Collapsible refrigerator

Abstract

A novel portable refrigerator is disclosed where the refrigerator is collapsible for storage, comprising a foldable panels for a top, sidewalls, a front, a rear and where all of the panels are attached to a base. One of the panels further includes a chiller circuit that is capable of recirculating the air contained with the refrigerator and cooling it to a selected set point. When in the collapsed mode, the collapsible refrigerator is securable and can be easily handled by the user and stored in a convenient manner.

1 . A portable refrigerator transitionable between a functional mode and a collapsed mode for use in the cold storage of foodstuffs or drinks, the portable refrigerator comprising: 
 A chiller circuit;    A front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a base, and at least a pair of sidewalls combined together to enclose a storage space when the portable refrigerator is in the functional mode, where said storage space is controllably cooled by the chiller circuit; and,    Where the front wall, the rear wall, the top wall and the sidewalls are inwardly foldable to form a compact package when the portable refrigerator is in the collapsed mode.    
   
   
       2 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  1 , where the chiller circuit is housed within the rear wall.  
   
   
       3 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  1 , where the front wall, the rear wall, the top wall, the base and the sidewalls are comprised of a rigid construction.  
   
   
       4 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  1 , where the portable refrigerator further includes a handle for carrying the portable refrigerator when it is in the collapsed mode.  
   
   
       5 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  1 , where the chiller circuit is powered by a DC power supply.  
   
   
       6 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  1 , where the top wall is segmented into two portions that are foldable with respect to each other  
   
   
       7 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  1 , where the front wall, the rear wall, the sidewall and the top wall are each foldable at their place of contact with a living hinge.  
   
   
       8 . A portable refrigerator transitionable between a functional mode and a collapsed mode for use in the cold storage of foodstuffs or drinks, the portable refrigerator comprising: 
 A chiller circuit;    A front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a base, and at least a pair of sidewalls are comprised of rigid panels which combine together to enclose a storage space when the portable refrigerator is in the functional mode, where said storage space is controllably cooled by the chiller circuit; and,    Where the front wall, the rear wall, the top wall and the sidewalls are inwardly foldable at their place of contact with a living hinge, forming a folded compact package when the portable refrigerator is in the collapsed mode.    
   
   
       9 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  8 , where the top wall is segmented into two portions that are foldable with respect to each other.  
   
   
       10 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  8 , where the chiller circuit is powered by a DC power supply.  
   
   
       11 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  8 , where the portable refrigerator further includes a handle for carrying the portable refrigerator when it is in the collapsed mode.  
   
   
       12 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  8 , where the chiller circuit is housed within the rear wall.  
   
   
       13 . A collapsible refrigerator transitionable between a functional mode and a collapsed mode for use in the cold storage of foodstuffs or drinks, the collapsible refrigerator comprising: 
 A chiller circuit powered by an electric power supply;    A front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a base, and at least a pair of sidewalls are comprised of rigid panels which combine together to enclose a storage space when the collapsible refrigerator is in the functional mode, where said storage space is controllably cooled by the chiller circuit; and,    Where the front wall, the rear wall, the top wall and the sidewalls are inwardly foldable at their place of contact with a living hinge, forming a folded compact package when the collapsible refrigerator is in the collapsed mode, where the collapsible refrigerator is secured in the collapsed mode and may be stored.    
   
   
       14 . The collapsible refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where the collapsible refrigerator is secured by Velcro strips when in the collapsed mode.  
   
   
       15 . The collapsible refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where it further includes a handle for carrying when it is in the collapsed mode.  
   
   
       16 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where the chiller circuit is housed within the rear wall.  
   
   
       17 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where the top wall is segmented into two portions that are foldable with respect to each other.  
   
   
       18 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where the chiller circuit is comprised of a coolant system employing an evaporator portion and a condenser portion.  
   
   
       19 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where the chiller circuit is comprised of a thermoelectric cooling system.  
   
   
       20 . The portable refrigerator of claim Number  13 , where the top wall is segmented into two portions that are foldable with respect to each other.