Support beam for a refrigerator

Abstract

A support beam 310 for a refrigerator 300 comprises an outer shell 400 defining a cavity, a filler 401 occupying the cavity, at least one jamb 402 formed by the outer shell, and wherein the filler and outer shell are formed of the same material. The support beam could also comprise a rigid spine comprising a keyed surface (501, fig 5), a filler applied to the spine, at least one jamb, and wherein the filler and spine are formed of the same material. The beam material may be a polymer comprising an expanded foam polypropylene. The shell or spine may comprise a single piece formed by extrusion. The beam may comprise two jambs arranged to abut first and second respective doors, and provides a thermal barrier between the refrigerator interior and exterior. An LED light strip 404 may be mounted in a recess 403 of the beam. Magnetic strips (600) may urge each door into closed contact towards the beam, and the beam bears a load of one or more shelves and / or refrigerator top panel 302. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the beam, a fridge comprising the beam and a kit of parts comprising the beam.

Images