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Refrigerator case wall structure

Refrigerator case wall structure description/claims

The invention relates to refrigerator cases. More particularly, the invention relates to structural integration of insulated panels in walls of such cases.

Refrigerator cases (generically including freezers) are used in a variety of commercial situations. One key use is for retail display and vending. Many such cases include a closed rear wall and either an open front or a glass door front.

Insulation of the compartment of such cases relative to their external structure is important for a number of reasons. In addition to basic efficiency concerns, insulation may be appropriate to avoid or control condensation on components external to the compartment. This may be motivated by sanitary considerations in addition to refrigerator case longevity.

In refrigerator case engineering and manufacturing, modularity has been a relevant consideration. It is advantageous to be able to use at least some of the same components when producing a variety of sizes and/or configurations of case. Configurations have been developed that include combinations of external and internal structural components. These components can be coupled to each other through insulated panels. An exemplary configuration is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,826. In that patent, one or more insulated panels intervene between external and internal structural members. Studded dog bone-shaped mounting elements are embedded within the foam panels with the studs protruding from surfaces of the panels. The studs may be engaged to internal and external structural members to structurally couple such members.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention involves a refrigerated case having a base and a number of supports extending upward from the base. A number of structural uprights are coupled to the supports. At least one insulated panel is positioned between the uprights and the supports and is secured to the uprights and the supports. A refrigeration apparatus is positioned to cool an interior of the case. At least the first of the panels has front and rear liner sheets. A transversely extending polymeric layer is at least partially between the liner sheets. An insulative foam layer is between the front and rear liner sheets. A number of fasteners secure at least some of the supports to the polymeric member and at least some of the uprights to the polymeric member.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

FIG. 1 is a view of a refrigerator case.

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic side sectional view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transverse horizontal sectional view of the case of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an insulated panel junction of the case of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an insulated panel.

FIG. 7 is a partially schematic side sectional view of an alternative refrigerator case.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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