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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates to refrigerators and refrigeration systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable refrigerator that is collapsible for convenience in carrying and for storage purposes. [0004] Since the development of modern refrigeration systems, there has been a constant quest to improve the efficiency of these units in order to reduce size. Improvements in efficiency did transpire and the systems that are offered today are vastly improved over those in existence in the early 1900s. Advances in coolant chemistry and technology, in condenser and evaporator systems, and in the materials used to provide the insulated housing have all contributed to designs for coolers, refrigerators, chiller systems, and the like. [0005] In recent years, the popularity of portable ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] A new portable refrigerator comprises a collapsible housing which is transitionable between a functional mode and a collapsed mode, where the collapsible housing is made up of solid wall construction that is foldable, and where a chilling circuit is integrally included within a solid wall of the portable refrigerator and is directed towards the chilling of the area enclosed by the collapsible housing when it is in the functional mode. When in the collapsed mode, the portable refrigerator folds into a compact size that is easily storable.

Problems solved by technology

However, these constructions do not provide as much insulation as the conventional ice chests and their use is a compromise at best in terms of efficiency versus convenience.

In addition, if the soft-sided coolers were fitted with the mechanicals for chilling, the overall structure would be difficult to handle, since part would be rigid and inflexible and part would be compactable and crushable.

While such units would fulfill part of the equation for storage purposes, the overall efficiency and effect would not meet the expectations of those users who desired to have the equivalent of a portable chiller that would adequately refrigerate their foodstuffs and drinks.

However, none of the portable chillers in the prior art that have been reviewed are truly compactable or collapsible without some concurrent sacrifice in efficiency, convenience or durability.

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