초록 ▼

A cabinet for a refrigerator is formed from a twin sheet thermoformed panel (1) divided into a plurality of wall sections, (8, 9, 10) by seams (6) where the twin sheets (2, 3) contact. The panel is folded to form the rear (10) and two side walls (8, 9) of a refrigerator cabinet, and top end cap and

A cabinet for a refrigerator is formed from a twin sheet thermoformed panel (1) divided into a plurality of wall sections, (8, 9, 10) by seams (6) where the twin sheets (2, 3) contact. The panel is folded to form the rear (10) and two side walls (8, 9) of a refrigerator cabinet, and top end cap and a base plinth are fitted to retain the walls in position. Refrigeration system components are carried on the base plinth. The walls (8, 9) and back (10) are secured by having their upper and lower edges (25, 30) fitted within peripheral channels (28, 29) on the top end cap (20) and the base plinth (21). Additionally they may be further secured by fusing contacting portions (65, 76) of the inner sheet of the panel in the region adjacent folded seams (6).The panel is preferably filled with rigid insulating foam while still supported on the thermoforming mold. The seams (6) are preferably provided on the back face (61) of the cabinet, spaced from the corners between side and rear faces, providing improved aesthetics with the fold lines hidden. An improved heater for softening seams between wall sections is disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A refrigerator cabinet comprising:a twin walled insulated plastic member divided, by a plurality of elongate seams at which said twin walls contact, into three or more wall sections disposed sequentially in a side by side relation, said member folded at said seams such that said sequence of wall

1. A refrigerator cabinet comprising:a twin walled insulated plastic member divided, by a plurality of elongate seams at which said twin walls contact, into three or more wall sections disposed sequentially in a side by side relation, said member folded at said seams such that said sequence of wall sections form three or more sides of a cabinet connected at said elongate seams, said sides defining a refrigeration space there between, a top end cap connected to the top edge of said wall member retaining said wall member in said folded configuration, said top end cap enclosing the top end of said refrigeration space, a base plinth connected to the bottom edge of said wall member retaining said wall member in said folded configuration, said base plinth supporting, directly or indirectly, mechanical components of said refrigeration system, and a floor enclosing the bottom end of said refrigeration compartment.