Floor for a refrigeration system

Details Floor for a refrigeration system Floor for a refrigeration system

1999-06-15

2001-07-10

Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)

Static structures (e.g., buildings)

Specified wear or friction-type traffic-carrying surface

C052S309500, C052S309800, C052S506020, C052S506040, C052S793100, C052S794100, C062S440000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06256945

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to the field of walk-in refrigerator or freezer units. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved floor structure for use with a walk-in refrigerator or freezer unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Walk-in refrigerator or freezer units are large, enclosed spaces used for storage. Perishable items such as food materials or flowers are commonly stored within these refrigerators or freezers. In operation, a user typically to opens the insulated door and walks within the storage area of the refrigerator or freezer in order to add or remove stored items. The floor of the refrigerator or freezer is typically constructed with a top wear surface. The wear surface is commonly formed from a smooth aluminum. This surface often needs to be reinforced when used with heavy loads. In particular, the wear surface should be reinforced when used with a heavy cart. Materials such as plywood can be used to reinforce the wear surface.
There are certain disadvantages, however, with the use of previous walk-in refrigerator or freezer floor constructions. While the use of a plywood reinforcement material is advantageous because of the additional support that it provides, it can become detached from the wear surface. When the plywood support material becomes detached, a user walking on the wear surface will feel like they are walking on a loose metal structure. This can be distracting, uncomfortable and cause metal fatigue.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved floor for use with a walk-in refrigerator or freezer that securely bonds a wear surface to a support surface while being economical and capable of easy construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A walk-in refrigerator/freezer has been invented that overcomes the problems of previous constructions. In particular, a walk-in refrigerator/freezer floor has been invented that includes a wear surface that is properly supported by a support surface while being securely attached thereto. The floor of the present invention can also be economically and easily constructed
A walk-in refrigerator/freezer having a plurality of walls and a ceiling is provided. The refrigerator/freezer also includes a door and a floor. The floor includes a top wear surface, and a metal support grid beneath the top wear surface. The metal support grid has a plurality of apertures. An insulation material is located beneath the metal support grid. The insulation material passes through the apertures of the metal support grid and bonds to the wear surface.
According to another aspect of the invention, a floor for use with a refrigeration unit is provided. The floor includes a top wear surface and a support material beneath the wear surface. The support material has a plurality of apertures. A bonding material passes through the apertures and bonds the wear surface to the support material.
According to another aspect of the invention, a walk-in refrigerator/freezer is provided. The walk-in refrigerator/freezer includes a plurality of insulated walls, an insulated ceiling, and an insulated door. A floor having a top wear surface and a metal support grid beneath the top wear surface is also provided. The floor includes a plurality of apertures and an insulation layer beneath the metal support grid. The insulation layer is formed from a foam material passing through the apertures of the metal grid and bonding to the wear surface.
As used herein, the “refrigerator/freezer” or “refrigeration system” is intended to be interpreted broadly and include either a refrigerator or a freezer system.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3472728 (1969-10-01), Hitch
patent: 4297154 (1981-10-01), Keller
patent: 5894044 (1999-04-01), Norcom et al.
patent: 6061993 (2000-05-01), Bendixen et al.
Drawing of Kolpak floor, prior to 1998.

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