Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.

Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume, preferably along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. In accordance with the present invention, the offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a laterally extending brace and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.

Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, with each compartment preferably having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume and corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by a mullion against which the doors seal. In accordance with the present invention, the mullion is bowed such that the longitudinal curvature of the mullion compensates for thermal bowing of the fresh food and freezer doors, thereby assuring a proper seal between the mullion and the fresh food and freezer doors.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a shell formed from a pre-painted material having first and second laterally spaced upstanding side walls which are interconnected by a top wall, with each of the first and second side and top walls including a front edge portion leading to a flange assembly defining a liner receiving cavity. The flange assembly includes a front flange leading to a return flange that extends to a rear flange and terminates in a bent flange. The cabinet assembly further includes a plurality of corner and stanchion reinforcing members secured behind respective return flange sections. The reinforcing members function to increase the structural integrity of the shell while including tab structure for mounting and/or shell deformation preventing purposes.