Trim attachment system for appliance

Abstract

A trim system for a door or drawer of an electrical appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer. The trim system has an engagement structure formed by a retainer having a first engagement surface with a plurality of ratchet teeth. The system also includes a trim member having a first, outward facing, surface and a second, inward facing, surface. The second surface of the trim member includes a protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the retaining clip, such that the trim member is secured to the engagement structure. The protrusion has a first tooth configured to engage the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first engagement surface. Optionally, the retainer can be formed as a clip, with a second engagement surface opposite the first engagement surface, having a tooth or teeth for engagement with a second tooth of the protrusion.

1 . A trim system for a door or drawer of an electrical appliance, the trim system comprising:
 an engagement structure having a retainer having a first engagement surface, the first engagement surface having a plurality of ratchet teeth; and   a trim member having a first, outward facing, surface and a second, inward facing, surface;   wherein the second surface of the trim member includes a protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the retainer, such that the trim member is secured to the engagement structure; and   wherein the protrusion has a first tooth configured to engage the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first engagement surface.   
     
     
         2 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a retaining clip, the retaining clip formed by the first engagement surface and a second engagement surface opposing the first engagement surface, the second engagement surface having one or more ratchet tooth/teeth, and wherein the protrusion also has a second tooth configured to engage the one or more ratchet tooth/teeth of the second engagement surface. 
     
     
         3 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement surface has at least two ratchet teeth, each of which is engageable with the first tooth, the at least two ratchet teeth arranged spaced apart such that the protrusion may be secured within the retainer to at least a first and second extent. 
     
     
         4 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement surface is provided on a first tab. 
     
     
         5 . The trim system of  claim 2 , wherein the second engagement surface is provided on a second tab. 
     
     
         6 . The trim system of  claim 4 , wherein the first tab has a free end and an opposite, fixed end, attached to a main body of the engagement structure. 
     
     
         7 . The trim system of  claim 6 , wherein the fixed end of the first tab on which the first engagement surface is provided is arranged to receive the protrusion of the trim member. 
     
     
         8 . The trim system of  claim 5 , wherein the second tab has a free end and an opposite, fixed end, attached to a main body of the engagement structure, wherein the free end of the second tab on which the second engagement surface is provided is arranged to receive the protrusion of the trim member. 
     
     
         9 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement structure is formed by injection moulding a plastics material and the trim member is formed from metal. 
     
     
         10 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first engagement surface, or the first tooth, or both, have an insertion face and a removal face, wherein the removal face is inclined more steeply than the insertion face such that removal of the protrusion from the retainer is impeded relative to its insertion. 
     
     
         11 . The trim system of  claim 2 , wherein each of the one or more ratchet tooth/teeth of the second engagement surface, or the second tooth, or both, have an insertion face and a removal face, wherein the removal face is inclined more steeply than the insertion face such that removal of the protrusion from the retaining clip is impeded relative to its insertion. 
     
     
         12 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the trim member and/or engagement structure is/are substantially elongate, extending predominantly in a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         13 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first engagement surface are displaced across a lateral width of the engagement structure, substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension direction of the engagement structure. 
     
     
         14 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement structure further comprises one or more abutments configured to prevent relative movement of the trim member in the longitudinal direction of its extension. 
     
     
         15 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement structure is provided on an exposed top or bottom surface of a door or drawer. 
     
     
         16 . The trim system of  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion comprises a right angle, having a first portion extending in a direction substantially normal to the second surface of the trim member, and a second portion extending in a direction substantially parallel to the second surface of the trim member. 
     
     
         17 . The trim system of  claim 16 , wherein the first tooth of the protrusion is located on a first surface of the second portion, parallel to the second surface of the trim member. 
     
     
         18 . The trim system of  claim 2 , wherein the protrusion comprises a right angle, having a first portion extending in a direction substantially normal to the second surface of the trim member, and a second portion extending in a direction substantially parallel to the second surface of the trim member, wherein the first tooth of the protrusion is located on a first surface of the second portion, parallel to the second surface of the trim member, and wherein the second tooth of the protrusion is located on a second surface of the second portion, opposite the first surface. 
     
     
         19 . The trim system of  claim 2 , wherein, when the protrusion is located in and engaged by the retaining clip, the first and second engagement surfaces of the retaining clip are parallel to the second surface of the trim member. 
     
     
         20 . An electrical appliance comprising:
 a cabinet having an opening closable by a door or drawer fitted thereto, and   a trim system for the door or drawer, the trim system comprising:
 an engagement structure having a retainer having a first engagement surface, the first engagement surface having a plurality of ratchet teeth; and 
 a trim member having a first outward facing surface and a second inward facing surface; 
 wherein the second surface of the trim member includes a protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the retainer, such that the trim member is secured to the engagement structure; and 
 wherein the protrusion has a first tooth configured to engage the plurality of ratchet teeth of the first engagement surface.