REDUCED SIZE REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH INCREASED STORAGE AREA

Abstract

A refrigeration unit including an exterior lining that includes a bottom exterior surface and a top exterior surface facing the bottom exterior surface. The refrigeration unit further including an interior lining that includes a bottom planar-like interior surface and a top interior surface facing the bottom interior surface. The refrigeration unit including a bottom base, wherein the bottom exterior surface is positioned between the bottom base and the bottom planar-like interior surface. The refrigeration unit includes a condenser positioned between the bottom base and the bottom exterior surface, wherein the refrigeration unit is oriented within a gravitational field generated by the Earth so that the gravitational field flows from the top interior surface to the bottom base.

Claims

1. A refrigeration unit, comprising: an exterior lining, comprising: a first exterior side surface; a second exterior side surface facing said first exterior side surface; a rear exterior surface attached to said first exterior side surface and said second exterior side surface; a bottom exterior surface; a top exterior surface facing said bottom exterior surface, wherein said top exterior surface and said bottom exterior surface are each attached to said first exterior side surface, said second exterior side surface and said rear exterior surface; an interior lining, comprising: a first interior side surface facing said first exterior side surface; a second interior side surface facing said first interior side surface and said first exterior side surface; a rear interior surface facing said rear exterior surface and attached to said first interior side surface and said second interior surface; a bottom planar-like interior surface; a top interior surface facing said bottom interior surface, wherein said top interior surface and said bottom interior surface are each attached to said first interior side surface, said second interior side surface and said rear interior surface; a bottom base, wherein said bottom exterior surface is positioned between said bottom base and said bottom planar-like interior surface; a condenser positioned between said bottom base and said bottom exterior surface; and wherein said bottom planar-like surface extends to said first interior side surface, said second interior side surface, and said rear interior surface; and wherein said refrigeration unit is oriented within a gravitational field generated by the Earth so that said gravitational field flows from said top interior surface to said bottom base.

2. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, further comprising a hinged door attached to said exterior lining that is movable to an open position that provides access to a volume of space defined by said interior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volume of space is denied.

3. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

4. The refrigeration unit of claim 2, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

5. The refrigeration unit of claim 4, wherein said gravitational field is approximately perpendicular to said bottom base.

6. A refrigeration unit system, comprising: a refrigeration unit comprising: an exterior lining, comprising: a first exterior side surface; a second exterior side surface facing said first exterior side surface; a rear exterior surface attached to said first exterior side surface and said second exterior surface; a bottom exterior surface; a top exterior surface facing said bottom exterior surface, wherein said top exterior surface and said bottom exterior surface are each attached to said first exterior side surface, said second exterior side surface and said rear exterior surface; an interior lining, comprising: a first interior side surface facing said first exterior side surface; a second interior side surface facing said first interior side surface and said first exterior side surface; a rear interior surface facing said rear exterior surface and attached to said first interior side surface and said second interior surface; a bottom planar-like interior surface; a top interior surface facing said bottom interior surface, wherein said top interior surface and said bottom interior surface are each attached to said first interior side surface, said second interior side surface and said rear interior surface; a bottom base, wherein said bottom exterior surface is positioned between said bottom base and said bottom planar-like interior surface; a condenser positioned between said bottom base and said bottom exterior surface; and wherein said bottom planar-like surface extends to said first interior side surface, said second interior side surface, and said rear interior surface; and a support surface upon which said bottom base lies and said support surface is subjected to an entire weight of said refrigeration unit.

7. The refrigeration unit system of claim 6, further comprising a hinged door attached to said exterior lining that is movable to an open position that provides access to a volume of space defined by said interior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volume of space is denied.

8. The refrigeration unit system of claim 6, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

9. The refrigeration unit system of claim 7, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

10. A refrigeration unit, comprising: an exterior lining, comprising: a bottom exterior surface; and a top exterior surface facing said bottom exterior surface; an interior lining, comprising: a bottom planar-like interior surface; and a top interior surface facing said bottom interior surface; a bottom base, wherein said bottom exterior surface is positioned between said bottom base and said bottom planar-like interior surface; a condenser positioned between said bottom base and said bottom exterior surface; and wherein said refrigeration unit is oriented within a gravitational field generated by the Earth so that said gravitational field flows from said top interior surface to said bottom base.

11. The refrigeration unit of claim 10, further comprising a hinged door attached to said exterior lining that is movable to an open position that provides access to a volume of space defined by said interior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volume of space is denied.

12. The refrigeration unit of claim 10, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

13. The refrigeration unit of claim 11, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

14. The refrigeration unit of claim 13, wherein said gravitational field is approximately perpendicular to said bottom base.

15. A refrigeration unit system, comprising: a refrigeration unit comprising: an exterior lining, comprising: a rear exterior surface attached to said first exterior side surface and said second exterior surface; and a bottom exterior surface; a top exterior surface facing said bottom exterior surface; an interior lining, comprising: a bottom planar-like interior surface; a top interior surface facing said bottom interior surface; a bottom base, wherein said bottom exterior surface is positioned between said bottom base and said bottom planar-like interior surface; a condenser positioned between said bottom base and said bottom exterior surface; and a support surface upon which said bottom base lies and said support surface is subjected to an entire weight of said refrigeration unit.

16. The refrigeration unit system of claim 15, further comprising a hinged door attached to said exterior lining that is movable to an open position that provides access to a volume of space defined by said interior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volume of space is denied.

17. The refrigeration unit system of claim 15, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

18. The refrigeration unit system of claim 16, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a known refrigeration unit, wherein the door is in a closed position;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 1, wherein the door is in an open position;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a side of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom base of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 with refrigeration components present;

[0031] FIGS. 5A-C are pictures showing a possible process for attaching a compressor to the bottom base of FIG. 4 the is a perspective view of a bottom base of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 with refrigeration components present;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a refrigeration unit in accordance with the present invention, wherein the door is in a closed position;

[0033] FIG. 6A is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 6;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 6, wherein the door is in an open position;

[0035] FIG. 7A is a perspective and schematic view of an exterior lining to be used with the refrigeration unit of FIGS. 6-7;

[0036] FIG. 7B is a perspective and schematic view of an interior lining to be used with the refrigeration unit of FIGS. 6, 7, and 7A;

[0037] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a side of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 6;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom base of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 6 with refrigeration components present;

[0039] FIG. 9A is top and schematic view of the bottom base and refrigeration components of FIG. 9; and

[0040] FIG. 10 schematically shows an embodiment of a refrigeration system that includes the refrigeration unit of FIGS. 6-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As shown in the exemplary drawing figures, a refrigeration unit is shown, wherein like elements are denoted by like numerals.

[0042] FIGS. 6-10 show an embodiment of a refrigeration unit 200 that has a height of approximately 33.25 inches, a width or length of approximately 23.5 inches, and a depth of approximately 23.0 inches. It should be noted that other sizes for the refrigeration unit 200 are possible. For example, the height can range from 32 inches to 34 inches, the width or length can vary from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches, and the depth can vary from 21.0 inches to 23.0 inches.

[0043] The refrigeration unit 200 has a door 201 that is attached via a hinge 203 to a main storage housing 205 as shown in FIGS. 6-7. The main storage housing 205 can be thought of as being a shell that has an interior housing or lining 278 and an exterior housing or lining 202 as schematically shown by the front cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. There is a space between the interior lining 278 and the exterior lining 202 that contains heat transfer coils and insulation (not shown).

[0044] The exterior lining 202 is made of a durable material, such as stainless steel, vinyl coated carbon steel or galvanized steel. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 7A, the exterior lining 202 of the main storage housing 205 includes a first exterior side surface 204 and a second exterior side surface 206 that is positioned opposite to and faces the first exterior side surface 204. Preferably, the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 are identical in shape. For example, the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 may be rectangular in shape with a vertical height H, as measured along vertical direction V, ranging from 32.0 inches to 34.0 inches and a depth D ranging from 21.0 inches to 23.0 inches. The first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 have a thickness ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches. The first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 are preferably arranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by a distance ranging from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8, the exterior lining 202 includes a rear exterior surface 208 that has vertical side edges 210 and 212 integrally attached to a rear vertical edge 214 of the first exterior side surface 204 and a rear vertical edge 216 of the second exterior side surface 206, respectively. Preferably, the rear exterior surface 208 is rectangular in shape with a height that is the same as the height H of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206. The rear exterior surface 208 has a length L ranging from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches and has a thickness ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches. The rear exterior surface 208 is preferably positioned at a right angle to each of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206.

[0046] FIGS. 6-9 show that the exterior lining 202 includes a bottom exterior surface 218, and a top exterior surface 220 that is positioned opposite to and faces the bottom exterior surface 218. Preferably, the bottom and top exterior surfaces 218, 220 are nearly identical in shape and size. For example, the bottom and top exterior surfaces 218, 220 may be rectangular in shape with a length L ranging from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches and a width that is the same as the width of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206. The bottom and top exterior surfaces 218, 220 have a thickness ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches.

[0047] The bottom and top exterior surfaces 218, 220 are preferably arranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by a distance equal to the vertical height H of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206.

[0048] Side edges 222, 224 of the bottom exterior surface 218 are integrally attached with bottom edges 226, 228 of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206, respectively. A rear edge 230 of the bottom exterior surface 218 is integrally attached with a bottom edge 232 of the rear exterior surface 208. The bottom exterior surface 218 is preferably perpendicular to each of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 and the rear exterior surface 208.

[0049] Side edges 234, 236 of the top exterior surface 220 are integrally attached with top edges 238, 240 of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206, respectively. A rear edge 242 of the top exterior surface 220 is integrally attached with a top edge 244 of the rear exterior surface 208. The top exterior surface 220 is preferably perpendicular to each of the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 and the rear exterior surface 208.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 7, 7B and 8, placed within the exterior housing 202 is the interior lining 278. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the interior lining 278 can support various types of shelves that support items to be contained within the refrigeration unit 200. The interior lining 278 is made of a durable material, such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS), plastic, or stainless steel. The interior lining 278 includes a first interior side surface 280 and a second interior side surface 282 that is positioned opposite to and faces the first interior side surface 280. Preferably, the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 are identical in shape. For example, the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 may be rectangular in shape with a height ranging from 22.0 inches to 24.0 inches and a width ranging from 16.0 inches to 20.0 inches. The first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 have a thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.200 inches. The first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 are preferably arranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by a distance ranging from 11 inches to 20 inches. In another embodiment, the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 are separated from one another by approximately 28 inches and a vertical wall is positioned between and parallel to the interior side surfaces 280, 282 so that two cavities are defined with each cavity having a width of approximately 14 inches.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, the interior lining 278 includes a rear interior surface 284 that has vertical side edges 286 and 288 integrally attached to a rear vertical edge 290 of the first interior side surface 280 and a rear vertical edge 292 of the second interior side surface 282, respectively. Preferably, the rear interior surface 284 is rectangular in shape with a height that is the same as the height of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282. The rear interior surface 284 has a length ranging from 11.0 inches to 20.0 inches and has a thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.200 inches. The rear interior surface 284 is preferably positioned at a right angle to each of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282.

[0052] FIGS. 7B and 8 show that the interior lining 278 includes a bottom, planar-like interior surface 294 and a top interior surface 296 that is positioned opposite to and faces the bottom interior surface 294. Preferably, the bottom and top interior surfaces 294, 296 are identical in shape and size. For example, the bottom and top interior surfaces 294, 296 may be rectangular in shape with a length L ranging from 11.0 inches to 20.0 inches and a width that is the same as the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282. The bottom and top interior surfaces 294, 296 have a thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.200 inches. The bottom and top interior surfaces 294, 296 are preferably arranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by a distance equal to the vertical height of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282.

[0053] The side edges 298, 300 of the bottom interior surface 294 are integrally attached with the bottom edges 302, 304 of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282, respectively. The rear edge 306 of the bottom interior surface 294 is integrally attached with the bottom edge 308 of the rear interior surface 284. The bottom interior surface 294 is preferably perpendicular to each of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 and the rear interior surface 284. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, the bottom planar-like interior surface 294 extends to the first interior side surface 280, the second interior side surface 282, and the rear interior surface 284.

[0054] The side edges 310, 312 of the top interior surface 296 are integrally attached with the top edges 314, 316 of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282, respectively. The rear edge 318 of the top interior surface 296 is integrally attached with the top edge 320 of the rear interior surface 284. The top interior surface 296 is preferably perpendicular to each of the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 and the rear interior surface 284.

[0055] The interior lining 278 is attached to the exterior lining 202 by holding the two linings in a nested manner so that the interior lining 278 is nested within the exterior lining 202. By such holding, a volume of space positioned between the two nested linings is formed. Next, a foam is injected into the volume of space, wherein the foam expands into the entire volume of space and cures/hardens resulting in the linings being attached to one another via the foam. Note that conduits and heat transfer coils are positioned within the volume of space prior to injecting the foam into the volume of space.

[0056] Once the interior lining 278 is attached to the exterior lining 202, the first interior side surface 280 is parallel to, facing and spaced from the first exterior side surface 204 by approximately 1.75 inches. Similarly, the second interior side surface 282 is parallel to, facing and spaced from the second exterior side surface 206 by approximately 1.75 inches. The rear interior surface 284 is parallel to, facing and spaced from the rear exterior surface 208 by approximately 1.0 inches. In addition, the top interior surface 296 is parallel to, facing and spaced from the top exterior surface 220 by approximately 1.75 inches. The bottom, planar-like interior surface 294 is parallel to, facing and spaced from the bottom exterior surface 218 by approximately 7 inches.

[0057] Between the bottom exterior surface 218, a bottom base 217, and a skirt 221 is defined a storage volume of space S as shown in FIGS. 6A, and 8 that stores components of the refrigeration unit 200, such as the condenser 248 and the coils 260. The space S has a vertical height of approximately 5.0 inches, a length of approximately 18.5 inches, and a width of approximately 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a door 322 is attached to the exterior lining 202 by a pair of hinges 322, 324 that are attached to the exterior front face of the refrigeration unit 200. Thus, the hinged door 322 is movable to an open position (see FIG. 7) that provides access to a volume of space defined by the interior lining 278 and to a closed position (see FIG. 6) wherein access to the volume of space is denied. Note that the rear portion 326 of the door 322 may include one or more shelves to hold products. In addition, when the door 322 is at the closed position the volume of space defined by the interior lining 278 is substantially sealed off from the exterior environment so that a temperature range of 33 F.-70 F. can be generated within the volume of space.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, a number of refrigeration components are positioned on the upper surface 246 of a rectangular bottom base 217. As will be described later, the bottom base 217 is attached to the bottom of the exterior lining 202 of the refrigeration unit 200. The bottom base 217 has a thickness of approximately 0.050 inches, a width of approximately 23.5 inches, and a depth of approximately 23.0 inches. The bottom base 217 is made of a durable material, such as steel. Extending vertically with respect to the edges of the base 217 are integrally attached rectangular-like brackets 219.

[0060] A compressor 248 is attached to the bottom base 217 by four tabs 250 with retaining clips (two shown) that extend through openings of corresponding support pads 252 integrally formed with the compressor 248. Adjacent to the compressor 248 is a housing 249 that contains electronics for running the compressor 248. The compressor 248 has a tank 254 for receiving/storing a pressurized refrigerant, such as the substances known by the trade names of R134a and R600a. The refrigerant is pressurized to such an extent that it turns into a hot gas. The hot gas is expelled from the tank 256 and sent via a conduit (not shown) to a heat exchange coil within the volume of space formed between the interior lining 278 and the exterior lining 202, then to a condenser in the form of a condenser coil 260, and then from the condenser coil 260 back to the compressor 248 in a manner similar to that described with respect to the refrigeration unit 100 of FIGS. 1-4.

[0061] Note that the maximum height of the compressor 248, as measured in the vertical direction, V is 5.0 inches. The compressor 248 is positioned at the right side and rear portion of the bottom surface 218.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the condenser coil 260 is formed from a tube so as to define a serpentine pattern with two exterior rows 262, 264 of four elongated, -shaped portions of the coil 260 that face the front and rear of the refrigeration unit 200. Between the rows 262, 264 are three interior rows 266, 268, 270 of seven columns of elongated, a-shaped portions of the coil 260, wherein the rows face the left and right sides of the refrigeration unit 200. Horizontal wires 271 are attached/fused to each of the portions via welding as shown in FIG. 9. The condenser coil 260 is attached to the bottom base 217 by retaining clips or screws. In addition, a vertical metal wall 272 is attached to the bottom base 217 and is attached to the coil 260 by a spot welding process. The wall 272 acts an air deflector that separates the air inlet from the air exhaust. A U-shaped bracket 274 is attached to the bottom base 217 and has an opening that receives a fan 276 that helps to convey heat generated by the coils 260 away from the coils 260. Adjacent to the fan is a drain cup 251 that functions similarly to the drain cup 136 of FIG. 4. Note that the wall 272 and the bracket 274 each has a height of approximately 5.0 inches.

[0063] Note that the maximum height of the condenser coil 260, as measured in the vertical direction V is 5.0 inches. The condenser coil 260 forms a rectangular-like footprint on the bottom base 217 that has a length of approximately 10.0 inches and a width of approximately 6.0 inches. As shown in FIG. 9, the condenser coil 260 is positioned at the left side and front portion of the bottom base 217.

[0064] When comparing refrigeration units 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1-9A, there are some notable differences. For example, the maximum height of a component positioned on the bottom base 114 of the refrigeration unit 100 is 7.5 inches, while the maximum height of a component positioned on the bottom base 217 of the refrigeration unit 200 is no more than 5.0 inches. Thus, the lower vertical dimensions of the refrigeration components of the refrigeration unit 200 essentially allows for the upper level 143 of the bottom portion of the refrigeration unit 100 to be lowered and thus increase the storage volume within the refrigeration unit 200 when compared with the storage volume of the refrigeration unit 100.

[0065] The bottom base 217 is attached to the bottom exterior surface 218 of the exterior lining 202 by vertical walls that are attached to the surface 218 and the bottom base 217, wherein such vertical walls form/define a skirt 221 below the main storage housing 106. The skirt 221 hides the refrigeration components on the bottom base 217 from view and allows for access to the refrigeration components by removal of one or more of the vertical walls that form the skirt.

[0066] It is envisioned that the above described refrigeration unit 200 will be positioned so that the bottom base 217 lies directly on a support surface 328, such as a floor or a table top. In an alternative embodiment, each corner of the bottom base 217 includes a foot that extends downward from a bottom surface of the bottom base 217 so that the feet engage the support surface 328. Each foot can be adjustable in how much it extends from the bottom surface so that the refrigeration unit 200 can be leveled on the support surface 328. In the above scenarios, the refrigeration unit 200 and the support surface 328 define a refrigeration system 330.

[0067] As schematically shown in FIG. 10, the gravitational field, g, generated by the Earth flows from the top 329 of the exterior lining 202 to both the bottom of the exterior lining 202 and the bottom base 217 so that the support surface 328 is subjected to the entire weight of the refrigeration unit 200. The gravitational field g is directed towards the center of the Earth and is approximately perpendicular to the bottom planar like interior surface.

[0068] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.