Modular interconnecting refrigerator units

Abstract

A modular interconnecting refrigeration system assembling two or more individual sub-units in place to function and appear as a larger refrigeration unit. Individual sub-units are easily carried though the smaller openings of older buildings. Assembled sub-units may integrate utility systems (electricity, water, data) and coolant systems (coolant, ventilation).

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 two or more sub-units, wherein each sub-unit has an exterior body, an interior refrigeration compartment, a rear exterior surface, a front exterior surface, two side surfaces, a top exterior surface, a bottom exterior surface, a mating surface, a mechanical interlock to securely attach two or more sub-units, and a utility systems connection.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the utility systems connection includes one or more selections from the group consisting of: electricity, water, drain, gas and data. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the two or more sub-units further feature a coolant systems connection. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the coolant systems connection includes one or more selections from the group consisting of: ventilation, coolant, cold air, meat keeper orifice. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the two or more sub-units are connected by a wireless data connection. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the utility systems connections are integrated directly on the mating surfaces of the two or more sub-units. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the two or more sub-units feature a leveling device, wherein the leveling device function to align the integrated utility systems connections and the mechanical interlock of the two or more sub-units. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the leveling device is selected from the group consisting of: leveling feet, leveling castors and leveling bolts. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the leveling device changes the height of the utility systems connections integrated directly on the mating surfaces of the two or more sub-units. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the utility systems connections are made by attaching one or more flexible connectors to one or more connection ports on the two or more sub-units. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the one or more flexible connectors include a flow stop mechanism functioning to prevent liquids or gases from escaping the one or more connection ports once disconnected from the one ore more flexible connectors. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the one or more connection ports are located on the mating surfaces of the two or more sub-units. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the mating surfaces of the two or more sub-units further include a cavity of sufficient size to conceal the one or more flexible connectors. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the one or more connection ports are located on the rear exterior surface. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the one or more connection ports are located behind an access panel in the front exterior surface. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the two or more sub-units connect between the side exterior surfaces. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the two or more sub-units connect between the top exterior surface and the bottom exterior surface. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the exterior body has a width of thirty inches or less. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the exterior body has a width between 24 inches and 30 inches. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the two or more sub-units share a control interface.