STRUCTURAL FOAM-CORE PANELS

摘要

A panel for appliances includes an inner shell and an outer shell that engage one another to define a hollow interior region. An interior divider or intermediate close-out is disposed between the inner and outer shells, and has at least an outwardly-extending portion that extends into the hollow interior region. A foam core is bonded to interior surfaces of the shells and to the divider or close-out. The foam core may be formed or established by injecting an uncured or partially-cured liquid into the hollow interior region. Optionally, the panel is a movable door attached to an appliance, and may include a window portion in a central region thereof.

主权项

1. A panel for appliances, said panel comprising:
an inner shell and an outer shell configured to engage said inner shell, wherein said inner shell and said outer shell have respective interior surfaces that cooperate to define a hollow interior region; an interior divider disposed between said interior surfaces of said inner shell and said outer shell, said interior divider including a central portion and at least one outwardly-extending portion projecting into said hollow interior region; and a foam core disposed in said hollow interior region, wherein said foam core is bonded to said interior surfaces of both said inner shell and said outer shell, and to at least a portion of said interior divider.