초록 ▼

A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a cabinet shell having opposed side walls that are interconnected by a top wall and a shell bottom. Each of the side and top walls of the shell lead to front face portions which are integrally formed with return flanges for use in mounting one or more liners

A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a cabinet shell having opposed side walls that are interconnected by a top wall and a shell bottom. Each of the side and top walls of the shell lead to front face portions which are integrally formed with return flanges for use in mounting one or more liners within the cabinet shell in a manner known in the art. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the shell bottom is spaced rearwardly of the return flanges such that a receiving slot is defined therebetween. The cabinet assembly further includes an integrated, structural reinforcing frame mounted within the cabinet shell by sliding the frame within the receiving slot and securing the frame to the return flanges. After mounting a yoder tube, a mullion bar and the liners within the cabinet shell, a plastic toe plate is attached to the reinforcing frame. The toe plate is provided with side flanges which extend about the side walls of the cabinet shell. The reinforcing frame is provided, prior to positioning within the cabinet shell, with various attachment structure enabling door hinges, cabinet levelers and wheel assemblies to be readily secured to the overall cabinet assembly. In addition, gaps are created between side portions of the reinforcing frame and the cabinet shell to enable foam insulation to flow therebetween to further increase the overall structural integrity and thermal performance of the cabinet.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A refrigerator cabinet assembly comprising:an outer cabinet shell including a pair of laterally spaced, upright side walls and a top wall interconnecting upper end portions of said side walls, said side and top walls including respective forwardmost portions;an integrated structura

[ We claim:] [1.] A refrigerator cabinet assembly comprising:an outer cabinet shell including a pair of laterally spaced, upright side walls and a top wall interconnecting upper end portions of said side walls, said side and top walls including respective forwardmost portions;an integrated structural reinforcing frame unit including a pair of spaced, elongated side reinforcing members that are interconnected by a pair of laterally extending cross members, said reinforcing frame unit being positioned and secured as a pre-assembled unit, within said cabinet shell, at the forwardmost portions of said side and top walls; andan upright mullion fixed to at least one of the cross members at a position located between said side reinforcing members.