CA1068202A - Fastener anchor formed in thermoplastic sheet - Google Patents
Fastener anchor formed in thermoplastic sheetInfo
- Publication number
- CA1068202A CA1068202A CA289,284A CA289284A CA1068202A CA 1068202 A CA1068202 A CA 1068202A CA 289284 A CA289284 A CA 289284A CA 1068202 A CA1068202 A CA 1068202A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fastener
- recess
- gusset
- folds
- liner
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 8
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 8
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000007666 vacuum forming Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 4
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 101100286668 Mus musculus Irak1bp1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- KUAZQDVKQLNFPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N thiram Chemical compound CN(C)C(=S)SSC(=S)N(C)C KUAZQDVKQLNFPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Refrigerator Housings (AREA)
- Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
FASTENER ANCHOR FORMED IN THERMOPLASTIC SHEET
ABSTRACT
A recess-type, screw-receiving fastener is formed directly into a thermoplastic sheet, preferably during the same operation which forms the plastic sheet into a useful configuration, such as a refrigerator inner liner. The fastener, when viewed from the rear side, resembles a plura-lity of "pinches" forming gusset-like folds. From the front side, it comprises a central recess in communication with side recesses formed by the interiors of the gusset-like folds. The central recess is adapted for receiving a male fastener such as a screw and the gusset-like folds distribute the load into a sufficient surrounding area of the plastic sheet.
ABSTRACT
A recess-type, screw-receiving fastener is formed directly into a thermoplastic sheet, preferably during the same operation which forms the plastic sheet into a useful configuration, such as a refrigerator inner liner. The fastener, when viewed from the rear side, resembles a plura-lity of "pinches" forming gusset-like folds. From the front side, it comprises a central recess in communication with side recesses formed by the interiors of the gusset-like folds. The central recess is adapted for receiving a male fastener such as a screw and the gusset-like folds distribute the load into a sufficient surrounding area of the plastic sheet.
Description
" ~68Zz BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a recess-type fastener for receiving a male fastener such as a screw ar,d, more particularly, to such a recess-type fastener for fastening to thin plastic sheet material, for example a.vacuum-formed plastic refrigerator inner liner.
Description of the Prior Art In the field of fastening technology, it is frequently necessary to fasten to thin plastic sheet material. One example is in a household refrigerator where shelf supports or the 1ike are attached to an inner liner formed of thermoplastic material. A mere screw-receiving aperture in the plastic is an unsatisfactory solution, except for extremely light loads, becaus.e ins~fficient area for thread engagement results and the entire load is concentrated on a very small portion of the plastic material. This can result in undesirable deformation or even cracking of ~he plastic sheet.
A typical prior art fastener for applying a heavy load to thin plastic sheet material comprises a separate plastic screw anchor applied to a suitable aperture in the plastic liner, generally from the rear side thereof. Such à
separate plastic screw anchor typically includes a bore for receiving a screw and, additionally, a relati.vely large-diameter, force-distribution portion for contacting a significant area on the rear side of the plastic liner.
This, of course, serves to distribute the load over a grèater portion of the liner mate.rial. Such fasteners, while generally effective, represent an additional costly part required in the manufacture of a refrigerator.
3J,~02 ~n additional consideration in the design of a fastener for use in a refrigerator is compatibility with insitu foamed urethane ~hermal insulation material. During the foaminy process, prior to soiidification and hardening of the foam, large forces are developed which tend to force foam material through any apertures in the liner. Since typical prior art fasteners require an aperture in the inner liner, a sealing ring is typically employed, and this represents additional cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According!y, it is an object of the invention to provide an integral screw-receiving fastener for retaining loads on a plastic sheet.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a fastener which is fully compatible with insitu foamed urethane insulation technology.
These a'nd other objects are accomplished by the invention in which a recess-type, screw^receiving f-astener is formed directly in a thermoplastic sheet, obviating the ? need for a separate part. The fastener may advantageously be formed during the same vacuum forming operation which forms the'plastic sheet into a useful configuration, such as a r refrigerator inner liner. The fastener, when viewed from the rear side thereof, resembles a plurality of "pinches"
forming gusset-like folds and, from the front side, comprises a central recess and side recesses formed by the interiors of the gusset-like folds. Each of the side recesses is in communication with the central recess and each of the rear gusset-like folds extends from the central portion to a p~rtion of the plastic sheet surrounding the central .. . . .
- . ' ~
z~z pcrtion. The central recess thus forms a bore adapted for receiving a mal~ fastener such as a screw and the gusset-like folds dtstribute the load into a sufficient surrounding area of the plastic sheet. Additlonally, when insitu foanled urethane insulation is used, the rear portions of the gusset-like folds, resembling fins, bond to the foam as it turns rigid to distribute a portion of the load into the foam. The fastener provides no opportunity for leakage of foam material because no aperture is formed in the plastic sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION_OF THE DRAWINGS
While the novel features of the invent`ion are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated~ along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed descrip-tion taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIG. l is an exploded perspective view of the front side of one embodiment of the fastener according to the present invention, and an exemplary bracket and screw to be - assembled thereto;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fastener shown in FIG. l;
FI6. 3 is a sectional side view of the bracket and screw of FIG. 1 shown assembled to the fastener;
FIG. 4 is a front e!evational view of an alterna-tive embodiment oF the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another alternative embodiment of the invention; and - 30 FIG. 6 is a sect~onal side view taken along line VI-VI of FI~. 5.
~8'~f~
DES~RIPTIllN OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
~e~erring first to FIGS. 1 through 3, ~here is shown a portion of a thermoplastic sheet or panel member 10 - to Iwhich an exemplary shelf-supporting bracket 12 is to be securely attached. The plastic sheet 10 may, for example, be a portion of the inner liner of a refrigerator cabinet and, preferably, is backed by insitu foamed polyurethane insulation 14 (FIG. 3) on the rear side 16 thereof. A
recess-type fastener 18, contemplated by the present invention~
is formed in the plastic sheet 1-0. The fastener 18 is adapted -- to receive an exemplary screw 20 which securely h~lds the exemplary bracket 1?. While in the illustrated embodiments thè
fastener 18 is shown receiving the screw 20, it will be apparent that other male fasteners, such as a pressed-in pin, could as well be received.
Referring especially to FIG. 2, the fastener 18, viewed from the rear side, generally rese~bles a multiplicity of "pinches" in the form of gusset-like folds 22, 24, 26 and 28, extending from around a central portion 29. Viewed from the front side (FIG. 1), the fastener 18 comprises a central - recess 30 which is the interior of the central portion 29, and four side recesses 32, 34, 36 and 38 which are the interiors of the gusset-like folds 22, 24, 26 and 28, respectively. The central recess 30 is radially defined by plastic material at the intersections 40 of adjacent side recesses. The central recess 30 is thus adapted for receiving the screw 2~, being properly-sized for engagement of the threads 42 with the plastic material at the intersections 40.
In the operation of the invention, the screw 20 is driven in conventional self-tapping fashion into the fastener 18 to securely hold the bracket 12 against the front side 44 of the panel 10, as shown in FIG. 3.
Preferablys each of the gusset-like folds 32, 34 and 36 and 38 is substantially normal to ~he longitudinal axi's 45 of the central recess 30, and the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet 10. This permits the screw 20 to be driven into the fastener 18 perpendicularly to the plastic sheet iO. However, for special purpose applications, the fastener 18 may be configured to tilt the central recess 30 at an angle to the sheet 10.
Referring again particularly to FIG. 2, the gusset-like folds 22, 24, 26 and 28 extend from the central portion 29 to the portion of the plastic sheet 10 surrounding ihe fastener 18. The gusset-like folds thus transmit the loading of the bracket 12 and the screw 20 to a wider portion of the panel 10 than a mere aperture would, thereby avoiding a concentration of stress on a particular portion of the liner 10, which might otherwise excessively deform or crack.
In the application of the fastener 18 to the inner liner of a refrigerator cabinet, the space between the plastic sheet 10 and the outer case (not shown) of the refrigerator is typically filled with insitu foamed poly-urethane insulation material 14. The fastener according to ; the present invention is well adapted in at least two respects - 25 for use in combination with ioamed insulation technology.
First, as stated above in the "Background of the Invention,"
during the foaming operation, before the material has hardened, relatively high pressures are developed. As a result, foam material tends to force its way through any aper-tures in the panel 10. Since the fastener 18 preferably ~ -5-~' :` ;
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a recess-type fastener for receiving a male fastener such as a screw ar,d, more particularly, to such a recess-type fastener for fastening to thin plastic sheet material, for example a.vacuum-formed plastic refrigerator inner liner.
Description of the Prior Art In the field of fastening technology, it is frequently necessary to fasten to thin plastic sheet material. One example is in a household refrigerator where shelf supports or the 1ike are attached to an inner liner formed of thermoplastic material. A mere screw-receiving aperture in the plastic is an unsatisfactory solution, except for extremely light loads, becaus.e ins~fficient area for thread engagement results and the entire load is concentrated on a very small portion of the plastic material. This can result in undesirable deformation or even cracking of ~he plastic sheet.
A typical prior art fastener for applying a heavy load to thin plastic sheet material comprises a separate plastic screw anchor applied to a suitable aperture in the plastic liner, generally from the rear side thereof. Such à
separate plastic screw anchor typically includes a bore for receiving a screw and, additionally, a relati.vely large-diameter, force-distribution portion for contacting a significant area on the rear side of the plastic liner.
This, of course, serves to distribute the load over a grèater portion of the liner mate.rial. Such fasteners, while generally effective, represent an additional costly part required in the manufacture of a refrigerator.
3J,~02 ~n additional consideration in the design of a fastener for use in a refrigerator is compatibility with insitu foamed urethane ~hermal insulation material. During the foaminy process, prior to soiidification and hardening of the foam, large forces are developed which tend to force foam material through any apertures in the liner. Since typical prior art fasteners require an aperture in the inner liner, a sealing ring is typically employed, and this represents additional cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According!y, it is an object of the invention to provide an integral screw-receiving fastener for retaining loads on a plastic sheet.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a fastener which is fully compatible with insitu foamed urethane insulation technology.
These a'nd other objects are accomplished by the invention in which a recess-type, screw^receiving f-astener is formed directly in a thermoplastic sheet, obviating the ? need for a separate part. The fastener may advantageously be formed during the same vacuum forming operation which forms the'plastic sheet into a useful configuration, such as a r refrigerator inner liner. The fastener, when viewed from the rear side thereof, resembles a plurality of "pinches"
forming gusset-like folds and, from the front side, comprises a central recess and side recesses formed by the interiors of the gusset-like folds. Each of the side recesses is in communication with the central recess and each of the rear gusset-like folds extends from the central portion to a p~rtion of the plastic sheet surrounding the central .. . . .
- . ' ~
z~z pcrtion. The central recess thus forms a bore adapted for receiving a mal~ fastener such as a screw and the gusset-like folds dtstribute the load into a sufficient surrounding area of the plastic sheet. Additlonally, when insitu foanled urethane insulation is used, the rear portions of the gusset-like folds, resembling fins, bond to the foam as it turns rigid to distribute a portion of the load into the foam. The fastener provides no opportunity for leakage of foam material because no aperture is formed in the plastic sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION_OF THE DRAWINGS
While the novel features of the invent`ion are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated~ along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed descrip-tion taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIG. l is an exploded perspective view of the front side of one embodiment of the fastener according to the present invention, and an exemplary bracket and screw to be - assembled thereto;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fastener shown in FIG. l;
FI6. 3 is a sectional side view of the bracket and screw of FIG. 1 shown assembled to the fastener;
FIG. 4 is a front e!evational view of an alterna-tive embodiment oF the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another alternative embodiment of the invention; and - 30 FIG. 6 is a sect~onal side view taken along line VI-VI of FI~. 5.
~8'~f~
DES~RIPTIllN OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
~e~erring first to FIGS. 1 through 3, ~here is shown a portion of a thermoplastic sheet or panel member 10 - to Iwhich an exemplary shelf-supporting bracket 12 is to be securely attached. The plastic sheet 10 may, for example, be a portion of the inner liner of a refrigerator cabinet and, preferably, is backed by insitu foamed polyurethane insulation 14 (FIG. 3) on the rear side 16 thereof. A
recess-type fastener 18, contemplated by the present invention~
is formed in the plastic sheet 1-0. The fastener 18 is adapted -- to receive an exemplary screw 20 which securely h~lds the exemplary bracket 1?. While in the illustrated embodiments thè
fastener 18 is shown receiving the screw 20, it will be apparent that other male fasteners, such as a pressed-in pin, could as well be received.
Referring especially to FIG. 2, the fastener 18, viewed from the rear side, generally rese~bles a multiplicity of "pinches" in the form of gusset-like folds 22, 24, 26 and 28, extending from around a central portion 29. Viewed from the front side (FIG. 1), the fastener 18 comprises a central - recess 30 which is the interior of the central portion 29, and four side recesses 32, 34, 36 and 38 which are the interiors of the gusset-like folds 22, 24, 26 and 28, respectively. The central recess 30 is radially defined by plastic material at the intersections 40 of adjacent side recesses. The central recess 30 is thus adapted for receiving the screw 2~, being properly-sized for engagement of the threads 42 with the plastic material at the intersections 40.
In the operation of the invention, the screw 20 is driven in conventional self-tapping fashion into the fastener 18 to securely hold the bracket 12 against the front side 44 of the panel 10, as shown in FIG. 3.
Preferablys each of the gusset-like folds 32, 34 and 36 and 38 is substantially normal to ~he longitudinal axi's 45 of the central recess 30, and the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet 10. This permits the screw 20 to be driven into the fastener 18 perpendicularly to the plastic sheet iO. However, for special purpose applications, the fastener 18 may be configured to tilt the central recess 30 at an angle to the sheet 10.
Referring again particularly to FIG. 2, the gusset-like folds 22, 24, 26 and 28 extend from the central portion 29 to the portion of the plastic sheet 10 surrounding ihe fastener 18. The gusset-like folds thus transmit the loading of the bracket 12 and the screw 20 to a wider portion of the panel 10 than a mere aperture would, thereby avoiding a concentration of stress on a particular portion of the liner 10, which might otherwise excessively deform or crack.
In the application of the fastener 18 to the inner liner of a refrigerator cabinet, the space between the plastic sheet 10 and the outer case (not shown) of the refrigerator is typically filled with insitu foamed poly-urethane insulation material 14. The fastener according to ; the present invention is well adapted in at least two respects - 25 for use in combination with ioamed insulation technology.
First, as stated above in the "Background of the Invention,"
during the foaming operation, before the material has hardened, relatively high pressures are developed. As a result, foam material tends to force its way through any aper-tures in the panel 10. Since the fastener 18 preferably ~ -5-~' :` ;
2 0 %
does not interrupt the continuity of the plastic sheet 10, no aperture tor possible foam leakage results. Secondly, the fc~m bonds to the side of the gusset-like fo~ds 22, 24, 26 and 28. After the foam hardens this bond aids in trans-mittir,g the load imposed by the bracket 12 and screw 20 int~
the rigid foam material, increasing the total strength of the fastener.
In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS . 1 through 3, the fastener 18 comprises four gusset-like folds. An alternative fastener embodiment 46, shown in FIG. 4, includes only three such folds. In FIG. 4, a central recess 48 is surrounded by only three communicating side recesses 50, 52 and 54, which of course are the interiors of gusset-like folds formed on the rear side of the panel 10.
Three is a preferred minimum number of folds required to form a fastener according to the invention, because that is the minimum number that will produce the definite intersections 40 which define a central recess or bore. There is no definite upper limit to the number of folds 2~ which form a fas-tener, although in each case, according to the ` size of the fastener, a practical upper limit will be found.
Another alternative fastener embodiment 56, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, comprises only two gusset-like folds 58 and - 60, a~d corresponding side recesses 62 and 64. In the fastener 56, a central recess 66 comprises two segments 68 and 70 of 3 plastic cylinder, there being no definite inter-sections between adjacent side recesses. It will be apparent that the principle of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 could be further extended to a fastener (not shown) comprising a central recess and only a single side ~ecess. It will be .
:. .
0~2Q2 f~rther apparent that any such fastener compr;s;ng less than three folds will be deficient in load-transmitting ability in ceriain directions, and thus generally not preferred.
HoweYer, in particular applications such fasteners may be satisfactory.
A fastener according to the present inventiDn may be manufactured and formed into the plastic sheet 10 at the same time the plastic sheet is formed into a useful shape such as a plastic refrigerator inner liner. This results in maximum economy in manufacture. A plastic refrigerator liner may be formed in a conventional vacuum-forming operation in which the sheet is heated to soften the plastic material which is then drawn into a negative mold to produce the desired ; configuration of a refrigerator inner liner including an integral fastener. In order to form the relatively abrupt draw which the fastener according to the present invention represents, a "plug assist" may be employed. The "plug assist" may be accomplished by simpl~ inserting a suitably shaped member from the front side of the plastic sheet to push a portion of the plastic material into a suitable recess in the vacuum-~orming negative mold.
Alternatively, a corresponding process may be employed using a positive mold where the thermally-softened plastic sheet is drawn over a mold. At an appropriate stage in ~- 25 the process, recess-forming blades would be extended out of the mold body, and then retracted.
It will thus be apparent that the present invention : .
provides a recess-type fastener which is formed directly in a thermoplastic sheet to effectively anchor a screw or the like and to distribute the load over a sufficiently large area of plastic material to support the weight. Further, when employed .
.
with insitu r`od~iled tnsulating materîal, the fastener distrib-utes a portion o~ the load into the rigid foam material and, during ~he foaming operaticn, has the a~vantage of not providing any opening f`or the escape of.-foam matetial.
Whi`le specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described hereinl it is realized that modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
' , :' ' .
, ' .
~ 8
does not interrupt the continuity of the plastic sheet 10, no aperture tor possible foam leakage results. Secondly, the fc~m bonds to the side of the gusset-like fo~ds 22, 24, 26 and 28. After the foam hardens this bond aids in trans-mittir,g the load imposed by the bracket 12 and screw 20 int~
the rigid foam material, increasing the total strength of the fastener.
In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS . 1 through 3, the fastener 18 comprises four gusset-like folds. An alternative fastener embodiment 46, shown in FIG. 4, includes only three such folds. In FIG. 4, a central recess 48 is surrounded by only three communicating side recesses 50, 52 and 54, which of course are the interiors of gusset-like folds formed on the rear side of the panel 10.
Three is a preferred minimum number of folds required to form a fastener according to the invention, because that is the minimum number that will produce the definite intersections 40 which define a central recess or bore. There is no definite upper limit to the number of folds 2~ which form a fas-tener, although in each case, according to the ` size of the fastener, a practical upper limit will be found.
Another alternative fastener embodiment 56, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, comprises only two gusset-like folds 58 and - 60, a~d corresponding side recesses 62 and 64. In the fastener 56, a central recess 66 comprises two segments 68 and 70 of 3 plastic cylinder, there being no definite inter-sections between adjacent side recesses. It will be apparent that the principle of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 could be further extended to a fastener (not shown) comprising a central recess and only a single side ~ecess. It will be .
:. .
0~2Q2 f~rther apparent that any such fastener compr;s;ng less than three folds will be deficient in load-transmitting ability in ceriain directions, and thus generally not preferred.
HoweYer, in particular applications such fasteners may be satisfactory.
A fastener according to the present inventiDn may be manufactured and formed into the plastic sheet 10 at the same time the plastic sheet is formed into a useful shape such as a plastic refrigerator inner liner. This results in maximum economy in manufacture. A plastic refrigerator liner may be formed in a conventional vacuum-forming operation in which the sheet is heated to soften the plastic material which is then drawn into a negative mold to produce the desired ; configuration of a refrigerator inner liner including an integral fastener. In order to form the relatively abrupt draw which the fastener according to the present invention represents, a "plug assist" may be employed. The "plug assist" may be accomplished by simpl~ inserting a suitably shaped member from the front side of the plastic sheet to push a portion of the plastic material into a suitable recess in the vacuum-~orming negative mold.
Alternatively, a corresponding process may be employed using a positive mold where the thermally-softened plastic sheet is drawn over a mold. At an appropriate stage in ~- 25 the process, recess-forming blades would be extended out of the mold body, and then retracted.
It will thus be apparent that the present invention : .
provides a recess-type fastener which is formed directly in a thermoplastic sheet to effectively anchor a screw or the like and to distribute the load over a sufficiently large area of plastic material to support the weight. Further, when employed .
.
with insitu r`od~iled tnsulating materîal, the fastener distrib-utes a portion o~ the load into the rigid foam material and, during ~he foaming operaticn, has the a~vantage of not providing any opening f`or the escape of.-foam matetial.
Whi`le specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described hereinl it is realized that modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
' , :' ' .
, ' .
~ 8
Claims (11)
1. A recess-type fastener formed in a plastic component vacuum-formed from a thermoplastic sheet:
said fastener integrally formed in said component;
said fastener adapted for receiving a male fastener and comprising:
a central portion, said central portion including a central recess in the interior thereof; and a gusset-like fold extending from said fastener central portion to a portion of the plastic sheet surrounding said central portion, said gusset-like fold forming a side recess in communication with said central recess and dis-tributing a load exerted by the male fastener over a large area of the plastic component surrounding said recess.
said fastener integrally formed in said component;
said fastener adapted for receiving a male fastener and comprising:
a central portion, said central portion including a central recess in the interior thereof; and a gusset-like fold extending from said fastener central portion to a portion of the plastic sheet surrounding said central portion, said gusset-like fold forming a side recess in communication with said central recess and dis-tributing a load exerted by the male fastener over a large area of the plastic component surrounding said recess.
2. A fastener according to claim 1 which comprises at least three gusset-like folds and wherein the intersections of adjacent side recesses are adapted for engaging the male fastener.
3. A fastener according to claim 2, wherein each of said gusset-like folds is substantially normal to the longi-tudinal axis of the central portion and the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane of the plastic sheet.
4. A fastener according to claim 2 comprising exactly three gusset-like folds.
5. A fastener according to claim 2 comprising exactly four gusset-like folds.
6. A recess-type fastener formed in a refrigerator liner vacuum-formed from a thermoplastic sheet:
said fastener integrally formed in said liner;
said fastener adapted for receiving a male fastener to attach an article to the liner and comprising:
a central portion, said central portion including a central recess in the interior thereof;
a plurality of gusset-like folds extending from said fastener central portion to a portion of the plastic liner surrounding said central portion;
said gusset-like folds forming side recesses in communication with said central recess and distributing a load exerted by the male fastner over a large area of the liner surrounding said central recess; and the intersections of adjacent side recesses providing surfaces for engaging the male fastener.
said fastener integrally formed in said liner;
said fastener adapted for receiving a male fastener to attach an article to the liner and comprising:
a central portion, said central portion including a central recess in the interior thereof;
a plurality of gusset-like folds extending from said fastener central portion to a portion of the plastic liner surrounding said central portion;
said gusset-like folds forming side recesses in communication with said central recess and distributing a load exerted by the male fastner over a large area of the liner surrounding said central recess; and the intersections of adjacent side recesses providing surfaces for engaging the male fastener.
7. A fastener according to claim 6, wherein the integrally-formed fastener provides uninterrupted continuity with said liner thereby preventing any aperture which would provide opportunity for leakage during subsequent processing or use of the liner.
8. The method of forming from a sheet of thermoplastic material a refrigerator cabinet liner having an integrally formed recess-type fastener which comprises the following steps:
(a) vacuum-forming the liner from a sheet of thermo-plastic material and (b) vacuum-forming integrally within said sheet of thermoplastic material a central recess having a plurality of gusset-like folds extending from said recess to the surface of said liner; said recess adapted for receiving a male fastener and said folds distributing any load on said recess over a large area of said liner surrounding said recess.
(a) vacuum-forming the liner from a sheet of thermo-plastic material and (b) vacuum-forming integrally within said sheet of thermoplastic material a central recess having a plurality of gusset-like folds extending from said recess to the surface of said liner; said recess adapted for receiving a male fastener and said folds distributing any load on said recess over a large area of said liner surrounding said recess.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the vacuum-forming operations of steps (a) and (b) are simultaneously performed.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the vacuum-forming operation of step (a) is first performed and thereafter the vacuum-forming operation of step (b) is then performed.
11. The method of claim 8, and further including the step of inserting a suitably-shaped plug-assist member from one side of the sheet of thermoplastic material to push a portion of the material into a vacuum-forming mold to facilitate the formation of the recess-type fastener.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA289,284A CA1068202A (en) | 1977-10-21 | 1977-10-21 | Fastener anchor formed in thermoplastic sheet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA289,284A CA1068202A (en) | 1977-10-21 | 1977-10-21 | Fastener anchor formed in thermoplastic sheet |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1068202A true CA1068202A (en) | 1979-12-18 |
Family
ID=4109826
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA289,284A Expired CA1068202A (en) | 1977-10-21 | 1977-10-21 | Fastener anchor formed in thermoplastic sheet |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1068202A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-10-21 CA CA289,284A patent/CA1068202A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4067256A (en) | Fastener anchor formed in thermoplastic sheet | |
| US4648766A (en) | Plastic fastener for detachably mounting a panel on a support member | |
| CA1059805A (en) | Container fastener system | |
| US5303519A (en) | Shower stall with molded angle panel | |
| CA2312496C (en) | A plug for sheet material | |
| US3728761A (en) | Fastener | |
| CA2052667A1 (en) | Masonry screw anchor | |
| CA2024147A1 (en) | Anti-cross thread screw | |
| BR9407213A (en) | Manufacturing article; method for manufacturing a sealable container against liquid leakage with a part of the container having a hydraulically solidifiable matrix formed from a hydraulically solidifiable mixture; and method for making a sealable container | |
| US5593262A (en) | Removable plastic boss for automobile instrument panel | |
| CA2326271A1 (en) | Ear tag with locking member for multi-purpose storage | |
| CA2155083A1 (en) | Plastic refrigerator door and method of thermoforming the same | |
| US3512224A (en) | Grommet fastener and method for setting same | |
| CA2255262A1 (en) | Fastener system including a clamp-force indicating insert | |
| CA2053589A1 (en) | Roofing fastener and improved screw therefor | |
| CA2018966A1 (en) | High strength fibre reinforced polymeric fasteners having threads, for example a nut and bolt | |
| US3747657A (en) | Nut type fastener | |
| US3264699A (en) | Sealed fastening device | |
| JPH0541844B2 (en) | ||
| US5322400A (en) | Nut plate fastener | |
| USD360413S (en) | Television tuner for computer | |
| US3444917A (en) | Fastening device | |
| USD357876S (en) | Diagnostic tester | |
| US6186695B1 (en) | Dowels for securing objects to walls | |
| DE59408799D1 (en) | Shaft-hub connection for the transmission of torques between two coaxial machine parts |