Fastening system for appliance cabinet assembly

Abstract

An appliance cabinet side wall is secured to a front frame member by a first mechanical fastening element of a fastening system. Subsequently, a trim piece is attached along the side wall through the use of a second mechanical fastening element which is threadably connected to the first fastening element. Most preferably, a blind-type rivnut is utilized to prevent any foam, used in insulating the cabinet, from leaking. Utilizing multi-functioning mechanical fastening elements minimizes the number of assembly components, eases assembly and enables the trim piece to be easily removed and/or replaced in case of damage, or even if the consumer desires to simply utilize a trim piece of another color or design.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method of assembling an appliance cabinet comprising: 
 attaching a forward portion of a cabinet side wall to a front frame member through a first mechanical fastening member; and    attaching an exterior trim piece at the forward portion of the cabinet side wall by directly interconnecting a second mechanical fastening member to the first mechanical fastening member through the exterior trim piece.    
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the second mechanical fastening member is threaded into the first mechanical fastening member.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the forward portion of the cabinet side wall is attached to the front frame member along an exterior splined portion of the first mechanical fastening member.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising: positioning a decorative panel within a channel defined by the exterior trim piece.