 10 to the inner liner 17 or other structure of the refrigerator 10 (e.g., See anchor assemblies 38 in FIG. 1). The refrigerator 10 may also include multiple anchor assemblies 38′ for supporting shelves or drawers.

The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.

Claims

1. An anchor assembly configured to engage an inner liner of a refrigerator appliance, the anchor assembly comprising: a receiving portion having (i) a first axial end, (ii) a second axial end, and (iii) tabs extending radially outward at a position that is between the first and second axial ends, wherein (a) the first axial end includes a post operable to support a shelf or a drawer, (b) the second axial end has threads, and (c) the tabs are configured to engage an internal surface of the inner liner; anda cover portion (i) defining a tapped orifice and (ii) having a skirt extending radially outward from the tapped orifice, wherein (a) the tapped orifice is configured to engage the threads to secure the cover portion to the receiving portion, (b) the skirt is configured to engage an external surface of the inner liner and extend about an orifice defined by the inner liner to isolate the orifice, and (c) the tabs and skirt are configured to collectively generate a compression force on the inner liner to secure the anchor assembly to the inner liner.

2. The anchor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a roller rotatably disposed about the post, wherein the roller is operable to (i) support the drawer or the shelf and (ii) rotate about the post and along the drawer or shelf to facilitate slidably adjusting a position of the drawer or the shelf.

3. The anchor assembly of claim 2, wherein the post defines a fastener receiving orifice.

4. The anchor assembly of claim 3 further comprising a fastener disposed within the fastener receiving orifice, wherein the fastener is operable to retain the roller on the post.

5. The anchor assembly of claim 4, wherein (i) the fastener includes a head, (ii) the head and the receiving portion have opposing surfaces, and (iii) the opposing surfaces engage opposing axial ends of the roller to restrict axial movement of the roller along the post.

6. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein the post is oriented horizontally to support the shelf or drawer.

7. An anchor assembly configured to engage a liner of a refrigerator appliance, the anchor assembly comprising: a first portion having (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, and (iii) tabs extending radially outward therefrom, wherein (a) the tabs are configured to engage the liner and (b) the first end includes a pin operable to support a shelf or a drawer; anda second portion having (i) a hub and (ii) a skirt extending radially outward from the hub, wherein (a) the hub is configured to engage the second end of the first portion to secure the second portion to the first portion, (b) the skirt is configured to engage the liner and extend about an orifice defined by the liner, and (c) the tabs and skirt are configured to collectively generate a compression force on the liner to secure the anchor assembly to the liner.

8. The anchor assembly of claim 7 further comprising a roller rotatably disposed about the pin, wherein the roller is operable to (i) support the drawer or the shelf and (ii) rotate about the pin and along the drawer or shelf to facilitate slidably adjusting a position of the drawer or the shelf.

9. The anchor assembly of claim 8, wherein the pin defines a fastener receiving orifice.

10. The anchor assembly of claim 9 further comprising a fastener disposed within the fastener receiving orifice, wherein the fastener is operable to retain the roller on the pin.

11. The anchor assembly of claim 10, wherein (i) the fastener includes a head, (ii) the head and the first portion have opposing surfaces, and (iii) the opposing surfaces engage opposing axial ends of the roller to restrict axial movement of the roller along the pin.

12. The anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein the pin is oriented horizontally to support the shelf or drawer.

13. The anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein the second portion includes wings to facilitate engagement between the hub and the second end via a threaded connection during installation of the second portion onto the first portion.

14. The anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein the first portion includes a pair of substantially parallel plates (i) extending radially outward, (ii) disposed between the first and second ends, and (iii) defining at least one chamber therebetween configured to receive leakage of an insulating material during installation of the insulating material onto the second portion.

15. An anchor assembly for securing a subcomponent to a refrigerator comprising: a receiving portion having (i) a first end configured to extend into an internal chamber of a refrigerator and support a drawer or shelf, (ii) a second end, and (iii) tabs extending radially outward at a position that is between the first and second ends; anda cover portion having (i) a hub and (ii) a skirt extending radially outward from the hub, wherein (a) the hub is configured to engage the second end of the receiving portion to secure the cover portion to the receiving portion, (b) the skirt is configured to engage a wall and extend about a keyed-orifice, and (c) the tabs and skirt are collectively configured to generate a compression force on the wall to secure the anchor assembly to the wall.

16. The anchor assembly of claim 15 further comprising a roller rotatably disposed about the first end, wherein the roller is operable to (i) support the drawer or the shelf and (ii) rotate about the first end and along the drawer or shelf to facilitate slidably adjusting a position of the drawer or the shelf.

17. The anchor assembly of claim 16, wherein the first end defines a fastener receiving orifice.

18. The anchor assembly of claim 17 further comprising a fastener disposed within the fastener receiving orifice, wherein the fastener is operable to retain the roller on the first end.

19. The anchor assembly of claim 18, wherein (i) the fastener and the receiving portion have opposing surfaces and (ii) the opposing surfaces engage opposing axial ends of the roller to restrict axial movement of the roller along the first end.

20. The anchor assembly of claim 15, wherein the first end is oriented horizontally to support the shelf or drawer.