A vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a temperature different from that of the first space, and a support configured to maintain the third space. The support includes a coupling mechanism by which a first support plate and a second support plate are coupled to each other and integrated with each other and a seating mechanism configured to maintain a gap between the first support plate and the second support plate at points at which the first support plate and the second support plate contact each other. The seating mechanisms are spaced apart from the coupling mechanism.

A gasket is positioned on an icebox within a refrigerator appliance. The gasket includes a first lateral edge spaced apart from a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge has a first height and the second lateral edge has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. A longitudinal edge extends between and is integrally formed with the first and second lateral edges. The longitudinal edge tapers from the first height to the second height. The second lateral edge is positioned proximate a hinge assembly of an appliance door.

Vacuum insulation panels, methods for manufacture thereof, and applications thereof are described. The vacuum insulation panels comprise a porous insulating core encapsulated in an envelope to which a vacuum is applied. The envelope is coated with a waterproof coating layer which increases the robustness of the vacuum insulation panel.

A vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a temperature different from that of the first space, and a support configured to maintain the third space. The support includes a coupling mechanism by which a first support plate and a second support plate are coupled to each other and integrated with each other and a seating mechanism configured to maintain a gap between the first support plate and the second support plate at points at which the first support plate and the second support plate contact each other. The seating mechanisms are spaced apart from the coupling mechanism.

A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage chamber, a main door pivotably mounted to the cabinet while including an opening provided at an inside of the main door, and a stepped portion provided around the opening, a sub-storage chamber mounted at the inside of the main door, a sub-door mounted to the main door, to allow a user to have access to the sub-storage chamber, the sub-door having opposite side surfaces with front portions protruding forwards of a front surface of the main door while having a greater width than the opening and stepped portion between the front portions of the side surfaces, to cover the stepped portion by the side surfaces, and a hinge pivotably mounted to the main door and coupled to the sub-door while being bent at an intermediate portion thereof, to pivotably support the sub-door with respect to the main door.

A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage chamber, a main door pivotably mounted to the cabinet while including an opening provided at an inside of the main door, and a stepped portion provided around the opening, a sub-storage chamber mounted at the inside of the main door, a sub-door mounted to the main door, to allow a user to have access to the sub-storage chamber, the sub-door having opposite side surfaces with front portions protruding forwards of a front surface of the main door while having a greater width than the opening and stepped portion between the front portions of the side surfaces, to cover the stepped portion by the side surfaces, and a hinge pivotably mounted to the main door and coupled to the sub-door while being bent at an intermediate portion thereof, to pivotably support the sub-door with respect to the main door.

A vacuum insulated appliance includes a cabinet with a wrapper and a liner encompassed by the wrapper. A wire on tube condenser is disposed at a rear portion of the cabinet. A plurality of engagement plates is coupled to the wire on tube condenser. Each engagement plate of the plurality of engagement plates includes a slotted feature defined on an end of the engagement plate. The end of each engagement plate extends beyond an outer edge of one of a first side section and a second side section, respectively, of the wire on tube condenser. A plurality of hangers protrudes outward from the rear portion of the cabinet. Each hanger of the plurality of hangers engages with the slotted feature to couple the wire on tube condenser to the cabinet.

Shelf brackets to conduct electricity to refrigerator shelves are disclosed. An example shelf bracket includes an end configured to engage a support rail, the end having a first area to conduct electricity from the support rail to the shelf bracket, an arm extending from the end to support the shelf, the arm comprising a second area to conduct electricity from the shelf bracket to the shelf, a non-electrically conductive coating applied to substantially all of the shelf bracket except in the first and second areas, a first electrically conductive material applied to at least a portion of the first area, and a second electrically conductive material applied to at least a portion of the second area, wherein the shelf bracket is formed from a third electrically conductive material, the third electrically conductive material to conduct electricity between the first and second areas.

A thermally insulated package for transporting a temperature sensitive payload. The thermally insulated package comprises a payload retention volume for said temperature sensitive payload; at least one layer of insulation surrounding the payload retention volume; an outer casing enclosing the at least one layer of insulation and the payload retention volume; and a recess for accommodating at least one functional device, the recess arranged between the at least one layer of insulation and the outer casing. The recess suitably provides a specific storage volume within the thermally insulated package but outside of the insulation and the payload retention volume for said the functional device, such as a temperature monitoring device, in order to conveniently transport said device with the package and protect said device from physical impacts and environmental factors. A thermally insulated package kit is also disclosed.

A vacuum-insulated door for a cooling appliance includes an outer skin defining a vacuum-insulated cavity. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the vacuum-insulated cavity through the outer skin. A vacuum inlet housing is connected to the vacuum port and extends from the outer skin. A vacuum port cover assembly includes a bracket connected to the outer skin that includes a first pocket for locating the vacuum inlet housing. A cover is connected to the bracket.