Refrigerator shelf ladder fastener

Abstract

A refrigeration apparatus cabinet includes an outer shell having walls defining a front opening. A plastic liner in the shell provides an insulation space therebetween and has connected rear and sidewalls to define a refrigerated space accessible through the shelf front opening. The liner includes a plurality of vertically spaced, aligned openings through one of the walls. An elongate reinforcement bar has a plurality of spaced, aligned openings, similar to the liner openings, the reinforcement bar being disposed behind the liner in the insulation space with each liner opening aligned with a reinforcement bar opening. A plurality of fasteners are provided, one for each liner opening. Each fastener comprises a head larger than the liner opening disposed within the refrigerated space and a tubular locking element extending rearwardly from the head, the locking element having an outer surface having an outer diameter less than the liner opening at its connection to the head and an outer diameter at a select position greater than that of the reinforcement bar openings, the select position being spaced a distance from the head corresponding to a combined thickness of the liner and the reinforcement bar. A locking element extends through each liner opening and the associated reinforcement bar opening so that the liner and reinforcement bar are sandwiched between the head and a select position to fasten the reinforcement bar to the liner. A body of in situ foam insulation is disposed in the insulation space, the fasteners preventing insulation from entering the refrigerated space.