Abstract: A partitioning member having therein a space is provided at the opening of a thermal insulation box having an outer and inner boxes forming a space in between said outer and inner boxes. The two spaces communicate with each other and filled integrally with a thermal insulation material by injecting into the space between said outer and inner box an expandable thermal insulation material, which diffuses into the space inside said partitioning member, to thereby provide in a simple and economical way a thermal insulation box having a small number of components but as uniform thermal insulation.

Abstract: An insulated panel for a domestic or household appliance is formed by a process in which two sheets of plastic material are extruded from a co-extrusion die and moved directly into a die thermoforming fixture. When the open die members are closed, the edges of the two sheets are sealed together to form a hollow panel and the walls of the panel are forced outwardly to conform to the shape of the die members. After the hollow panel is trimmed it is moved to a foam machine preferably while still contained in the thermoforming fixture so that foam insulation is inserted into the hollow panel while the walls of the panel are supported by the die members so that these walls are not deformed while the foam insulation is added.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus cabinet includes an outer shell having walls defining a front opening. A plastic liner in the shell provides an insulation space therebetween and has connected rear and sidewalls to define a refrigerated space accessible through the shelf front opening. The liner includes a plurality of vertically spaced, aligned openings through one of the walls. An elongate reinforcement bar has a plurality of spaced, aligned openings, similar to the liner openings, the reinforcement bar being disposed behind the liner in the insulation space with each liner opening aligned with a reinforcement bar opening. A plurality of fasteners are provided, one for each liner opening.

Abstract: A mullion bar assembly having enhanced heat transfer barrier characteristics is disclosed wherein the liners defining the freezer and the fresh food compartments define non-magnetic gasket sealing surfaces against which the magnetic door gaskets seal. Since the liners are typically made of plastic material, permanent magnets are disposed behind the liners so as to attract the magnetic gasket seals into sealing contact with their respective non-magnetic sealing surfaces. The non-magnetic sealing surfaces are spaced apart and the mullion bar is located between them such that it extends between opposite sides of the refrigerator cabinet and only between the spaced apart, non-magnetic sealing surfaces. No part of the mullion bar is exposed to either the freezer compartment or the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A partitioning member having therein a space is provided at the opening of a thermal insulation box having an outer and inner boxes forming a space in between said outer and inner boxes. The two spaces communicate with each other and filled integrally with a thermal insulation material by injecting into the space between said outer and inner box an expandable thermal insulation material, which diffuses into the space inside said partitioning member, to thereby provide in a simple and economical way a thermal insulation box having a small number of components but as uniform thermal insulation.

Abstract: A sealing structure, adapted to be fitted in a gap between a wall surface of a thermally insulated box and a partition wall, includes a rigid main body portion supported by the partition wall, a plurality of flexible seal members integrally formed with the main body portion and extending therefrom, and an engaging part formed in the main body portion. When the structure is mounted in the gap, the engaging part engages the partition wall to thereby allow the main body portion to be supported by the partition wall, while some of the plural seal members abut on the inner wall surface of the thermally insulated box to thereby define a plurality of hollow spaces in cooperation with the main body portion of the seal structure and the wall surface of the thermally insulated box.