Refrigerator Case Top Duct Member

Abstract

A refrigerated case top duct member ( 122 ). The top duct member is the unitarily molded combination of a main panel ( 132 ) and a number of turning vanes ( 150, 152 ) at a forward end of the main panel. The member may be formed by vacuum molding.

1 . A refrigerated case top duct member ( 122 ) comprising the unitarily molded combination of:
 a main panel ( 132 ); and   a plurality of turning vanes ( 150 ;  152 ) at a forward end of the main panel ( 132 ).   
   
   
       2 . The top duct member of  claim 1  formed by vacuum molding. 
   
   
       3 . The top duct member of  claim 1  comprising material selected from the group consisting of ABS and polystyrene. 
   
   
       4 . The top duct member of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of turning vanes ( 150 ;  152 ) comprises 2-5 vanes. 
   
   
       5 . The top duct member of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of turning vanes are oriented to turn a discharge air flow ( 516 ) by 80-120°. 
   
   
       6 . The top duct member of  claim 1  wherein said main panel ( 132 ) is essentially non-insulated. 
   
   
       7 . The top duct member of  claim 1  having a width of 0.5-1.5 m and a depth of 0.5-1.5 m. 
   
   
       8 . The top duct member of  claim 1  wherein the main panel has a median thickness of 1-3 mm. 
   
   
       9 . The top duct member of  claim 1  wherein the unitarily molded combination includes left and right edge flanges ( 138 ;  140 ). 
   
   
       10 . A refrigerated case apparatus ( 20 ) comprising:
 a base ( 30 );   a plurality of supports ( 92 ) extending upward from the base;   a plurality of structural uprights ( 70 ;  72 ;  74 ) coupled to the supports;   at least one insulated panel ( 86 ;  88 ) between the uprights and the supports and secured to the uprights and the supports;   a refrigeration apparatus ( 60 ) positioned to cool an interior ( 36 ) of the case;   a plurality of rear duct panels ( 80 ); and   a plurality of top duct panels ( 122 ) according to  claim 1  cooperating with the rear duct panels ( 80 ) to define a flow path:
 from an intake ( 66 ) at a forward end of the base; 
 through the base ( 30 ) and upward behind the rear duct panels ( 80 ); 
 forward above the main panels ( 132 ) of the top duct panels ( 122 ); and 
 downward through the turning vanes ( 150 ;  152 ) to discharge.