Abstract: A metal panel, particularly though not exclusively for use as an outer panel of a refrigerator door or hinged freezer lid, has a peripheral lip forming an inwardly facing channel. The channel is formed by two folds, the outer fold being formed by roll-forming operations and the inner by a folding machine or the like. This (a) permits the panel forming machine to be more readily adjustable for different sizes of panels, (b) permits the lip to be made up of a number of folds (which strengthens the panel and permits thinner metal to be used), (c) avoids the need for corner welding, (d) permits a lip profile into which a gasket can be snap-fitted and (e) permits precoated metal sheet to be used.

Abstract: A panel constructed cabinet for refrigerators, freezers or the like is disclosed along with a method of manufacture and an apparatus for manufacture. The cabinet includes an inner liner formed of panels of thermoplastic material having mating edge connections. The connections are formed by heating the plastic sheet along spaced and parallel lines adjacent to the edges thereof, to provide fold lines permitting the formation of channels proportioned to receive mating tongues from adjacent panels. Along some edges of the thermoplastic panels the channels are formed to extend laterally, with respect to the panel, and along other edges the channels are formed substantially parallel to the panels. The outer casing includes a combination of metallic panels along the sides and foil laminated panels along the top, back and bottom of the cabinet. Foamed insulation rigidifies the panels and provides the necessary insulation therebetween.