Cabinets with false fronts and associated false front connectors for engaging multiple sidewalls
OwnerRobert C. Hightowerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Connectors for attaching a false front panel over an opening in an object comprise a body portion that is configured to abut and attach to a rear side of the false front panel, and first and second snap clips that extend from the body portion and which are configured to engage opposing walls that define the opening in the object. These connectors may further include a third snap clip that extends from the body portion and that is configured to engage a third of the walls that defines the opening. The body portion of the connectors may extend the full width of the opening to be covered to facilitate alignment of the connector on the rear side of the false front panel.
Claims23
A cabinet, comprising:
- a frame having a front face, wherein said front face includes an opening defined by a plurality of walls;
- a false front panel having a front side and a rear side;
- and
- at least one false front connector that includes:
- a body portion fixed to and configured to abut the rear side of said false front panel;
- a first snap clip extending from said body portion and configured to engage a first of the walls defining said opening;
- and
- a second snap clip extending from said body portion and configured to engage a second of the walls defining said opening, wherein said second wall is different from said first wall;
- wherein the rear side of the false front panel is positioned adjacent the front face of the frame.
A false front connector that connects a false front panel over an opening in an object defined by a plurality of walls, comprising:
- a body portion that abuts and attaches to a rear side of said false front panel;
- a first snap clip extending from said body portion that engages a first of the walls defining said opening;
- a second snap clip extending from said body portion that engages a second of the walls defining said opening, wherein said second wall is different from said first wall;
- and
- a third snap clip extending from said body portion that engages a third of the walls defining said opening.
A false front connector for connecting a false front panel over an opening in an object defined by at least first, second and third walls, said second and third walls opposing one another, comprising:
- an elongate body portion having a length that is substantially the same length as said first wall, wherein said body portion is-configured to attach to a rear side of said false front panel;
- a first snap clip extending from said body portion that is configured to engage said second wall;
- a second snap clip extending from said body portion that is configured to engage said third wall;
- and
- a third snap clip extending from said body portion that is configured to engage said first wall.
A method of connecting a false front panel over an opening in an object, the method comprising:
- fixing a first false front connector having opposed first and second snap clips to the false front panel adjacent a first edge of the rear surface of said false front panel;
- fixing a second false front connector having opposed first and second snap to the false front panel clips adjacent a second edge of the rear surface of said false front panel;
- attaching the false front panel over the opening by placing the false front panel over the opening such that the first and second false front connectors extend through said opening to engage the rear surface of the walls which define the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.