Built-in refrigerator with increased internal volume

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator to be built into surrounding cabinetry having a body having a cavity for food preservation, at least two thin side panels, a thin top panel, and at least one thin front panel. The side panels, top panel, and front panel have a finish that matches the surrounding cabinetry and are removably mounted to the body, thereby maintaining the original volume and structural stiffness of the refrigerator.

1 . A refrigerator to be built into surrounding cabinetry, comprising: 
 a body having a cavity for food preservation;    at least two thin side panels;    a thin top panel; and    at least one thin front panel,    wherein the side panels, top panel, and front panel have a finish that matches the surrounding cabinetry and are removably mounted to the body, thereby maintaining the original volume and structural stiffness of the refrigerator.    
   
   
       2 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the side panels have vertical rod-shaped mounting elements adapted to be installed between the side panels and the body, thereby allowing the side panels to have a reduced thickness.  
   
   
       3 . The refrigerator of  claim 3 , wherein the mounting elements are provided on the side panels to substantially align with each vertical corner of the body.  
   
   
       4 . The refrigerator of  claim 3 , wherein the side panels have one front mounting element placed in a corresponding recess of the body and one rear mounting element placed on a rear wall of the body.  
   
   
       5 . The refrigerator of  claim 4 , wherein the side panels directly contact the body.  
   
   
       6 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the front panel is hingedly connected to a rod-shaped mounting element provided between the side panels and the body.  
   
   
       7 . The refrigerator of  claim 2 , wherein the side panels are fixed to the body via screws.  
   
   
       8 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises side walls adapted to be supported directly by the floor.  
   
   
       9 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , further comprising a tray-shaped compartment fixed to the bottom of the body and adapted to contain a compressor, condenser, and fan.  
   
   
       10 . A refrigerator to be built into surrounding cabinetry, comprising: 
 a cabinet defined by a top wall, rear wall, bottom wall, and side walls, wherein the bottom wall has a cut-out defining a support edge; and    a body adapted to slide into the cabinet and having a cavity for food preservation,    wherein the body is supported by adjustable legs on the support edge.    
   
   
       11 . The refrigerator of  claim 10 , further comprising a compartment provided below the bottom wall of the cabinet.  
   
   
       12 . The refrigerator of  claim 11 , wherein the compartment is fixed to a bottom of the body.  
   
   
       13 . The refrigerator of  claim 11 , wherein the compartment is adapted to contain functional components of the refrigerator.  
   
   
       14 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , wherein the functional components include a compressor, condenser, and fan.  
   
   
       15 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , further comprising a louver mounted to the front of the cabinet over the compartment to provide ventilation for the functional components.  
   
   
       16 . The refrigerator of  claim 15 , further comprising a structural crossbar mounted to the cabinet.  
   
   
       17 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , wherein the location of the functional components allows for an increase in internal volume of the cavity.  
   
   
       18 . The refrigerator of  claim 10 , wherein the cabinet has a finish that matches the surrounding cabinetry.  
   
   
       19 . A built-in refrigerator comprising: 
 a body having a cavity for food preservation;    at least two side panels;    a top panel;    at least one front panel; and    a compartment fixed to the bottom of the body and adapted to contain a compressor, condenser, and fan,    wherein the side panels, top panel, and front panel have a finish that matches surrounding cabinetry and are removably mounted to the body, thereby maintaining the original volume and structural stiffness of the refrigerator.