Installation System for Refrigeration Appliances

Abstract

A mounting system for securing an appliance to a wall includes at least one wall bracket for mounting to the wall and at least one appliance bracket for mounting to the appliance. The wall bracket includes at least one wall attachment location, and the appliance bracket includes at least one appliance attachment location. The mounting system also includes at least one strap lock for mounting to a base plate adjacent to the wall. The strap lock is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Furthermore, the mounting system includes at least one strap that is routed through the wall attachment location, the appliance attachment location, and the strap lock. Thus, when in the locked position, the strap lock secures the strap in place, thereby securing the appliance to the wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to a mounting system for refrigeration appliances. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a refrigeration appliance includes a housing that defines a fresh food compartment for receiving food for storage. Many also include a freezer compartment for receiving food for freezing and storage. Some also include an ice maker. In some cases, it can be beneficial to include a refrigeration appliance in a ground transportation vehicle, boat, or aircraft. In particular, recreational vehicles are often equipped with refrigeration appliances for storing food or drinks while traveling. Other appliances may also be included in such vehicles, including, for example, ovens, dishwashers, microwave ovens, etc. However, during travel, these appliances are subject to shock and vibration and may jump or slide out of position. In extreme cases, the appliances may even fall over and be damaged.

[0003] It can be seen that a need exists for a mounting system for securing an appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance, to such a vehicle that mitigates shock and vibration and maintains the appliance in its intended position within the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mounting system for securing an appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance, to a wall. The mounting system includes at least one wall bracket for mounting to the wall and at least one appliance bracket for mounting to the appliance. The wall bracket includes at least one wall attachment location, and the appliance bracket includes at least one appliance attachment location. The mounting system also includes at least one strap lock for mounting to a base plate adjacent to the wall. The strap lock is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Further, the mounting system includes at least one strap that is routed through the wall attachment location, the appliance attachment location, and the strap lock. Thus, when in the locked position, the strap lock secures the strap in place, thereby securing the appliance to the wall.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for securing an appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance, to a wall. The method comprises mounting at least one wall bracket to the wall, the at least one wall bracket comprising at least one wall attachment location. Further, the method comprises mounting at least one appliance bracket to the appliance, the at least one appliance bracket comprising at least one appliance attachment location. The method further comprises mounting at least one belt lock to a base plate adjacent to the wall, the at least one belt lock being operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Furthermore, the method comprises positioning the rear side of the appliance adjacent to the wall comprising the at least one wall bracket. Additionally, the method comprises laying at least one belt through the at least one wall attachment location, the at least one appliance attachment location, and the at least one belt lock; and pulling the at least one belt to move the appliance to a desired position. Once positioned, the method comprises placing the at least one belt lock in a locked position to secure the at least one belt lock in place, thereby securing the appliance to the desired position on the wall.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a mounting system for securing an appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance, to a wall. The mounting system includes at least one wall bracket for mounting to the wall and at least one appliance bracket for mounting to the appliance. The wall bracket includes at least one wall attachment location, and the appliance bracket includes at least one appliance attachment location. The mounting system also includes a male member extending from one of the at least one wall bracket or the at least one appliance bracket, the male member being movable in a vertical direction, and a female member extending from the other of the at least one wall bracket or the at least one appliance bracket. Thus, when the appliance is positioned adjacent to a wall including the at least one wall bracket, the male member engages the female member to lock the appliance in place.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the present invention for those skilled in the art, such disclosure enabling those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, including the best embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A front elevation view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 2 A perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a mounting system for a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3A perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a wall bracket of a mounting system for a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 A partial perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a wall bracket of a mounting system for a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an appliance bracket of a mounting system for a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a base plate bracket of a mounting system for a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 7 A perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a lock of a mounting system for a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 8 Shown in locked position Figure 7 Cross-sectional view with lock;

[0018] Figure 9 A flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for installing a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 10 illustrates a front elevation view of a refrigeration appliance, and particularly illustrates another embodiment of a mounting system for securing a refrigerator in place according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 11 Illustrated Figure 10 Detailed perspective view of the mounting system; and

[0021] Figure 12 Illustrated Figure 11 Detailed partial perspective view of certain components of the mounting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided in an illustrative manner and does not limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers these modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary embodiment of a refrigeration appliance 100 is illustrated. As shown in the figure, the refrigeration appliance 100 extends between a top 101 and a bottom 102 along a vertical direction V. Further, as shown in the figure, the refrigeration appliance 100 also extends between a first side portion 105 and a second side portion 106 along a horizontal direction H. Further, as shown in the figure, the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a box or housing 120 defining a food freshness chamber 122 and a freezer compartment 124 arranged above the food freshness chamber 122 in the vertical direction V. Using the teachings disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be used in conjunction with other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-side refrigerators) or any other type of appliance. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any respect.

[0024] Still refer to Figure 1 Each of the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124 is sealed closed by refrigerator doors 126, 128. Further, each of the refrigerator doors 126, 128 can be rotatably hinged to an edge of the housing 120 to provide access to the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124, respectively. It should be noted that any suitable door arrangement utilizing one, two, or more doors is within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0025] Now refer to Figures 1 to 8 , the refrigeration appliance 100 is fixed in place via the mounting system 150. In particular, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the mounting system 150 secures the refrigeration appliance 100 to one or more walls 152 (e.g., wall 152 and / or floor 153). It should be understood that the wall 152 and / or floor 153 can be part of a ground transportation vehicle, a watercraft, or an aircraft. In certain embodiments, for example, the wall 152 can be part of a recreational vehicle. Although the refrigeration appliance 100 of the present invention is described herein as being mounted to a recreational vehicle, in other embodiments, the wall 152 can be part of a boat, an aircraft, or any other suitable location that would benefit from securing the refrigeration appliance 100 (or any other appliance) in place while in motion.

[0026] Special reference Figure 2 , the mounting system 150 includes at least one wall bracket 154, 156 for mounting to the wall 152. For example, as shown, the mounting system 150 includes a first wall bracket 154 and a second wall bracket 156. In addition, as shown, the first wall bracket 154 is mounted at a first height H1, and the second wall bracket 156 is mounted at a second height H2. Moreover, as shown, the first height H1 is higher than the second height H2. Further, the wall brackets 154, 156 can be mounted to the wall 152 using any suitable attachment method, such as via adhesives, fasteners, etc. In particular, as shown, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the wall brackets 154, 156 can have one or more slots 157 or openings that are configured to receive various fasteners therethrough to secure the wall brackets 154, 156 to the wall 152. It should also be understood that any number of wall brackets can be mounted to the wall 152 at any suitable height, including multiple wall brackets at the same height or at different heights. In addition, each wall bracket 154, 156 includes at least one wall attachment location 158, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0027] Now refer to Figure 3 , one or more wall brackets 154, 156 may further include at least one spacer 166, 168 for providing a predetermined gap between the refrigeration appliance 100 and the wall 152. For example, as shown, the wall brackets 154, 156 include a first spacer 166 and a second spacer 168, i.e., one on each side of the attachment location 158. In such an embodiment, the spacers 166, 168 may further include an optional elastomeric pad 170, for example, to reduce slippage, impact, or vibration. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the spacers 166, 168 may include at least one fastener 172, for example, to adjust the distance between the surface of the elastomeric pad 170 and the wall 152.

[0028] In addition, as shown in the figure, the mounting system 150 further includes at least one appliance bracket 160, 162 for mounting to the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, Figure 2、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mounting system 150 includes a first appliance bracket 160 and a second appliance bracket 162 that are generally aligned with the first and second wall brackets 154, 156. Figure 2 As shown, the distance D1 between the first and second appliance brackets 160, 162 is less than the distance D2 between the first and second wall brackets 154, 156. Figure 5 As particularly shown in FIG, each appliance bracket 160, 162 includes at least one appliance attachment location 164. Further, the appliance brackets 160, 162 can be mounted to the refrigeration appliance 100 using any suitable attachment method, such as via adhesives, fasteners, and the like.

[0029] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the mounting system 150 may also include at least one floor bracket 174 for mounting to the floor 153 and / or wall 152 of the recreational vehicle. Figure 6 153 and / or wall 152. As particularly shown in FIG, floor bracket 174, like other brackets described herein, also includes at least one floor attachment location 176. Additionally, as shown, floor bracket 174 has a generally flat configuration with a plurality of through-holes 178 designed to receive fasteners for securing floor bracket 174 to floor 153 and / or wall 152. In other embodiments, floor bracket 174 may have other configurations, such as an L-shaped configuration.

[0030] Accordingly, the mounting system 150 further includes at least one strap 175 that is routed through the wall attachment location 158, the appliance attachment location 164, the baseboard attachment location 176, and / or the strap lock 180. For example, Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 7 As shown generally, the strap 175 can be secured to the various attachment locations of the bracket generally by pins or raised pass-through features. In particular, as Figure 4 As shown, the strap 175 can be secured around the pins of the first wall bracket 154. Figure 5 As shown, the tape 175 can then be routed through the pass-through feature of the first appliance bracket 160. Figure 2 As shown, the tape can be routed through the pass-through feature of the second appliance bracket 162 and the attachment location 158 of the second wall bracket 156. Figure 6 As shown, the strap 175 can also be secured via the attachment location 176 of the base bracket 174 and then locked via the strap lock 180. The strap 175 can also be pulled to further position the refrigeration appliance (e.g., against the spacers 166, 168), and then, when the strap 175 is tightened, the strap lock 180 can be placed in the locked position.

[0031] For example, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the belt lock 180 can be mounted to the bottom plate 153 adjacent to the wall 152. More specifically, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the belt lock 180 may include a floating wedge 182 mounted to a bracket 184 and at least one fastener 186. Thus, the fastener 186 is configured to bias the floating wedge 182 against an inclined plane 185 on the body of the bracket 184 and the belt 175 (which is routed below the floating wedge 182), such that when the fastener 186 is advanced to move the floating wedge 182 against the inclined plane 185, the floating wedge 182 is forced downward onto the belt 175 and into a locked position ( Figure 8 ).

[0032] In certain embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, when the refrigeration appliance 100 is secured to the wall 152 via the mounting system 150, only the strap lock 180 is visible, with the wall brackets 154, 156, the appliance brackets 160, 162, and the bottom bracket 174 being hidden by the refrigeration appliance 100. In such an embodiment, the strap lock 180 can be in the locked position ( Figure 8 A) and unlocked position. Thus, when in the locked position ( Figure 1 and Figure 8 A), the strap lock 180 secures the strap 175 in place, thereby securing the refrigeration appliance 100 to the wall 152.

[0033] Now refer to Figure 9 , illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 200 for securing a refrigeration appliance to a wall, for example, using the mounting system 150 described herein, according to the present invention. It should be understood that the disclosed method 200 can be implemented with any suitable appliance having any suitable configuration, in addition to refrigeration appliances. Additionally, although Figure 9 For the purpose of illustration and discussion, the steps performed in a particular order are depicted, but the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. Using the disclosure provided herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] As shown at (202), method 200 includes mounting at least one wall bracket having at least one wall attachment location to a wall. For example, the wall bracket can be mounted to wall 152 via one or more fasteners. As shown at (204), method 200 mounts at least one appliance bracket having at least one appliance attachment location to a refrigeration appliance. For example, the appliance bracket can be mounted to appliance 100 via an adhesive, one or more fasteners, or by foaming in place.

[0035] As shown at (206), method 200 includes: attaching at least one belt lock to a base plate adjacent to a wall. As described above, the belt lock is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. As shown at (208), method 200 includes: positioning the rear side of the refrigeration appliance 100 adjacent to the wall 152 containing the wall bracket. As shown at (210), method 200 includes: laying at least one belt through the wall attachment location, the appliance attachment location, and the belt lock. As shown at (212), method 200 includes: pulling the belt to move the refrigeration appliance to a desired position. Once positioned, as shown at (214), method 200 includes: placing at least one belt lock in a locked position to secure the at least one belt lock in place, thereby securing the refrigeration appliance to the desired location on the wall. In some embodiments, the method may also include: maintaining tension in the belt while placing the belt lock in the locked position to secure the belt in place.

[0036] Now refer to Figures 10 to 12 , illustrates various views of another embodiment of a mounting system 250 for securing a refrigeration appliance 100 to a wall 152. As shown, the mounting system 250 includes at least one wall bracket 254 for mounting to the wall 152 and at least one appliance bracket 256 for mounting to the refrigeration appliance 100. Figure 11 , the wall bracket 254 includes at least one wall attachment location 258, and the appliance bracket 256 includes at least one appliance attachment location 260. Such brackets 254, 256 can have any suitable configuration. For example, as shown, the brackets 254, 256 can be L-shaped brackets.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the mounting system 250 also includes a male member 262 extending from one of the wall bracket 254 or the appliance bracket 256 and a female member 264 extending from the other of the wall bracket 254 or the appliance bracket 256. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the male member 262 extends from the appliance bracket 256, while the female member 264 is formed into the wall bracket 254. Moreover, as shown, the male member 262 is vertically movable. Thus, when the refrigeration appliance 100 is positioned adjacent to the wall 152, the male member 262 engages the female member 264 to lock the refrigeration appliance 100 in place (i.e., against the wall 152).

[0038] In a specific embodiment, as Figure 11 As shown, the female member 264 may be a slot or opening formed into the flange of the wall bracket 254. Alternatively, as shown Figure 11 As shown, the male member 262 may be a fastener that fits within the slot. Figure 12 As shown in the embodiment of FIG, the male member 262 can extend from the groove 265 in the appliance bracket 256. In such an embodiment, as shown, the groove 265 can also include a spring 266 positioned below the male member 262 so that the male member 262 is vertically biased upward via the spring 266 within the groove 265.

[0039] Thus, in certain embodiments, Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the mounting system 250 may further include at least one release strap 268 fixed to the bottom end of the male member 262. Thus, in such an embodiment, when the release strap 268 is pulled, the male member 262 is pulled vertically downward to compress the spring 265 within the recess 265. Thus, when the male member 262 is recessed into the recess 265, the male member 262 disengages from the female member 264 to release the refrigeration appliance 100 from being locked against the wall 152. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, as an example, the release strap 268 can be accessed from an exterior door 270, i.e., can be located on the exterior of the recreational vehicle. The release strap 268 can also be used when the refrigeration appliance 100 is initially installed against the wall 152. For example, in such an embodiment, a user can pull the release strap 268 to lower the male member 262 into the female member 265, and simultaneously, the refrigeration appliance 100 can be positioned against the wall 152 until the brackets 254 and 256 are aligned. The release strap 268 can then be released, allowing the male member 262 to be raised to engage the female member 264, thereby locking the refrigeration appliance 100 in place.

[0040] Special reference Figure 11 The mounting system 250 may further include at least one spacer 252 for providing a predetermined gap between the refrigeration appliance 100 and the wall 152. For example, as shown, the mounting system 250 may include two spacers 252, one on each side of the wall 152 and brackets 254 and 256. Furthermore, as shown, the spacers 252 described herein may further include adjustable pads 253 for reducing slippage, impact, or vibration.

[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any method included). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A mounting system for fixing an electrical appliance to a wall, characterized in that The mounting system comprises: at least one wall bracket for mounting to the wall, the at least one wall bracket comprising at least one wall attachment location; at least one appliance bracket for mounting to the appliance, the at least one appliance bracket comprising at least one appliance attachment location; at least one strap lock for mounting to the floor adjacent the wall, the at least one strap lock being operable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and at least one belt routed through the at least one wall attachment location, the at least one appliance attachment location, and the at least one belt lock, wherein, when in the locked position, the at least one belt lock secures the at least one belt in place, thereby securing the appliance to the wall, the at least one wall bracket comprises at least one spacer, the at least one spacer being used to provide a predetermined gap between the appliance and the wall, the at least one spacer comprising a first spacer and a second spacer, the first spacer and the second spacer being positioned on opposite sides of the at least one wall attachment location.

2. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: At least one floor bracket is configured to be mounted to at least one of the floor or the wall, the at least one floor bracket including at least one floor attachment location.

3. The mounting system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one strap is laid through at least one base plate attachment location.

4. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one spacer also includes an elastomeric pad for reducing slippage, shock, or vibration.

5. The mounting system according to claim 4, wherein: The elastomeric pad also includes at least one fastener for adjusting the distance between a face of the elastomeric pad and the wall.

6. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one wall bracket includes a first wall bracket for mounting at a first height and a second wall bracket for mounting at a second height, the first height being greater than the second height.

7. The mounting system according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one appliance bracket includes a first appliance bracket and a second appliance bracket, wherein a distance between the first appliance bracket and the second appliance bracket is smaller than a distance between the first wall bracket and the second wall bracket.

8. The mounting system according to claim 2, wherein: When the appliance is secured to the wall via the mounting system, only the at least one belt lock is visible, with the at least one wall bracket, the at least one appliance bracket, and the at least one floor bracket being concealed by the appliance.

9. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one band lock includes a floating wedge mounted to a bracket and at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener biases the floating wedge against an inclined plane on a body of the bracket, and the at least one band is routed beneath the floating wedge such that when the at least one fastener is advanced to move the floating wedge against the inclined plane, the floating wedge is forced downward onto the at least one band and into the locked position.

10. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The wall is located within at least one of a ground transportation vehicle, a watercraft, or an aircraft.

11. A method for fixing an electrical appliance to a wall, characterized in that The method comprises: mounting at least one wall bracket to the wall, the at least one wall bracket comprising at least one wall attachment location; mounting at least one appliance bracket to the appliance, the at least one appliance bracket comprising at least one appliance attachment location; mounting at least one strap lock to the base adjacent the wall, the at least one strap lock operable between a locked position and an unlocked position; positioning a rear side of the appliance adjacent to the wall including the at least one wall bracket; routing at least one strap through the at least one wall attachment location, the at least one appliance attachment location, and the at least one strap lock; pulling the at least one strap to move the appliance to a desired position; and The at least one strap lock is placed in the locked position to secure the at least one strap in place, thereby securing the appliance to a desired location on the wall, the at least one wall bracket comprising at least one spacer for providing a predetermined gap between the appliance and the wall, the at least one spacer comprising a first spacer and a second spacer, the first spacer and the second spacer being positioned on opposite sides of the at least one wall attachment location.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Mounting at least one wall bracket to the wall further includes mounting the at least one wall bracket to the wall via one or more fasteners.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Mounting at least one appliance bracket to the appliance further includes mounting at least one appliance bracket to the appliance via at least one of an adhesive, one or more fasteners, or by foaming in place.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Also includes: Tension in the at least one strap is maintained while the at least one strap lock is placed in the locked position to secure the at least one strap in place.

15. A mounting system for fixing an electrical appliance to a wall, characterized in that The mounting system comprises: at least one wall bracket for mounting to the wall, the at least one wall bracket comprising at least one wall attachment location; at least one appliance bracket for mounting to the appliance, the at least one appliance bracket comprising at least one appliance attachment location; a male member extending from one of the at least one wall bracket or the at least one appliance bracket, the male member being movable in a vertical direction; a female member extending from the other of the at least one wall bracket or the at least one appliance bracket; wherein, when the appliance is positioned adjacent to the wall comprising the at least one wall bracket, the convex component engages the concave component to lock the appliance in place, the at least one wall bracket comprising at least one spacer for providing a predetermined gap between the appliance and the wall, the at least one spacer comprising a first spacer and a second spacer, the first spacer and the second spacer being positioned on opposite sides of the at least one wall attachment location.

16. The mounting system according to claim 15, wherein: The male component is received in a recess of the at least one wall bracket or the at least one appliance bracket and is biased upward in the vertical direction via a spring in the recess, and the mounting system further comprises at least one release strap fixed to the male component, wherein when the at least one release strap is pulled, the male component is pulled downward in the vertical direction and received in the recess so as to disengage from the female component to release the appliance from a locked state against the wall.

17. The mounting system according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one wall bracket and the at least one appliance bracket comprise L-shaped brackets, and wherein the female component comprises a slot in the corresponding L-shaped bracket.

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