REFRIGERATOR CABINET AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME

摘要

A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a cabinet shell having opposed side walls that are interconnected by a top wall and a shell bottom. Each of the side and top walls of the shell lead to front face portions which are integrally formed with return flanges for use in mounting one or more liners within the cabinet shell in a manner known in the art. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the shell bottom is spaced rearwardly of the return flanges such that a receiving slot is defined therebetween. The cabinet assembly further includes an integrated, structural reinforcing frame mounted within the cabinet shell by sliding the frame within the receiving slot and securing the frame to the return flanges. After mounting a yoder tube, a mullion bar and the liners within the cabinet shell, a plastic toe plate is attached to the reinforcing frame. The toe plate is provided with side flanges which extend about the side walls of the cabinet shell. The reinforcing frame is provided, prior to positioning within the cabinet shell, with various attachment structure enabling door hinges, cabinet levelers and wheel assemblies to be readily secured to the overall cabinet assembly. In addition, gaps are created between side portions of the reinforcing frame and the cabinet shell to enable foam insulation to flow therebetween to further increase the overall structural integrity and thermal performance of the cabinet.